When a new venue pops up in Bristol, I'm always keen to try it out - whether that be Lane 7's buzzing bowling alley or Blame Gloria's wild cocktail night. So when I heard about football star Gareth Bale opening a mini golf bar near Millennium Square, I instantly added it to my list of places to go this festive season.
The golf-obsessed baller launched the first Par 59 in Cardiff last month and shortly followed with the news of another location on Bristol harbourside. Due to its prime spot in the centre, I expected the place to be chic and date-night worthy, but what I didn't anticipate were the rumours of it looking 'like a strip club'.
Comments on social media and articles online described the venue's decor as dark and 'seedy', with football fans highlighting the golf course aptly named 'The Glory Hole'. Surely not?
"Strip club vibes," one person had written on Bale's Instagram post, while another mocked: "The Glory Hole? Really?"
Feeling intrigued, I roped my friends in for a weekday drink and told them we were going to check out the 'new strip club mini golf bar' - hoping it sounded far more exciting than it would actually be.
As we walked down Millennium Promenade, it was somewhat difficult to spot the snazzy gold name and dark grey exterior.
It did look rather secretive compared to the bright and bold bowling alley next-door, and it was for over-18s only. Maybe it would be as inappropriate as people were making out?
Dressed in a knitted jumper, green scarf and boots, I wondered if I was even going to get in - which was a rather unusual thought for a Wednesday night of miniature golf.
A security guard opened the doors and told us to head upstairs, not questioning anything at all.
We all looked at each other a little puzzled and I felt apprehensive about what I'd swayed them into.
But upstairs, the corridors were brightly lit and the floors were tiled with a mustard hexagonal print - all premium and very stylish.
There was a Christmas tree by the front desk and glass doors, meaning you could see everything through the entrance - not quite the hush hush vibe of a sleazy bar.
As we stepped into the main room, there was a sparkling disco ball up above, which I suppose could've been taken from one of London's elite strip club, though it would be a stretch.
The industrial feel was modern and honestly, just very cool. There were a few adult Christmas parties, groups of teenagers and lots of dates dotted about on tables and playing golf.
For an opening week, it was pretty busy and everyone seemed to be having a relaxing time. Absolutely no one was in the nude, much to my relief.
The neon lights and gold accents gave me home inspo, and the two golf courses had more of a fairground theme than anything else - though I did spot the glowing 'Glory Hole'.
There were no dancers on poles, just a golden yellow horse taken from a carousel, and no private or VIP rooms - the only curtain I could see was for the photo booth.
My favourite part of all was the ladies bathroom, decked out with pink tiles and gold taps. I could imagine it being the perfect spot for an Instagrammable Saturday night snap.
We sat on a table and ordered our cocktails and food from Dirty Bird - the inhouse fast food restaurant - then watched people play casual darts and putt balls with their mates.
The jug of free water infused with lemon at the bar really wasn't really matching up with the strip club narrative I'd expected coming in.
Just for good measure, I mentioned the rumours to the manager on shift - to which he laughed and gave me a quizzical look as if I was mad.
After finishing off my buttermilk fried chicken strips, I decided that my job here was officially done, though I noted that I'd definitely be back for a few more strawberry daiquiris and games of golf.
Have you visited Par 59 in Bristol? Let us know in the comments.
