A distinctive blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings is making waves in Guelph. Brothers Brewing, situated on Wyndham Street in downtown Guelph, faced challenges due to ongoing construction hindering their summer patio operations and affecting foot traffic.
To counter this setback, the brewery launched a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this season, proving to be mutually beneficial for both establishments. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of this partnership as brewery sales dipped by approximately 50%.
Despite the adversities caused by the construction, the introduction of the beer garden at the bowling club provided a much-needed boost. Blake Skinner, the club’s president, highlighted the added fun element brought by the beer garden, attracting newcomers to the sport of lawn bowling.
Mathew and Jenna Holdom, local siblings and regular patrons of Brothers Brewing, shared their positive experiences with the new beer garden and their newfound interest in lawn bowling. Similarly, long-time club member Emily Gibson praised the beer garden’s contribution to enhancing the overall atmosphere and engagement in lawn bowling.
The beer garden’s success in attracting a diverse demographic, including younger participants, has sparked optimism among the club members for the sport’s continued popularity. Both Proveau and the club members are enthusiastic about the future prospects of this collaboration, aiming to sustain it for years to come.
Overall, the initiative has not only provided a refreshing escape from downtown construction but has also fostered community engagement, introducing a new audience to the traditional sport of lawn bowling.