TeamSport Brent Cross sits on Level 4 of the Red car park at Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North West London, and it is the most family-oriented of TeamSport’s six London venues. Three separate kart tracks, eight bowling lanes, pool tables and arcade machines share one indoor site, and the minimum age drops to 4 on the Mini Racers track — the youngest in TeamSport’s London group. It works for a mixed-age group in a way a single-track venue cannot, and the shopping centre setting means the rest of a day out is already on the doorstep.

The Starter track runs 200 metres with eight corners and karts limited to 30mph, built for first-timers, families and anyone easing into it. The Main track is 350 metres with eleven corners and karts reaching 45mph. The Extended track combines the two into a 550-metre layout with eighteen corners, also at 45mph, and opens periodically rather than continuously — members get priority access to it, and it can be hired exclusively for a private session. All three carry a minimum age of 8.

Mini Racers has its own 100-metre track and is open only to children aged 4 to 7 who are between 1 metre and 1.4 metres tall. The karts are Biz Baby Volt models limited to 15mph and fitted with a rollbar, a safety harness, adjustable pedals and remote shutdown and speed control, so staff can slow or stop any kart from trackside. Sessions run 8 minutes each and a standard booking includes two, with an interactive briefing pitched at the age group and a certificate and medal at the end. The track is laid out so parents can watch the whole lap from one spot.

The Main and Starter tracks share a fleet of Biz EcoVolt GT karts for adults and Biz EcoVolt Junior karts for younger drivers, with speeds capped lower on the Starter track. The GT karts carry a 45Nm brushless motor with adjustable seats and pedals and a track management system; the Junior karts run a 25Nm motor with an adjustable steering wheel and remote shutdown. Junior karts are limited to 25mph while adult karts reach 45mph. The entire fleet is electric, so there are no exhaust fumes indoors.

Mini Racers is for ages 4 to 7 with a height between 1 metre and 1.4 metres. From age 8, drivers need an inside leg measurement of at least 25 inches, taken from crotch to heel with shoes on, and must be under 5ft 4in to fit the junior karts safely. Adult karts require a minimum age of 13 and an inside leg of at least 29 inches. Bowling has no minimum age at all. Anyone booking for a child close to a measurement should check before travelling.

 — Race Suits Are Not Provided

Brent Cross does not provide race suits, which sets it apart from other TeamSport venues. Helmets and gloves are still mandatory and are provided, but drivers should arrive in clothing they are happy to race in. Comfortable clothes and trainers work best. Shoes must cover the whole foot, so heels, sandals and open-toed footwear are not allowed on the track or the bowling lanes. Long hair needs tying up, and scarves, sashes and jewellery must be removed. A balaclava is required for karting and can be bought at the venue for £3.99. A limited number of race suits are kept for guests who need one for religious or other specific reasons.

The Rookie Race Experience gives two 12-minute sessions on the Starter track for ages 8 and over, and runs as a party format with a minimum of six drivers. The Ultimate Race Experience gives two sessions on the Main track with a pit lane start and the fastest lap winning. The Grand Prix is a full motorsport format for ages 16 and over with a minimum of six drivers, running qualifying followed by a grid start and a podium presentation. Several combined packages pair racing with a game of bowling, including Drive and Bowl on the Main track, Rookie Race and Bowl on the Starter track, and a Mini Racers and Bowling party for the youngest drivers.

Eight lanes with digital scoring, and every booking gets exclusive use of its lane. Games are allocated at ten minutes per player, and up to four players per lane is recommended to keep things moving. There is no minimum age. House balls come in a range of weights for adults and children, personal balls are not permitted, and bumpers can be raised to stop gutter balls for children and first-timers. Bowling shoes are not required as long as footwear is closed-toe, though a limited number are available at the venue. Scoring is automatic on the screens above the lanes and no printed score sheet is given, so anyone wanting a record should photograph the screen.

The venue is accessible to wheelchair users throughout. It sits on a single level, with disabled parking and a lift to the front door, and step-free access via lift into the centre. Ramps are provided where levels change within the bowling area, and ball ramps are available on request for anyone who needs one. Baby changing facilities and high chairs are both available. The venue states that it does not currently have facilities for visitors with hearing impairments, and suggests calling ahead if that is a concern.

Brent Cross offers free customer parking all year round, across three car parks with EV charging points, 166 accessible bays for Blue Badge holders and bicycle parking. The venue entrance is in the lift lobby between the Red and Blue car parks on Level 4. By bus, the shopping centre’s own bus station is served by routes across North West London; enter the mall by the lower level doors near Marks & Spencer and follow signs for the car parks to Level 4. The nearest stations are Brent Cross and Hendon Central on the Northern line, with Brent Cross around a twelve-minute walk. Karting drivers should arrive 40 minutes before their drive time. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly at weekends and in school holidays, and walk-in bowling prices are higher than booking online. Pool and arcade games can be bought at the venue but not reserved online.