CLARINGTON — The doors have opened wide on the newly-polished waterfront gem in Bowmanville. The much-anticipated opening of the Bowmanville Marina, including The Deck Bar and Grill and a new inn and event space, was celebrated recently.
“For obvious reasons, this probably is one of the most popular spots in Bowmanville,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster on the large outdoor pier-side space, for which The Deck is aptly named.
The Deck (formerly Bobby C’s) has undergone extensive renovations and reopened this spring to a grateful clientele with a fully-licensed waterfront restaurant.
“I’m new to Bowmanville and to me this was the most hidden gem,” said server Tara Butler. “Our chef is phenomenal. Chef Pam (Eye) has spent years in the Turks and Caicos. Everything she makes is fresh and delicious.”
Butler said her personal favourite item on the menu is the Quattro Fungi pizza, with olive tapenade, mixed roasted mushrooms and three types of cheese (“Mushrooms are my favourite and we have the best”). She also highly recommends the Chef’s Jerk (chicken) Club Sandwich.
“I trust (Chef Pam) immensely. She’s been around the world,” said Bill Daniell, president of Kaitlin Corporation. “She wanted to do something really unique with the menu.”
Kaitlin Corporation — a housing developer with a long history in Clarington, including the new Lakebreeze Community neighbourhood in Bowmanville and the popular Port of Newcastle community — bought the former Port Darlington Marina in late 2018 and launched into a large-scale renovation of the business.
“When I first bought this property last fall everyone said ‘What were you thinking?’ What started with a coat of pain ended up with a million dollar renovation,” joked Daniell.
The hotel has a 60-year history, explained Daniell. Now the completely refurbished Bowmanville Marina Inn and Suites have 18 cosy guest rooms with new luxurious beds, contemporary bathrooms, flat screen smart TVs, air conditioning and complementary high-speed internet.
The on-site accommodations could be handy for the future waterfront weddings and special events to be held on the property in a newly-renovated event venue. On the upper floor of the restaurant, is a large space surrounded by windows looking onto the lake, piers and mature tree canopy. The event space can be booked for showers, weddings, parties, graduations, retirements and reunions. Event packages range from 30 to 300 guests, and planning is made easier with the expertise of the Bowmanville Marina team (including a general manager, manager and assistant marina manager, restaurant manager, head chef and wedding and events co-ordinator).
“Business pickup has been great,” said general manager Alan Lawley. “We have a great team from Bowmanville and Clarington.”
The marina, on-site hotel and restaurant just opened recently. However, the developer has big long-term plans for the site — including building a new resort hotel and spa across the street.
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