A Taste of Scotland in Canada

In the heart of New Hamburg, Scran & Dram has become more than just a restaurant. It’s a gathering place, a cultural bridge, and a family-run tribute to the warmth of Scottish pub life. Founded in 2015 by Sabrina and her husband David, the restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of food, friendship, and local connection.

The name itself is a nod to old Scottish slang: Scran means food, and Dram means drink. “In Scotland, the pub is the heart of the community,” Sabrina explains. “We wanted to bring that feeling here.” Her husband, born and raised in northeast Scotland, began working in a pub kitchen at 15 and went on to train as a chef across Europe. Sabrina, who also spent a decade in Scotland, started in hospitality and later earned a degree in communications. Together, they’ve built Scran & Dram into a place where heritage meets hospitality.

Local While Remaining Classic

Scran & Dram’s commitment to community goes far beyond its cozy atmosphere. Their culinary team, led by chef Jordan Lipke, is committed to sourcing local food. “It’s a real passion of his,” Sabrina says. “We’ve worked with Mountainoak Cheese and Cressman’s Meat for years. They’re part of our story.”

The restaurant’s monthly feature menus allow chefs to cook with the seasons and respond to what’s happening in the local food scene. “It inspires creativity,” Sabrina says. “The chefs hear about what farmers are doing and ask, ‘What can we do with that?’”

Signature dishes like the Scotch Egg, made with Cressman’s sausage, local greens, and Mountainoak cheese, anchor the menu in tradition. Even their thick-cut chips were shaped by community feedback. “We asked people on social media: thin or thick? They voted, and we listened.”

A Place to Belong

Scran & Dram was designed to be a home away from home. Locals come in several times a week, and the team keeps things fresh with rotating menus and affordable options. “We still offer $13 weekday deals,” Sabrina says. “On Thursday, it’s our regular burger, not a lesser version, and we know people appreciate a quality menu item for a deal of a price.”

That spirit of accessibility and care is why they love participating in events like Taste the Countryside 10-day Dining. “It gives our chefs a chance to get creative and lets us connect with the community in a deeper way.”

Resilience and Renewal

The COVID-19 pandemic tested the restaurant industry, and Scran & Dram was no exception. At the time, they operated three restaurants and a catering company. “There were moments we didn’t know if we’d ever reopen,” Sabrina recalls. But with a strong team and quick pivots to takeout and outdoor dining, they made it through.

“We had picnic tables spaced miles apart,” she laughs. “But people came. And they kept coming.” Their newly renovated patio, designed to resemble a whisky barrel, is a symbol of their commitment to both tradition and creativity.

Celebrating the Land and Its People

One of the most cherished events at Scran & Dram is the annual Farmers’ Breakfast. Local farmers arrive early, often driving antique tractors, and enjoy a hearty breakfast. “It’s our turn to feed them,” Sabrina says. “They do so much for our community.”

Families bring their children to see the tractors, and the farmers chat with staff they’ve come to know. “It’s about food, yes, but it’s also about relationships.”

Scran & Dram also supports local sports teams, schools, and retirement communities through sponsorships and fundraising. “We try to say yes as often as we can,” Sabrina says. “Even if it’s small, it matters.”

Looking Ahead

As Scran & Dram enters its second decade, Sabrina and her husband are returning to their roots. “It feels like a new chapter,” she says. “We’re back to our baby, the restaurant we opened ten years ago.”

For their anniversary in November, they’re planning a throwback menu featuring fan favourites at original prices. “We’ll ask the community what they miss most and try to bring it back,” Sabrina says. “It’s a way to celebrate together.”

Scran & Dram isn’t just serving meals. It’s offering a taste of place, a connection to heritage, and a space where everyone feels welcome.