From Scotland to Edmonton: How an Uncle and Nephew Brought a Taste of Home to Alberta

both·y /ˈbäTHē/ (in Scotland) a small hut or cottage.

When it comes to describing the location of a local discovery, one of my favourite adjectives is “tucked.” To me, a quintessential hidden gem is always found in a place you’d least expect. Last week, when I arrived at The Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar, I realized I’d been using the word “tucked” far too lightly until now. This charming spot is truly hidden – nestled between Calgary Trail and Allard Way, neighboring a law firm, of all things.

I’ve never been to Scotland, nor set foot in a Scottish bar, but as a self-proclaimed vibe-catcher, I could tell The Bothy was something different. That difference, I believe, comes from the owners bringing a piece of home with them. Behind the bar are Chris and his uncle, Douglas, who have poured a bit of their homeland into every detail.

My view from the bar

Chris greeted me warmly and told me to sit wherever I liked. Throughout the afternoon, more guests trickled in, each greeting him by name before settling into their seats – a small but telling sign of the community they’ve built here. Chris, who also manages the bar, was bartending, serving, and running food with ease.

Inside, the bar exudes warmth with its dark wood furniture and soft lighting, creating a cozy and intimate feel. The menu is equally inviting, boasting over 200 malts and more than 16 wines. If choosing feels overwhelming, they offer whisky and wine flights to sample. Each whisky is listed by region, complete with a description of what to expect from that area, making the menu both approachable and educational. The wine takes it one step further by having an informative description for each selection, so you know exactly what to expect.

The food is equally as impressive as the wine selection. I opted in for something light – the hummus and pita. The pita was delightfully seasoned and crispy and the hummus was delicious with a subtle kick to it. For those after something heartier, the menu also includes a handful of entrées, including Scotland’s national dish: haggis, for the adventurous.

For dessert I chose the sticky toffee pudding. Unsure of which wine to pair with it, Chris recommended the Emeri De Bortoli, which was a perfect match. The pudding (I’ve always wondered why it’s called pudding when it’s clearly a cake… turns out, in British English “pudding” can refer to a dessert!) was served warm with candied pecans and topped with a salted toffee sauce. It was absolutely to die for and I savoured every bite.

As I finished dessert, Douglas arrived carrying a flat of drinks. After setting them aside, he joined me at the bar. In conversation, he explained that after many disappointing experiences at other bars with limited selections, he and his nephew decided to take matters into their own hands. On December 2, 2008, The Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar opened its doors. A second location downtown followed, but eventually closed due to bridge construction that slowed traffic to the area. Despite that setback, the original location remains strong.

The glorious sticky toffee pudding

One challenge, Douglas admitted, is their location, which doesn’t bring in as many walk-ins as they’d like. Yet, it was clear to me that what they’ve built is something special. The Bothy thrives on its regulars, creating an atmosphere so welcoming that even a first-time guest, like me, feels like they belong.

Walking out of The Bothy, I realized it’s not the size of the menu or the number of malts that makes this place special, it’s the heart behind it. Tucked away though it may be, The Bothy doesn’t stay hidden for long. One visit is all it takes to see why this little bar has built such a loyal following, and why it deserves a spot on your list of Edmonton must-visits