The Bell in Scona Brewery — Restaurant in Greater Strathcona

Wedding Venue review: The Bell in Scona (10416 80 ave NW) Date of event: October 19, 2024

Overall, The Bell in Scona is a stunning venue in a perfect location. The layout of the building made it an ideal setting to host our entire wedding, from the ceremony to the cocktail hour and reception. The food was outstanding—our guests had nothing but high praise, and the poutine bar at midnight was a huge hit.

We initially toured the venue in January 2024, and during that walk-through, the staff seemed accommodating and open to our requests. Confident in the venue, we signed the contract.

However, after that, communication with the venue became problematic, particularly due to a change in management. Many of the promises made during the walk-through were called into question by the new team. Our event manager was unprofessional and even rude at times, and we found ourselves having to repeatedly explain and justify what had been previously agreed upon. This led to a lot of unnecessary stress, and at one point, we seriously considered canceling the booking.

We were initially told that the downstairs taproom would be reserved exclusively for our guests during the cocktail hour, which was a major selling point for us, especially since many of our 130 guests were traveling from out of town. However, we were later informed that the venue typically does not close the taproom to the public during events. We were questioned and asked to provide documentation of this agreement, which was clearly stated in our original signed contract.

We assured the venue that all our guests would remain for the cocktail hour, and they promised us the taproom would be closed to the public during that time. We also emphasized the need for adequate staffing to handle the large number of drink orders, but unfortunately, many of our guests still had to wait 30–40 minutes to get a drink. Our cocktail hour was also during happy hour and none of our guests received happy hour prices, even though it was advertised throughout the venue.

Thankfully, the new General Manager stepped in and reassured us that they would honor the original arrangements. While he was able to take over from the person we had been dealing with, the inconsistent communication between the staff consisted. For example, we received a revised contract with a higher minimum spend than what had been agreed upon, and when we arrived for our scheduled tasting (after a 2.5-hour drive), the venue seemed unprepared and had to scramble to set up a table for us.

Our rehearsal was originally scheduled for Thursday before the Saturday wedding, but this was later changed to Friday afternoon because they booked another event.

Another thing to note is that we were told the upstairs area could accommodate up to 160 guests. With our guest list of around 125 people, the space felt quite full, and it didn’t seem like there would have been room for many more guests.

Another frustrating part was that we ordered midnight lunch for 80 people. There was less than 80 people when it was served, and people weren’t filling there dishes full but they still ran out of poutine. This was frustrating as we paid $12 per plate for midnight lunch.

While our wedding day itself turned out great, the planning process felt disorganized and unnecessarily stressful. It's clear that the venue is still finding its footing in the wedding industry. If it weren’t for the new General Manager stepping in and reassuring us, we likely would have chosen another venue.

They definitely had some of the best food I’ve had at a wedding. The staff were also great at helping us flip from the ceremony to reception. However, at this time, I find it difficult to fully recommend The Bell in Scona due to the lack of communication and coordination between their staff. I do believe the venue has great potential with the right...

I start off with the food, which is fantastic. Full of flavourful and combos of tastes were very well put together.

They make a very good Ceaser (drink not the salad) but it was lacking the usual accouterments like celery, pickled beans etc.

Now the not so good. The staff need someone in charge to organize them. We had a reservation and were seated immediately (it wasn't that busy at all anyway) but it took the young male server a total of 11 mins, yes I timed him, from the time we were seated to when he came back with water. He said it was because three tables decided to get their checks at the same time.

Remember where I mentioned someone to organize the staff? This will occur again.

There was four in our party, and by the time the server finally brought the water, we had perused the menu and had decided what we wanted to eat and drink.

We ordered two orders of the crispy pork rinds, and I specifically said "appetizers" to indicate not part of the main meal. My wife ordered the chicken Ceaser salad, and I ordered the Scona burger with fries. Our dining companions ordered the Scona Burger with Mac & Cheese and the chicken wings. When we ordered, I said "entrees," indicating this was the main meal.

Our appetizers arrived, and about halfway through, our entrees arrived. I was a bit passive-aggressive and said, " What? Entrees, but the appetizers were not done?" The young server either ignored it or had no clue. I'm guessing a manager or someone to organize them would have been a benefit and advised them never to bring entrees before an appetizer is done. If there is timing between an appetizer and an entree, diners are more apt to ordering another drink. Rookie move.

Back to the entrees, the two burgers and the wings arrived but no salad, 12 mins went by (again timed) before our server wondered by, I stopped him and asked about my wife's entree. He said he would check on it and would be right back. A couple of minutes later, he came back and said he forgot to put the salad order in but did now. My wife said no, that she would nibble off my plate as we had a show to be at for 7. The server stated that it would be only 10 mins (timer started), so my wife agreed. 16 mins later, the salad showed. She ate, and we needed to leave.

I asked for the check, no discount on the salad fubar, not even an "I'm sorry." I always tip because the kitchen is tipped out, but instead of my usual 25%, it was 10% simply because the service was so disorganized.

The food is very good, but with dining out becoming so expensive (66.00 plus tip on this outing for two), sloppy service will kill this business which is too bad because the ambiance and kitchen are the highlight.

Just for anyone wondering, the floor staff consisted of our young male server, a young girl that my wife says is in her early 20s (I figured late teens) and another young guy that dressed like the 90s photo shoot Dwayne Johnson did for the Calgary Sun. He was missing the fanny...

This place just opened up recently and it's vibe just resonated with me. Needed to get my butt through their doors! Asked a few gfs to meet up here before another plan on Whyte and they were excited too to try it. Lots of parking is available, though I can imagine during the evenings it could be a little tricky. They have a beautiful store front and the location is nice as it's just south of Whyte but easy to walk to if you want another option while on Whyte.

Love all the wooden accents from the barrels in their decor. The main floor is wide open with lots of seating. They have both tall tables and regular ones too. Makes for those who have restrictions, options when being seated. When you first walk in, Amari their host, greets you with his amazing and welcoming smile. He's someone who truly loves his job and helped me out. They also have shelving for Growlers which can be purchased or filled up if you have your existing one. Once at the bar I was welcomed by multiple people. I understand that it's just at 12 noon on a Saturday and it's not super busy, but the attention I was given I am sure would be the same even when they have a full house.

At their bar, which has outlets below the beautifully stained wood bar top, is nice and wide so that when we order food, there is lots of room and space to spread out. Looking behind the bar, they have a unique selection of glassware to serve their drinks in! Makes me want to create a challenge to order a drink that uses every glass. With the help of the bartender, Fergie, I tried a sample of their Mango Sour by Analog which just arrived yesterday. Everyone on staff who could, tried it and they all loved it.

Once my gfs showed up we made our way upstairs and sat on their patio. The upstairs level is a massive open room that they have used for any event, like a wedding. Can imagine how beautiful the space could look. There' a bar on the top floor along with another set of bathrooms. The patio isn't big but it's beautifully set up. Our server, Maya, helped up pick out more drinks and some food too. My friends ordered a flight of beer and a Mini Mionette. We then ordered their Bell Bread Knots and Bannock Tacos. We were able to try both of their dips; homemade queso and salsa for the knots and picked shrimp for the tacos. Now you HAVE to try their tacos! They were everything that one could hope for; a delicious blend of flavors that complement eachother and made from locally sourced ingredients. The knots were fresh too and the two dips were addictive. We three could have all done a shot of the queso.

Hands down, I can not wait to get back and try soo much more from their menu. They have a small selection but everything they offer is perfected and that excites me. I did try to get my Growler filled but they just do not have that set up just yet. So I...