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Our next Silver Screening welcomes the classic romantic drama Wuthering Heights to The Flower Bowl on Wednesday 11th March at 1:15pm. Exclusively for guests aged 55 and over, Silver Screening tickets are available for just £10, offering a relaxed and welcoming way to enjoy an afternoon at the cinema. Plus, don’t forget to make the most of our special offer — show your ticket at the Oasis Coffee Bar to enjoy a hot drink and cake for only £5*.
A bold and original imagining of one of the greatest love stories of all time, Emerald Fennell’s “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, whose forbidden passion for one another turns from romantic to intoxicating in an epic tale of lust, love and madness.
*T&Cs apply.
Join us for our next Subtitled Screening at The Flower Bowl with THE BRIDE! on Tuesday 10th March at 4:15pm. These screenings feature on-screen subtitles throughout the film, creating a more accessible and inclusive cinema experience for all guests.
A lonely Frankenstein (Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr. Euphronious (five-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening) to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride (Buckley) is born. What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!
We’re delighted to welcome a fantastic line-up of bonspiels to The Flower Bowl over the coming months, bringing together curlers from across the region for exciting days of competition on the ice.
What is a bonspiel?
A bonspiel is a curling tournament where teams compete across several days, playing multiple matches as they progress through the competition. Known for their friendly yet competitive atmosphere, bonspiels bring the curling community together both on and off the ice.
Upcoming bonspiel dates include:
ECA Senior Championships: 16th – 18th January
FB Novice Bonspiel: 6th – 8th February
ECA Mixed Championships: 19th – 22nd March
ECA Junior Championships: 10th – 12th April
FB Early Summer Bonspiel: 5th – 7th June
How can I take part?
To take part, prior curling experience is required. We welcome teams of all abilities, from novice curlers to seasoned pros. To find out more information about entry fees, availability, or to ask any questions, please contact our events team by email FBEvents@theflowerbowl.uk or phone 01995 676482.
Prefer to watch?
Join us on these dates and enjoy the action from the comfort of Oasis Coffee Bar, where you can relax with a drink while cheering on the teams.
Why curling ice is everything
When the curling begins at the Winter Olympics, millions tune in to watch stones glide, sweepers scramble, and tension build in the house. But beneath every perfectly judged shot lies something most viewers rarely think about.
The ice.
In curling, the quality of the ice is not just important; it shapes the entire game.
Not all ice is created equal
Unlike skating or ice hockey, curling is not played on flat, glossy ice. Instead, the surface is carefully sprayed with tiny droplets of water that freeze into small raised bumps. This textured finish is called pebble.
Those bumps are what allow a 20 kilogram granite stone to travel over 40 metres with surprising control. The stone only touches the top of the pebble, reducing friction and creating the distinctive curl that gives the sport its name.
Without properly prepared pebble, there is no consistent movement. No predictable curl. No high level play.
Precision worthy of the Olympic stage
At Olympic level, ice technicians are as vital as the athletes. At the Milano Cortina 2026, ice teams will monitor:
• Ice temperature
• Air temperature
• Humidity
• Pebble size
• Pebble pattern
Even a slight shift in conditions can alter how far a stone travels or how sharply it curls.
Elite teams, including Team GB, rely on consistency. They practice on ice timed down to fractions of a second between the hog lines. If the sheet runs too slow, players must throw harder. If it runs too fast, strategy changes completely.
In short, the ice dictates the tactics.
Why sweeping actually works
One of the most misunderstood parts of curling is sweeping. It is not about brushing snow away. Modern research shows sweeping slightly warms the pebble surface, reducing friction and allowing the stone to travel further and straighter.
That only works if the pebble is uniform. Poor ice makes sweeping unpredictable. High quality ice gives sweepers the control that can decide a medal.
From Scottish lochs to Lancashire ice
Curling has deep roots in Scotland, where it was once played on frozen lochs. Today, British curling venues invest heavily in specialist ice technicians trained to international standards.
At The Flower Bowl in Barton, Preston, our Olympic sized curling rink is carefully prepared to deliver the same consistent speed and controlled curl seen in elite competition. The ice is pebbled with precision, monitored for temperature and maintained throughout the day to give players the best possible surface.
So if you want to feel that glide for yourself, there is no better place in Lancashire to start than The Flower Bowl.
We’re delighted to announce our next Parent & Baby cinema screening is EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert!
