A distinctive amalgamation of lawn bowling, beer, music, and warm summer evenings is making waves in Guelph. Brothers Brewing, situated on Wyndham Street in downtown Guelph, faced challenges due to a significant construction project that prevented 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 the brewery and the club. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, highlighted the necessity of this partnership as brewery sales plummeted by approximately 50%.
The beer garden at the bowling club emerged as a solution amidst the construction woes. Blake Skinner, president of the lawn bowling club, emphasized the added fun element and the influx of newcomers intrigued by the sport. Proveau expressed optimism about sustaining this collaboration in the long run.
Local enthusiasts Mathew and Jenna Holdom, regulars at Brothers Brewing, embraced lawn bowling at the beer garden and intend to continue their support through the downtown construction phase. Emily Gibson, a longtime lawn bowling enthusiast, lauded the positive impact of the beer garden on the club’s atmosphere and the increased interest from a diverse demographic.
The beer garden’s success in attracting new participants to lawn bowling, including younger individuals, signifies a promising future for the sport. The collective enthusiasm and community spirit fostered by this innovative partnership between Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club bode well for continued success and growth.