Wells Tavern Brings Scottish Pub Culture to Maryville, TN

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

When Alice Basler and Eric Chadwell traveled through the UK, they fell in love with the warmth and camaraderie of traditional pubs. That inspiration led them home to Maryville, where they spent countless hours bringing Wells Tavern to life. 

Housed in a meticulously transformed late 19th-century building, the tavern proudly features Maryville’s very first rooftop patio. But for Basler and Chadwell, the brick and mortar was only part of the mission. 

Above all, their vision was to forge a community gathering place – patrons could connect, get a taste of pub culture from across the pond, and celebrate the area’s Scots-Irish heritage that dates back centuries. 

“We’re really the only pub, in a true sense of the word, in Maryville,” Basler says. “We’re also the only Scottish pub, which makes it additionally special because there is such a huge Scottish influence.” 

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

A Nod Across the Pond 

The Scots-Irish began settling in present-day Blount County in the late 1700s and played a major role in shaping its development. These early residents were a mix of recent immigrants and families with multigenerational roots in America. 

The area’s first settlement, Fort Craig, was constructed in 1785 along Pistol Creek, according to the City of Maryville. A decade later, an act of the General Assembly of the Territory South of the Ohio River established the City of Maryville. The area’s early Scots-Irish settlers descended from the Ulster-Scots who had migrated from the Scottish lowlands to Northern Ireland. A desire to escape economic hardships and religious discrimination took them across the Atlantic. Many came to port in Pennsylvania and fought the Crown on American soil before traveling southwest to the Volunteer State, according to historians. 

As local researchers note, the community’s earliest founders were Revolutionary War veterans who deeply shaped Blount County’s political, cultural and patriotic identity, leaving behind a lasting legacy of freedom. Drawing on a strong Presbyterian faith, they established numerous churches, with the Eusebia congregation dating back to 1786. Their values guided the community through the Civil War. 

Historians point out that these settlers largely became abolitionists, shaping Blount County’s decision to remain in the Union and sending their sons to fight for the North. 

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Old Bricks, New Brews 

This rich local heritage forms the backdrop for Wells Tavern. Wells Tavern was part hospitality venture, part engineering feat. Basler and Chadwell spent two years renovating the historic S.A. Patton Jewelers building, constructed in 1887. 

Beneath the carefully preserved historic charm – including original upstairs flooring and exposed brick – lies a completely revitalized structure. Modern electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems were seamlessly integrated, while the building’s skeleton was heavily reinforced with a brand-new steel frame and 150 yards of concrete to guarantee long-term strength. 

“You could park a couple Greyhound buses on top of it,” Chadwell quips. 

Inside, tartan upholstery adorns the barstools, couches and accent pieces, complemented by framed photographs of historic Maryville. Wells Tavern serves traditional favorites like shepherd’s pie with lamb, fish and chips, and Scotch eggs, alongside its signature “Banger Burger.” 

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Where Lives (and Kilts) Come Together 

Basler and Chadwell have loved seeing how residents respond to the pub and its Scottish roots. Chadwell recalls one job applicant arriving for an interview wearing a full kilt. 

“I assume you’re headed to Wells Tavern,” Chadwell said as they crossed paths on the sidewalk. 

“Yes,” the applicant replied. “How’d you know?” 

Before Wells Tavern even opened, countless folks stopped by to ask for a tour. Now that it’s welcoming guests, Basler is thrilled to see it become an integral part of downtown Maryville. It joins several new restaurants and entertainment venues. 

“There’s a saying that a pub is more of a feeling than a place, and that’s true,” Basler says. “It’s this idea of a place where you go, and people’s lives intersect.”