These showings are specially designed to offer a relaxed and welcoming cinema experience for adults with babies under 2 years old. With soft lighting and lowered volume, you can enjoy the latest films in comfort while your little one enjoys being part of the experience.
Elvis sings and tells his story like never before in a new cinematic experience from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann.
Join us for a joyful morning at the movies on Tuesday 3rd March at 10:30am.
Why curling ice is everything
When the curling begins at the Winter Olympics, millions tune in to watch stones glide, sweepers scramble, and tension build in the house. But beneath every perfectly judged shot lies something most viewers rarely think about.
The ice.
In curling, the quality of the ice is not just important; it shapes the entire game.
Not all ice is created equal
Unlike skating or ice hockey, curling is not played on flat, glossy ice. Instead, the surface is carefully sprayed with tiny droplets of water that freeze into small raised bumps. This textured finish is called pebble.
Those bumps are what allow a 20 kilogram granite stone to travel over 40 metres with surprising control. The stone only touches the top of the pebble, reducing friction and creating the distinctive curl that gives the sport its name.
Without properly prepared pebble, there is no consistent movement. No predictable curl. No high level play.
Precision worthy of the Olympic stage
At Olympic level, ice technicians are as vital as the athletes. At the Milano Cortina 2026, ice teams will monitor:
• Ice temperature
• Air temperature
• Humidity
• Pebble size
• Pebble pattern
Even a slight shift in conditions can alter how far a stone travels or how sharply it curls.
Elite teams, including Team GB, rely on consistency. They practice on ice timed down to fractions of a second between the hog lines. If the sheet runs too slow, players must throw harder. If it runs too fast, strategy changes completely.
In short, the ice dictates the tactics.
Why sweeping actually works
One of the most misunderstood parts of curling is sweeping. It is not about brushing snow away. Modern research shows sweeping slightly warms the pebble surface, reducing friction and allowing the stone to travel further and straighter.
That only works if the pebble is uniform. Poor ice makes sweeping unpredictable. High quality ice gives sweepers the control that can decide a medal.
From Scottish lochs to Lancashire ice
Curling has deep roots in Scotland, where it was once played on frozen lochs. Today, British curling venues invest heavily in specialist ice technicians trained to international standards.
At The Flower Bowl in Barton, Preston, our Olympic sized curling rink is carefully prepared to deliver the same consistent speed and controlled curl seen in elite competition. The ice is pebbled with precision, monitored for temperature and maintained throughout the day to give players the best possible surface.
So if you want to feel that glide for yourself, there is no better place in Lancashire to start than The Flower Bowl.
Why curling ice is everything
When the curling begins at the Winter Olympics, millions tune in to watch stones glide, sweepers scramble, and tension build in the house. But beneath every perfectly judged shot lies something most viewers rarely think about.
The ice.
In curling, the quality of the ice is not just important; it shapes the entire game.
Not all ice is created equal
Unlike skating or ice hockey, curling is not played on flat, glossy ice. Instead, the surface is carefully sprayed with tiny droplets of water that freeze into small raised bumps. This textured finish is called pebble.
Those bumps are what allow a 20 kilogram granite stone to travel over 40 metres with surprising control. The stone only touches the top of the pebble, reducing friction and creating the distinctive curl that gives the sport its name.
Without properly prepared pebble, there is no consistent movement. No predictable curl. No high level play.
Precision worthy of the Olympic stage
At Olympic level, ice technicians are as vital as the athletes. At the Milano Cortina 2026, ice teams will monitor:
• Ice temperature
• Air temperature
• Humidity
• Pebble size
• Pebble pattern
Even a slight shift in conditions can alter how far a stone travels or how sharply it curls.
Elite teams, including Team GB, rely on consistency. They practice on ice timed down to fractions of a second between the hog lines. If the sheet runs too slow, players must throw harder. If it runs too fast, strategy changes completely.
In short, the ice dictates the tactics.
Why sweeping actually works
One of the most misunderstood parts of curling is sweeping. It is not about brushing snow away. Modern research shows sweeping slightly warms the pebble surface, reducing friction and allowing the stone to travel further and straighter.
That only works if the pebble is uniform. Poor ice makes sweeping unpredictable. High quality ice gives sweepers the control that can decide a medal.
From Scottish lochs to Lancashire ice
Curling has deep roots in Scotland, where it was once played on frozen lochs. Today, British curling venues invest heavily in specialist ice technicians trained to international standards.
