A new and innovative experience in Guelph is gaining popularity by offering a mix of lawn bowling, beer, music, and pleasant summer evenings. Despite facing challenges due to a significant construction project in downtown Guelph that hindered the opening of their summer patio and led to decreased foot traffic, Brothers Brewing found a solution by launching a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer.
Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, emphasized the necessity of partnering with the club to compensate for the brewery’s 50% decline in sales. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity the beer garden provided during tough times caused by the ongoing construction. Blake Skinner, the president of the lawn bowling club, highlighted the added fun and the influx of new participants attracted by the beer garden, which offers a unique and enjoyable experience by the riverside park surroundings.
Brothers Brewing patrons Mathew and Jenna Holdom, long-time supporters of the brewery, shared their excitement about discovering lawn bowling at the new beer garden and expressed their intention to continue supporting the initiative as downtown construction persists. Emily Gibson, a regular lawn bowler at the Guelph club, praised the positive impact of the beer garden on the community, noting increased participation and a vibrant atmosphere.
The beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club is not only revitalizing business for Brothers Brewing but also introducing a younger demographic to the traditional sport of lawn bowling, ensuring its sustainability for years to come. Proveau and other stakeholders are optimistic about the future of this partnership and plan to maintain the initiative season after season, turning a challenging situation into a promising opportunity.
The collaboration between Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club has not only provided a much-needed lifeline for the brewery but has also created a unique and enjoyable experience for the community, fostering a sense of togetherness and fun amidst the ongoing downtown construction.