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BAYFIELD By Jill Ellis-Worthington ABOVE Four In Hand Taproom
T
he Little Inn of Bayfield is little in name only. The owners, Joanne and Mike Oliver, are from Toronto, but they’ve adopted Bayfield as their new home and are investing in their business and community. A nearly two-century-old establishment, the Little Inn began life as a stagecoach stop and has been a continuously operating inn since 1847, providing 168 years of service and counting. The Olivers took over as owners in October of 2014 and have been busy putting their stamp on this Bayfield favourite. With their careers firmly entrenched in the Big Smoke, the couple visited Bayfield at the urging of their eldest son who was working as technical director at the Blyth Festival Theatre a couple of years ago. “When we saw it we fell in love with the beautiful old building. Then we found out it was for sale and thought it would be an interesting retirement plan,” chuckles Joanne.
During the renovation, the Olivers have been conscientious about preserving its historic flavour. “We realize it’s a heritage building and have a deep commitment to bringing it up to modern standards while preserving its original colour scheme and other features that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.” One space they’ve updated to create a new dining spot in Bayfield is the Four In Hand Taproom, the name a nod to its history. “A cinderblock chimney wall was removed to join the parlour and the bar to enlarge the space for the taproom,” explains Joanne. This more casual space has a different menu than the main dining room, The Willow Room (a reference to the lovely large tree in front of the inn). Both emphasize dishes made with local ingredients. The taproom also features several locally crafted beers on tap and an extensive wine list. Those who journey to Lake Huron to enjoy its legendary sunsets, walk on
the beach, shop at its many boutiques or enjoy a meal in one of its growing list of eateries should take the time to stay at the Little Inn of Bayfield and enjoy its newly enhanced spaces. “We’ve created a sleep program, with new beds, bedding and linens, as part of the renovations,” says Joanne. The 16 rooms of the main inn have all been renovated, with the 10 rooms of the cottage annex across the street having new beds and bedding and soon to undergo renovations as well. The Olivers are also supporting the community by hosting important Bayfield events, like Vette Fest. b
The Little Inn of Bayfield 26 Main Street North, Bayfield 1-800-565-1832 www.littleinn.ca
September/October 2015
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