A distinctive experience in Guelph is gaining popularity for melding lawn bowling, beer, music, and balmy summer evenings. Brothers Brewing, situated on Wyndham Street in downtown Guelph, faced challenges due to a significant construction undertaking that hindered the opening of their summer patio, resulting in decreased foot traffic.
To counter this setback, the brewery launched a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, proving to be mutually beneficial for both establishments. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of partnering with the club as brewery sales plummeted by approximately 50%.
Acknowledging the tough times faced by the business, Proveau expressed gratitude for stumbling upon the idea of the beer garden at the bowling club, viewing it as a silver lining amid the construction woes. Blake Skinner, president of the lawn bowling club, highlighted the added fun element and the influx of new participants drawn to the sport by the beer garden setup.
Mathew and Jenna Holdom, siblings from Guelph and longtime patrons of Brothers Brewing, lauded the community-centric atmosphere at the brewery. They discovered lawn bowling while exploring the new beer garden and swiftly became members. As construction persists in downtown Guelph for several more years, they pledge to continue supporting the initiative.
Emily Gibson, a seasoned lawn bowler at the Guelph club, welcomed the beer garden as a refreshing addition, noting the increased turnout and the rejuvenated ambiance. She observed that the beer garden’s appeal has attracted a diverse demographic, including younger individuals, ensuring the sport’s longevity.
Overall, the beer garden collaboration between Brothers Brewing and the lawn bowling club has not only offered a respite from downtown construction but also introduced a fresh demographic to the traditional sport, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community spirit.