EPIC CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTY: MINI-GOLF IN A COCKTAIL BAR
ROLLERS MINI-GOLF BAR – EAUX-VIVES
by Chené Koscielny
Planning your office Xmas party in Geneva? Avoid dull conversations, awkward silences and silly party games by considering an epic office party with a difference at Rollers Mini-Golf bar.
The idea of mixing mini-golf (broken windmills, seaside holidays) and cocktails (gin-laced party nights) would never have occurred to me. But after trying out Rollers, the first in-door mini-golf cocktail bar in Geneva and Switzerland, I believe this is the best idea since the creation of Caipirinha!
INSPIRED BY THE MOVIES
From the moment you step onto the “greens” leading down to the entrance of Rollers in Eaux-Vives, it is obvious that owner, Gareth Rigby, has poured loads of love into this former nightclub. He managed to transform the 400-square meter underground venue into an exciting and innovative new addition to the city’s nightlife scene.
The first impression is the funky bar counter featuring loads of colourful golf balls. Gareth gives us a quick introductory tour. The overall theme of the bar is inspired by classical movies and each of the 12 holes has been designed to represent a classical film, sometimes with a witty Geneva twist. Every hole is an 
immersive experience with original props created by local artists under Gareth’s direction. The epic soundtrack features music from the movies.
TEEING OFF
As we receive our balls, clubs and visors, I’m flushed with happy mini-golf memories. To top up this feeling, I order a G & Tee off.
Hole Alone is the first challenge, where you have to dodge domestic objects like an iron to get to the hole. This is followed by the only adult and most risqué hole of the course – the Fifty Shades of Green, where your opponent may choose to make life a little bit harder for you by spinning a leather-clad mannequin strapped to a wheel to distract you… you’ll have to see it for yourself.
(This hole can be closed off for a younger audience during the day).
By the time we get to the Whack to the Future hole – featuring a replica of the famous Delorean, I’m really getting into the swing of things. I even score a hole-in-one! This is cause for celebration and I’m off to order a Martini McFly.
DELIGHTFUL DISCOVERY
Every hole is a delightful discovery. Watch out for La La Lash – where you have to throw the ball into the barrel of a drum to make it bounce against cymbals to create sounds before you get to the hole! You’ll love it.
Another highlight is the Pindiana Rolls – which is a bit like a candle-lit escape room experience. The Jean de Geneve hole features a private bank vault and broken chair and the Jurassic Par incorporates the Jura mountains!
To work up some courage for the last few holes, I opt for a When Haribo Met Sally with Pisang, Malibu and pineapple juice.
We LOVED the Blackout Bunker: the Ghost Bunkers and Willy’s Wonky holes, which are played in the dark with fluorescent props and lights. If you score a hole-in-one on Willy Wonky – you get a free chocolate!
The course is an absolute scream – even without cocktails! We had a fabulous time and wouldn’t mind trying it again soon.
The Rollers team plans to refresh elements of the course regularly, so things don’t get stale.
WHERE DOES THE IDEA COME FROM?
Gareth, who hails from the birthplace of golf, St Andrews in Scotland, worked in banking for 10 years in Geneva and has been thinking of opening his own business for years.
As a student he worked in film production and when he saw the mini-golf concept in other cities such as London and LA, he thought it ticked all the right boxes.
He thought Geneva really could do with a fun, creative concept such as this one – and we couldn’t agree more.
WHO IS IT AIMED AT?
The mini-golf bar is open to everyone during the day, but restricted to over 18s after 8pm.
It is a great venue for corporate events, team building, parties or just a fun night out with friends and it can accommodate up to 100 people.
THE MENU
Apart from the extensive cocktail offering, you can also enjoy light snacks such as pop-corn and hot dog sandwedges – pure pork served on a bed of nachos with different toppings. (Vegetarian option available too.)
COST
For one player – expect to pay CHF20 for 12 holes.
Playing the course takes around 45 minutes.
HOURS
Tue-Wed 12pm–11pm
Thu-Sat 12pm–01am
Sun 12pm–11pm
Please note on Tues and Thu between 14:00 and 17:00 we only accept advance reservations via the website.
Closed Mondays
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Over 18s only from 20:00
MORE INFO
DOWNLOAD THE CORPORATE FUNCTION BROCHURE HERE.
For more info visit this website.
Bookings can be made online.
For group bookings, contact Gareth on +41 (0) 784101148
NOTE: This post was sponsored by Rollers.
The article reflects the honest views of the writer.
At THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA, we only promote venues or companies we like.