At The Flower Bowl in Barton, Preston, our Olympic sized curling rink is carefully prepared to deliver the same consistent speed and controlled curl seen in elite competition. The ice is pebbled with precision, monitored for temperature and maintained throughout the day to give players the best possible surface.
So if you want to feel that glide for yourself, there is no better place in Lancashire to start than The Flower Bowl.
We’re delighted to announce our next Parent & Baby cinema screening is EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert!
These showings are specially designed to offer a relaxed and welcoming cinema experience for adults with babies under 2 years old. With soft lighting and lowered volume, you can enjoy the latest films in comfort while your little one enjoys being part of the experience.
Elvis sings and tells his story like never before in a new cinematic experience from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann.
Join us for a joyful morning at the movies on Tuesday 3rd March at 10:30am.
Join us for our next Subtitled Screening at The Flower Bowl with Wuthering Heights on Tuesday 24th February at 4:30pm. These screenings feature on-screen subtitles throughout the film, creating a more accessible and inclusive cinema experience for all guests.
Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” is a bold and original imagining of one of the greatest love stories of all time. Starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, whose forbidden passion for one another turns from romantic to intoxicating in an epic tale of lust, love and madness.
Our next Silver Screening welcomes the moving drama H Is For Hawk to The Flower Bowl on Wednesday 11th February at 2pm. Exclusively for guests aged 55 and over, Silver Screening tickets are available for just £10, offering a relaxed and welcoming way to enjoy an afternoon at the cinema. Plus, don’t forget to make the most of our special offer — show your ticket at the Oasis Coffee Bar to enjoy a hot drink and cake for only £5*.
After her father’s death, Helen retreats into memories of their shared love of nature and becomes obsessed with training a goshawk, Mabel, at Cambridge. As she struggles to tame the fierce bird, Helen confronts her own grief and begins a journey of healing. H IS FOR HAWK is a story of memory, nature, and finding life after loss.
*T&Cs apply.
We’re delighted to welcome a fantastic line-up of bonspiels to The Flower Bowl over the coming months, bringing together curlers from across the region for exciting days of competition on the ice. A bonspiel is a curling tournament where teams compete across several days, playing multiple matches as they progress through the competition. Known for their friendly yet competitive atmosphere, bonspiels bring the curling community together both on and off the ice.
Upcoming bonspiel dates include:
ECA Senior Championships: 16th – 18th January
FB Novice Bonspiel: 6th – 8th February
ECA Mixed Championships: 19th – 22nd March
ECA Junior Championships: 10th – 12th April
FB Early Summer Bonspiel: 5th – 7th June
To take part, prior curling experience is required. We welcome teams of all abilities, from novice curlers to seasoned pros. To find out more information about entry fees, availability, or to ask any questions, please contact our events team by email FBEvents@theflowerbowl.uk or phone 01995 676482.
Prefer to watch? Join us on these dates and enjoy the action from the comfort of Oasis Coffee Bar, where you can relax with a drink while cheering on the teams.
Missed out on celebrating in December? Keep the party going with our Post-Christmas Party Package, available throughout January and February 2026 — perfect for business teams looking to kick off the new year in style.
Our Strike It Lucky package includes exclusive use of the Copper Lounge, complete with two private bowling lanes for your group. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of fizz on arrival, enjoy a tasty burger combo, and make the most of your own private bar for the evening. To keep the fun flowing, your event also includes karaoke, an event host, and a relaxed, lively atmosphere designed for team celebrations and corporate get-togethers.
This fantastic package is available for just £29 per person (usually £32–£52pp), with a minimum of 15 people.
Business parties only.
To book or find out more, please email FBEvents@theflowerbowl.uk or call 01995 676482.
Get ready to feel festive – our cinema is rolling out a magical line-up of Christmas favourites to make your December truly sparkle. From the mischievous fun of Home Alone (21st & 24th December) to the timeless charm of It’s A Wonderful Life (24th December) and the joyful antics of Elf (24th December), there’s something cosy and nostalgic for everyone. For an extra-special treat, don’t miss The Polar Express Pyjama Party on 20th & 22nd December, where tickets include a FREE hot chocolate! We’re also hosting an Elf Parent and Baby Screening on 23rd December, complete with soft lighting and reduced sound to create a relaxed setting for little ones (under 2s) and their grown-ups. Let the Christmas movie magic begin!
