Finchley Bowls Club

FINCHLEY BOWLS CLUB was founded in 1922. We have been invited to host the finals of Middlesex county competitions and our fine facilities have, for many years, been used for the Finchley & North London finals.

In 1921 A.W. Smith offered a parcel of land 150 x 180 feet for sale for the creation of

a private bowling club. The land was within Smith's own Etchingham Park Estate and was offered for £750. The deal was completed on 24th December 1921, whereupon Smith became one of 104 founder members of the bowling club, and was President from 1926-1927.

In the 1960s Leslie Atkinson was one of Middlesex's top players, earning a place in the county's Middleton Cup team for 13 consecutive years between 1955-67, including the cup winning squads of 1962 and 1965.

Various improvements were made to the grounds, facilities and clubhouse over the years, with the current clubhouse being completed in the mid-1980s. In 1978, members voted in favour of creating a dedicated ladies bowling section.

Moving forward to the early 1990s, John Morley became Middlesex singles champion in 1991; he and Len Rutt also featured in Middleton Cup squads of the era, and the pair of them qualified seven times for the All-England finals at Worthing.  During the same period Mrs C Clark became a leading female Middlesex player, and a 'Champion of Champions' singles winner in 1993.

More recently, whilst Middlesex-level successes have been more elusive, the club has recorded a number of triumphs in various Finchley & North London competitions, and further Middleton Cup caps have been gained for the club by Ian Ellis, the club's champion in 2025.

As well as playing bowls, our members can enjoy ...

• A fully licensed bar with a range of drinks including Guinness, Bitter and Lager on draught. We also offer  bottled beers, spirits, wines, and soft drinks, at prices that no other bar in the neighbourhood can match.
• Full-size snooker table
• Darts and board games

There are various socials and entertainments including parties, jazz, bingo and quiz nights for members.

The clubhouse and facilities, including a kitchen, are also available to hire. To find out more or to arrange a visit to the club, please email: contact@finchleybowlsclub.co.uk 

SOCIAL MEMBERS

If playing bowls is not for you, the same warm welcome awaits you if you join as a social member. The 2026 fee is

just £65 and you can make new friends and join in the fun, including our regular Saturday Night Socials.

See you at the club!