A distinctive blend of lawn bowling, beer, music, and summer evenings has captured attention 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 and caused a decline in foot traffic.

To adapt to the situation, the brewery launched a beer garden at the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club earlier this summer, proving to be mutually beneficial 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%.

The beer garden at the bowling club emerged as a successful solution amidst the construction disruptions. Blake Skinner, president of the lawn bowling club, highlighted the added fun element and the influx of newcomers to the sport due to the beer garden’s presence.

The initiative has garnered positive feedback from patrons like Mathew and Jenna Holdom, who have been long-time supporters of Brothers Brewing and have now ventured into lawn bowling due to the new beer garden. Similarly, Emily Gibson, a seasoned lawn bowler, praised the vibrant atmosphere brought by the beer garden, attracting a diverse range of participants.

This innovative collaboration between Brothers Brewing and the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club not only mitigated the impact of downtown construction but also introduced a new avenue for community engagement and recreational activities. Looking ahead, stakeholders express optimism about sustaining this partnership for the long term.