A distinctive blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings is making waves in Guelph. Brothers Brewing, situated in downtown Guelph on Wyndham Street, faced challenges due to a significant construction project that hindered the opening of their summer patio, resulting in reduced foot traffic.
To counter this setback, the brewery established a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, proving to be a successful collaboration benefiting both the brewery and the club. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of partnering with the club as brewery sales declined by approximately 50%.
Acknowledging the tough times faced by the brewery, Proveau expressed gratitude for the timely conception of the beer garden at the bowling club, providing a much-needed lifeline. Blake Skinner, the club president, highlighted the added fun element the beer garden brought, attracting newcomers to experience lawn bowling.
The partnership between the brewery and the club has garnered positive feedback, with patrons like Mathew and Jenna Holdom embracing the new experience. They praised the community-oriented atmosphere at Brothers Brewing and the introduction of lawn bowling through the beer garden.
Long-time lawn bowler Emily Gibson commended the beer garden as a refreshing addition, noting the increased turnout and the infusion of youthful energy into the sport. The initiative not only serves as a temporary escape from downtown construction but also fosters a vibrant atmosphere for patrons of all ages.
The success of the beer garden in attracting diverse demographics to lawn bowling demonstrates its potential to sustain interest in the sport for years to come. As construction progresses, the partnership between Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club is poised to endure, promising a bright future for both establishments.