From playoff fever to summer showdowns, it’s the season of coming together. This series dives into the bars across Canada where sports aren’t just watched – they’re felt, shared and celebrated with full hearts. In these unforgettable spaces, the screens glow, the drinks flow and every seat has a story.
With the Oilers charging through the playoffs, the energy has been high among hockey fans. In Calgary Flames country, Edmonton isn’t the usual flavour. But everyone is welcome at Home and Away, the popular Calgary sports bar located on First Avenue S.W. in the Victoria Park neighbourhood.
“People are very quick to support all the Canadian teams that we get through, especially this year,” says Lotus Sikina, marketing and events manager at Radio Block Hospitality, which owns the bar.
Since 2015, Home and Away has invited fans of all sports and teams to grab a cold drink, eat a made-from-scratch meal and cheer their hearts out.
“I’ve met lots of friends there and the staff have always been super fun. They’re really engaging,” says Curtis Anderson, who’s been coming for seven years. He usually spends several hours at Home and Away on weekends, Sundays in particular, watching football, baseball and the Flames.
Calgarians John Liwag and P.J. L’Heureux launched Radio Block Hospitality 25 years ago after they started their first nightclub. The company now owns six bars and restaurants in Calgary. Home and Away was originally located on 17th Street S.W. but moved to its current location in 2019 due to rising rents and lingering construction.
“You walk into the room and you kind of feel like you’re going to hang out in your buddy’s backyard. That’s the vibe. It’s genuinely a calm, inviting environment,” says Sikina.
The walls are adorned with sports memorabilia including wallpaper, posters, banners and collectibles from Calgary teams at all levels. For some staff, one item of the décor is a point of pride.
“My favourite piece is our Best Wings in the City trophy that sits right above the bar,” says Kaitlin Essex, a bartender, server and supervisor at Home and Away. “It makes me proud to see our kitchen staff recognized because I know how much effort they put into this place. And honestly, our chicken wings are freaking delicious.”
Anderson has sampled his fair share of the menu. “Everything is great, and better than usual pub food.” He’s partial to the Chicken Tendies. “They’re shockingly good.”
They’re made from chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk, battered, deep fried and tossed with herbs, and served with fries and dill pickles. The house hot honey and mustard sauces are key, says Anderson. “The sauces are delicious.”
The menu was designed by award-winning chef Mike Pigot, winner of Best in Calgary: 2020 Best Chef. The oven-baked OG Pepperoni or Maui Waui pizzas are other fan favourites.
If patrons need an activity to burn off the home cooking, they can venture to the basement bar Shuffle Club for dancing and free shuffleboard. Home and Away hosts weekly DJ events down there, from hip hop to techno.
From dance nights to private parties to everyday sports viewing, Home and Away is about bringing people together to have a good time. While it doesn’t always matter who’s playing, there’s nothing like experiencing a nail-biting Flames win. They’re on the outside looking in this playoffs, but there’s always next season.“The best word I can use to describe it when the Flames score in overtime is electric,” says Essex. “It’s almost like a beautiful chaos. To see everyone come together and share in each other’s elation is so powerful. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”
By creating a welcoming atmosphere and focusing on quality food and service, Home and Away has built a loyal community – not just a customer base.
“Everyone feels valued, appreciated and respected,” Essex says. “The regulars that come in are such a big part of what makes this place special.”
