A distinctive experience is gaining traction in Guelph by blending lawn bowling, beer, music, and pleasant summer evenings. Brothers Brewing, situated in downtown Guelph on Wyndham Street, faced challenges due to a substantial construction project that commenced in the spring, leading to the closure of their summer patio and a decrease in foot traffic.
To counteract this setback, the brewery introduced a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, proving to be a successful venture for both the brewery and the club. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of collaborating with the club as brewery sales plummeted by around 50%.
Expressing gratitude for the innovative solution, Proveau stated, “Some weeks it’s been really tough. This has unquestionably been a much-needed lifeline for us.” The concept of the beer garden at the bowling club emerged as a timely and beneficial initiative.
Blake Skinner, president of the lawn bowling club, highlighted the added fun element brought by the beer garden, attracting newcomers to the sport. Reflecting on the partnership, Skinner expressed hope for its continuity over the years. Proveau echoed this sentiment, stating, “We intend to continue this annually as long as everyone is satisfied with it. It should serve as a positive outcome of the entire ordeal.”
Brother-sister duo Mathew and Jenna Holdom from Guelph, long-time patrons of Brothers Brewing, shared their enthusiasm for the brewery’s community-centric atmosphere. They transitioned to exploring lawn bowling at the new beer garden and plan to support the initiative amid downtown construction for years to come.
Emily Gibson, a seasoned lawn bowler at the Guelph club, welcomed the beer garden as a refreshing addition, noting the increased turnout and vibrant atmosphere. She appreciated the influx of new enthusiasts trying out lawn bowling, diversifying the player demographic and ensuring the sport’s longevity.
The beer garden’s success in attracting a diverse audience to lawn bowling was acknowledged by Gibson, emphasizing the importance of engaging younger individuals to sustain the sport’s popularity for generations. The community’s positive response to this unique fusion of activities signifies a promising future for the collaboration between Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club.
