Did you know? The Glen Scottish Restaurant and Pub
As I walk in the doors of The Glen Scottish restaurant and pub in Stittsville on the outskirts of Ottawa, it feels like walking into an authentic Scottish gathering place. Indeed, the original goal was to bring “a taste of Scotland to our new home in Canada.”
“We started off not having a clue and with no experience!” says Kathleen McConville, who was born in Scotland. She and her brother John opened the restaurant in 1988, and it remains the only original Scottish pub in Ottawa and beyond that’s owned and operated by Scots, she says.
The words “Céad Míle Fáilte” greet you as you open the door, and in the entryway hang posters of Scottish clans, coats of arms, and tartans. If you’re longing for traditional Scottish fare, you’ll find it along with Scottish beer to boot, but there’s a range of both traditional and contemporary menu items to choose from.
“We kind of wanted to make it like Coronation Street, where people could come in for a cup of tea, or a pint,” says Kathleen. She estimates that at least forty percent of their guests are expats – and sure enough, unmistakably Scottish accents permeate the air at a table nearby.
Kathleen describes their most popular menu item - fish and chips - as being “world famous” and proudly describes the story of how people in Scotland planning a trip to Ottawa will regularly be advised by others who’ve visited the city, to check out The Glen. “It feels really good,” she adds.
Alongside the fish, are other favorites such as Scotch eggs, Haggis pastries, steak and ale pie, and yes – you can ask for a side of “neeps” which they create with mashed turnips and carrots. Mince pies also make an appearance at Christmas time.
People visit The Glen for a bite or drink, and a whole lot more. Kathleen describes how the restaurant celebrates popular Scottish holidays and holds game nights to raise funds for community causes. One friend of the restaurant shares a January 25th birthday with Robbie Burns the poet – and comes in to make the traditional “address to the haggis” on that day. It’s clear the McConvilles have not only met their original goal, they have met countless guests and made great friends along the way.
“What’s really special is that people come in now who were once kids that we held when their parents came in to eat!” she exclaims, saying it’s all so rewarding. Now, her son James whom she says loves the business, is taking over many duties, and keeping things running alongside other family members. She finds joy and even humour in seeing him at work, tackling the occasionally challenging things she and her brother faced when they first opened up over three decades ago.
“We really care, we embrace our Scottish and Canadian heritage, and all guests who come in. We’re really pleased to serve the community,” she says.
The Glen has been a gastronomic destination since 1988. A big celebration is planned for March 2024, when it will hold its 36th anniversary. “We have very loyal customers, we’re fortunate,” says Kathleen. “Yip!” says a voice in the background as if in agreement as we chat by phone. “That’s our Westie, our Scottish dog, a new addition to the family,” she laughs.
Authored by Nujma Bond