Downtown rebuild prompts seasonal move for local brewery
A well-known downtown operator has moved its patio service off-site as the Wyndham Street Reconstruction continues through the core. Brothers Brewing Company, normally set up with an almost 50-seat patio at 15 Wyndham St., has partnered with the Guelph Lawn Bowling Club to host a temporary Beer & Spritz Garden Patio at 114 Gordon St. The shift aims to preserve summer business while crews replace old sewers and water mains, work that began at the end of March and is advancing block by block.
Co-owner Colton Proveau said he began planning years in advance of the construction, anticipating a challenging season with only a couple of bistro tables left on the sidewalk outside the brewery. After exploring ideas from pop-up beer gardens in city parks to adapting nearby sidewalk or alley space, the team settled on a partnership with the lawn bowling club, where a staff event in prior years revealed the potential for a seasonal setup. The beer garden opened late last month on the club’s second green, left of the main lawn, and is open to club members and the public.
“This was definitely the next best thing, and hopefully it will be a bit of a silver lining,” Proveau said. “If we weren’t able to do this outside of downtown, we would very much be struggling.”
Adapting service to maintain access and activity
Proveau did not provide year-over-year figures for June, but described the drop in sales as significant. The goal is to maintain a presence for patrons who might otherwise skip the core while construction limits patio capacity on Wyndham. The new location offers a larger outdoor experience during the busiest months, and the collaboration is expected to help draw visitors to the lawn bowling club itself. On Mondays, beginners can learn from experienced bowlers, with plans for brewery staff to be trained to assist newcomers in the basics of the sport.
The seasonal patio is designed to complement rather than replace downtown operations. Proveau said he is hopeful the Wyndham Street patio can reopen next summer once work allows. Depending on how this year’s experiment fares, the off-site beer garden could continue as a recurring warm-weather option. The brewery notes that lawn bowling has seen youth interest abroad, particularly in Australia, and the club partnership introduces a social, outdoor venue that could resonate locally while reinforcing the club’s membership drive.
What’s changed and where to go
| Patio option | Location | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Brothers Brewing patio | 15 Wyndham St. | Almost 50 seats in typical summers; reduced to a few sidewalk tables during construction |
| Beer & Spritz Garden Patio | Guelph Lawn Bowling Club, 114 Gordon St. | Open to the public and club members; located on the second green |
The brewery initially examined creating pop-up spaces in municipal parks, but timelines to secure approvals and logistics meant the concept could not be launched in time. An alley or shared-sidewalk approach—similar to other nearby restaurants—was also considered before the partnership with the club emerged as the most feasible seasonal alternative. The result is a larger, green-space setting a short distance from downtown, offering a different experience for regulars and new visitors while road work proceeds.
Why it matters for downtown
- Business continuity: The off-site patio provides a way to sustain operations while construction limits on-street capacity.
- Community use of space: The club partnership opens access to a unique venue and may support new membership.
- Construction outlook: Work replacing underground infrastructure on Wyndham is ongoing; the brewery aims to restore its core patio next summer if conditions permit.
The arrangement gives patrons a clear alternative during a disruptive period for downtown hospitality, and extends programming at the lawn bowling club beyond league play. With lessons available weekly and an open-door format, the site offers a combined social and recreational option while crews continue infrastructure upgrades in the core.
