In Guelph, a unique blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings is catching the eye of locals. Brothers Brewing, situated on Wyndham Street in downtown Guelph, faced challenges due to a significant construction project that hindered the opening of their summer patio, leading to a decline in foot traffic.
To adapt, the brewery collaborated with the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club to launch a beer garden, proving to be a success for both establishments. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, highlighted the necessity of this partnership as brewery sales plummeted by approximately 50%.
The introduction of the beer garden at the bowling club provided a much-needed boost. Blake Skinner, the club’s president, expressed delight at the enhanced fun element and the influx of newcomers willing to try the sport. Meanwhile, Proveau and Skinner are optimistic about the enduring nature of this collaboration.
Among the new enthusiasts are siblings Mathew and Jenna Holdom, who, after enjoying the Brothers Brewing patio, ventured into lawn bowling at the beer garden. Similarly, longtime lawn bowler Emily Gibson welcomed the beer garden’s addition, noting a significant increase in engagement compared to previous years.
The beer garden not only rejuvenated interest in lawn bowling but also attracted a younger demographic, ensuring the sport’s sustainability. Excited about the future, Proveau affirmed the brewery’s commitment to this partnership for years to come, promising a silver lining amidst the ongoing downtown construction.