The popular Owl’s Nest Lobby Bar and Lounge at Delta Grandview Inn, closed when the resort underwent refurbishing in 2002, is open once again.

“All the staff wanted it back, especially Rudi (Eiter, food and beverage director),” said general manager Esa Paltanen.

“There were always plans to find a new home for the bar on the resort side, but they never materialized. There was always something else more pressing.”

However, Paltanen and his team considered it important to have a lounge bar close to the lobby, where both guests and condo owners could meet and relax.

“We decided collectively as a team to open as soon as possible,” said Paltanen, who joined the Grandview team last July from Delta Sherwood Inn.

The new Owl’s Nest has 1,200 square feet of cosy, intimate space for those just wanting a quiet drink or homestyle comfort food. The focal point is a new ‘sit-up’ bar, which offers beer on tap, single-malt scotches and a selection of fine wines.

In summer an adjoining patio has seating for about 20 people and offers a view of the lake.

Seating between 50 and 70 people, the Owl’s Nest is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week. Non-residents are more than welcome. “We value their business,” said Paltanen.

The bar menu features a varied selection of food, from fries and burgers – made on the premises – to bistro-style European dishes. “It (Owl’s Nest) positions itself between high-end dining at the Rosewood and casual fare at the waterfront,” Paltanen said.

Throughout the week nightly specials and themed drinks are available.

“On Sundays we offer an all-day breakfast from the menu and Sunday night is prime rib night. Wednesday is Fiesta Night and Friday steak and shrimp,” said Eiter.

Added Paltanen: “In season we use locally grown produce and meat. Visitors look for something local and we are a great supporter of Savour Muskoka.”

Thursday night is fast becoming known as ladies’ night at the Owl’s Nest. “It’s the new Cheers of Huntsville,” Paltanen said. “Where everyone knows your name,” added Eiter.

The Owl’s Nest, with its fireplace and light background music, offers just the right ambience for pre-dinner cocktails or an after-dinner drink. “It’s an oasis for the condo owner who wants to entertain, but not in his own unit,” said Paltanen.

Future plans for the Owl’s Nest include an extended menu and possibly entertainment. “It’s not an entertainment lounge like it used to be, but from May to October we may have some form of entertainment. We are looking at possibly comedy one day a week, maybe Sunday. Whatever it is, we have to have something that fits because we are a family resort,” said Paltanen.

For now, however, the Grandview team is just happy to see some of the locals trickling back to what was once a favourite watering hole.

“The buzz is definitely out there,” Eiter said.