A unique blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings is drawing attention in Guelph. 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 decreased foot traffic.
To overcome this setback, the brewery collaborated with the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, setting up a beer garden that has proven beneficial for both parties. Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, highlighted the necessity of this partnership as brewery sales dropped by around 50%.
Despite the construction disruptions, Proveau acknowledged the silver lining of discovering the opportunity presented by the bowling club’s space. The club’s president, Blake Skinner, expressed delight at the added enjoyment the beer garden brought, attracting newcomers to try out lawn bowling in a picturesque setting by the river.
Visitors like Mathew and Jenna Holdom, long-time fans of Brothers Brewing, embraced the new beer garden and discovered a passion for lawn bowling. They plan to continue supporting the initiative amid ongoing downtown construction. For regular bowlers like Emily Gibson, the beer garden has revitalized the club’s atmosphere and attracted a diverse range of participants, ensuring the sport’s longevity.
Gibson praised the influx of younger players, diversifying the traditional lawn bowling demographic. The success of the beer garden not only rejuvenates the club’s ambiance but also introduces a fresh audience to the sport, promising a vibrant future for lawn bowling in Guelph.