A group of children from Withycombe Raleigh school visited the bowling alley complex on the seafront this week as youngsters are being invited to give the development a name in a new competition. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref exe 8678-42-12SH To order your copy of this photograph visit www.exmouthjournal.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Exmouth seafront’s long-awaited bowling alley has new owners and they say that the venue is just ‘weeks away’ from opening.

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Isaac Robb, one of the UK’s top chefs, and his wife Grainne, have taken on the new attraction, and have launched a competition asking school children to name the building.

The father-of-three has more than 16 years’ experience in the catering industry; he moved from Belfast, where he was head chef at The Potted Hen, rated 79th best restaurant in the UK.

He said that when he heard about the project he seized the chance with both hands.

Isaac revealed that the ground floor of the eco-friendly complex houses 12 bowling lanes and a café, restaurant and a bar, and is just weeks away from completion.

He said: “People look at this building and think bowling alley, but that’s only part of what it is.

“The kitchen is the engine room of any establishment. It is the food that is the resting point, so it is important to get that right.”

On the first floor there will be a children’s play zone, a brassiere restaurant and a smaller split-level function room.

Organised functions including weddings will take place on the top floor and visits are being arranged for groups of school children to come and see the complex before it opens in the coming weeks.

Grainne said: “We want to involve local people so they feel the building is part of their community.”

The competition is for children under the age of 14.

The winner and ten of their friends will receive a VIP bowling party and banquet experience.

To enter the competition send your idea, name, age, phone number and contact email address to Exmouth Fun Pool Site, Esplanade, Exmouth, EX8 2AZ, or email competition@palmeraenterprises.co.uk Closing date: November 11.