In Guelph, a distinctive blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and balmy evenings is drawing interest. Brothers Brewing, situated on Wyndham Street in downtown Guelph, faced challenges due to ongoing construction hindering their summer patio operations, causing a drop in foot traffic.
To adapt, the brewery collaborated with the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club to establish a beer garden, proving to be a mutually beneficial move. Sales at the brewery plummeted by approximately 50%, prompting Colton Proveau, co-owner of Brothers Brewing, to label the partnership as a much-needed lifeline.
Blake Skinner, the club’s president, highlighted the beer garden’s success in attracting newcomers to lawn bowling, enhancing the overall enjoyment and fostering a sense of community. This fresh initiative has invigorated the club’s atmosphere, drawing praise from patrons like Emily Gibson, who emphasized the significant improvement over previous years.
The innovative beer garden concept has not only revitalized the local social scene but also introduced a new demographic to the traditional sport of lawn bowling. The positive reception and increased participation reflect a promising outlook for the ongoing partnership between Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club.
For Mathew and Jenna Holdom, regulars at Brothers Brewing, the beer garden experience sparked an interest in lawn bowling, leading them to become club members. Their enthusiasm, shared by many others, underscores the enduring appeal and potential longevity of this collaborative venture.