A distinctive blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings has captured attention in Guelph. Brothers Brewing, situated on Wyndham Street in downtown Guelph, faced challenges due to a significant construction project, leading to the closure of their summer patio and a decline in foot traffic.
To counter this setback, the brewery launched a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, proving to be a mutually beneficial endeavor for both the brewery and the club. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of this partnership as brewery sales plummeted by approximately 50%.
Despite the hardships faced, Proveau expressed gratitude for the unexpected opportunity that arose from the construction situation, highlighting the success of the beer garden at the bowling club. The club’s president, Blake Skinner, noted the added element of fun brought by the beer garden, attracting newcomers to experience the sport of lawn bowling.
Enthusiasts like Mathew and Jenna Holdom, long-time patrons of Brothers Brewing, embraced the new beer garden and discovered a passion for lawn bowling. Similarly, Emily Gibson, a seasoned lawn bowler, lauded the positive impact of the beer garden, attracting a diverse crowd and rejuvenating the sport’s appeal.
The beer garden’s success in introducing a younger demographic to lawn bowling has generated optimism for the future of the sport. Both Proveau and club members are hopeful for the continuation of this partnership, aiming to sustain the newfound camaraderie and vibrancy for years to come.