A distinctive blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings has captured the spotlight 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, leading to decreased foot traffic.
To counter this downturn, the brewery launched a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the brewery and the club. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of partnering with the club as brewery sales plummeted by approximately 50%.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced, Proveau expressed gratitude for the opportunity that arose from the circumstances. The introduction of the beer garden at the bowling club proved to be a silver lining for Brothers Brewing, providing a much-needed boost amidst the challenges posed by the construction.
Blake Skinner, the president of the lawn bowling club, highlighted the added excitement and influx of newcomers brought in by the beer garden, enhancing the overall experience for patrons. Optimistic about the future prospects, Proveau affirmed the brewery’s commitment to continuing the initiative in the years to come, contingent on positive feedback.
The initiative has garnered new enthusiasts like Mathew and Jenna Holdom, who embraced lawn bowling at the beer garden and plan to sustain their support throughout the construction period. Similarly, long-time lawn bowler Emily Gibson praised the positive impact of the beer garden, attracting a diverse range of participants and contributing to a vibrant atmosphere at the club.
Notably, the beer garden has succeeded in drawing a wider audience to explore the sport of lawn bowling, bridging generational gaps and ensuring the longevity of the activity. As the community embraces this innovative collaboration, the future looks promising for both Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club.