Christmas has officially arrived at The Flower Bowl, and our restaurants are serving up a feast of seasonal favourites to get you into the festive spirit. Both restaurants will be serving Christmas classics, including our Hot Turkey Sandwich, Vegetarian Nut Roast and Brie Sandwich and Vegan Nut Roast Sandwich. Over at Blooms, you can also enjoy a Festive Pizza topped with turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing and a drizzle of cranberry sauce, while The Ocean will be dishing up a Giant Pig in Blanket with chips and gravy. And of course, no festive meal is complete without something sweet! Both restaurants will be offering delicious seasonal treats, including our Festive Sundae, Chocolate Fondant and Mince Pie. They won’t be around for long, so treat yourself now!
We’re delighted to announce that The Flower Bowl has been submitted for the BIFA Cinema of the Year Award!
The award is voted for by you, the audience, so if you love us and what we do – please take a moment to vote for us!
Voting is now open and runs until Monday 22nd September. The top 5 nominees will be announced on Monday 3rd November before the winner is revealed at the awards ceremony on Sunday 30th November.
Your support means everything – let’s bring this home together!
Introducing our new movie snack trays! Perfect for little movie lovers – or anyone after a tasty treat!
Each tray includes:
• Small Popcorn
• Fruit Shoot or Water
• 2x Small Sweet Treats
All for only £5!
Upgrade your drink:
• Soft Drink – add £1
• Regular Tango Ice Blast – add £2
The sale of Barton Grange Garden Centre and Garden Centre Plants to leading Garden Centre group Blue Diamond was officially completed Friday, 25th July.
Guy Topping, Managing Director of Barton Grange, commented:
“Blue Diamond has always been our preferred purchaser. Their proven expertise in operating destination garden centres and nurturing iconic brands across the sector gives us great confidence that Barton Grange will continue to flourish under their ownership.”
He continued: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our fantastic team, whose hard work and passion have made Barton Grange such a special place. The past month has been challenging, but their dedication has been unwavering. The culture we’ve built here is unique, and I’m certain it will live on for many years to come.
I also want to wish the entire Blue Diamond team every success with the transition. I look forward to seeing a little Blue Diamond sparkle added to the Barton Grange pizzazz.
Finally and most importantly, I’d like to thank our customers for their wonderful support over the years.”
Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond said:
“The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Barton Grange, a business long admired for its innovation, customer experience, and horticultural excellence. Under the Blue Diamond umbrella, the centre will continue delivering the same high standards with fresh opportunities for growth and development. Having met the Team and spent some time with them, I can say with absolute sincerity they are outstanding and are what makes Barton Grange an exceptional business.”
Dear Friends,
After much thought and consideration, we’ve made the very difficult decision to step away from the horticultural industry and close this chapter of our family’s journey.
We’re currently in discussions with Blue Diamond about selling Barton Grange Garden Centre and Garden Centre Plants (our wholesale nursery). It’s been a huge decision, but after careful consideration, it just feels like the right time.
With the next generation focusing on new paths outside of horticulture, and both Peter and Guy ready to slow things down, we felt now was the time to make a change. Several of the younger members of the family are passionate about the leisure industry, so we’ll be keeping The Flower Bowl, the Marina, and most of the site at Brock.
We’ve always been impressed with Blue Diamond, and we feel confident they’re the right team to take the Garden Centre and nursery forward. They share our values and passion for the industry, and we’re sure they’ll continue to build on what we’ve created here.
The hardest part of this decision is saying goodbye to the people; our team and of course the wonderful customers who’ve supported us through the years. Your loyalty and enthusiasm have meant the world to us, and we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together. Thank you for being part of our story.
As we begin this next chapter, we’re excited to have more time to relax and enjoy life, but we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for Barton Grange and for all of you.
Thank you for your support.
Peter & Guy Topping
The Flower Bowl team is celebrating after winning the prestigious Lancashire Tourism Award for Visitor Attraction of the Year 2022. We collected the coveted title at a special ceremony hosted by Britain’s Got Talent finalist and panto veteran Steve Royle at Blackpool Winter Gardens. The Flower Bowl’s manager Emily Topping says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win this award. Throughout the recent challenges facing the hospitality sector, we’ve worked really hard to develop and strengthen our offering. This award is a fantastic accolade and a great boost for the whole team.” The Flower Bowl will now be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.
