The owners of an unassuming ‘hidden gem’ roller rink in Colne say they have big plans for their entertainment venue.
If you drive down Dockray Street in the town you could be mistaken for thinking that the huge former mill on the corner is just an old mill.
But step inside and a whole world is hidden behind the doors, including a roller rink and arcade.
The Fun House, known for many years as Earnies, is known for its impressively large floor with quirky interior decoration.
LeAnn, who manages and co-owns the site business partner Bobby, who previously was known for running the dessert bar with wife Georgia..
LeAnn, says: “I’m in a bubble with being the co-owner and manager, but I still can’t believe it when people pop their head round or come to a party and say they’ve not heard about us before.
“Then there’s the equally huge downstairs space. I run a baby and toddler group with soft play and bouncy castle and refreshments on Tuesdays and Fridays for just £4.
“Downstairs also houses Earnies Dessert Bar, which is also available on Just Eat for delicious sweet treats, Busterz takeaway, pool tables and arcade games, and a weekly car boot sale.”
LeAnn said she plans to use the huge space to house a crazy golf course in the future.
She said: “It’s a huge space - really big! It can feel a bit intimidating as it is a lot of space to fill, but we’ve definitely made amazing progress since opening in 2019. Our parties are booked months in advance and I’m working hard to open a crazy golf.
“We’re dedicated to make sure we’re known as an all-day venue for all ages - we’re not just a skate rink. We’re currently getting it all ready and it’s a few months off being open, but you really could spend a whole day with family or friends here once it’s done”.
“Our super Sundays are especially popular. We have a DJ Callum who plays games with our customers. Everything is under one roof, with the dessert bar and takeaway, arcade games and new event space downstairs and skating upstairs.”
Bobby said: “The business community is fantastic in Colne and we all support one another. We host the Holidays Activities and Food (HAF) programme to provide food and activities to young people and we also host charity events.
“In a few weeks, Granny’s Kitchen is also moving in from Colne Market, both as a cafe and our new in-house events caterer. We’ve been chosen to hold the Christmas Markets to ensure poor weather doesn’t put off visitors. That’s definitely a benefit to having all of this space, and we’re accessible, with toilets on both levels.”
Georgia said: “People say Colne is up and coming, but it’s already there. It’s central, it has good public transport, the events are fantastic - look how many came to the Soapbox Challenge.”
LeAnn is proud of how The Fun House partners with local community groups and businesses.
She said: “The Colne Youth Action Group has their HAF programme some days with us here and we’re hosting some events to raise money for Pendleside Hospice.
“We want to be a relaxed, safe space for people of all ages to enjoy. I’ve booked live bands to play through to the end of the year and we’ve also been booked by Bingo That’s Bonkers.
“It’s built up my confidence to take the leap of faith to become co-owner. I even come in on my days off to check everything is running OK, I can’t help myself!”
The Fun House is open for public roller skating and other activities
Opening hours
During term time:
- Friday 4-10pm
- Sat 10-10pm
- Sun 10am-6pm
In the school holidays:
- 10am till 6pm Tuesday to Thursday
- Fridays 10am-10pm
- Sat 10am-10pm
- Sun 10am-6pm
Its weekly car boot is held every Sunday from 8am.
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