THE lights are back on in one of the shire’s most beautiful venues, with the Alpine Ridge institution open and trading on the weekends.

Previously BOMA and before that for almost two decades, The Mill Inn, the hospitality venue in Merrijig has returned to its original custodian Peter Lynn who has re-christened the restaurant Mizzi’s@Merrijig, the name a nod to his Austrian grandmother.

In tribute to his central European ancestry and German-speaking background, Peter will be hosting Oktoberfest celebrations on Saturday October 19 at the newly opened Mizzi’s.

Donning the apron, chef Rudi Renz will be breading the schnitzel, krauting the slaw, twisting the pretzels and strudeling the apple, serving up authentic biergarten fare for this one-off special event.

Coming out of retirement for one night only, Rudi’s three-course meal will celebrate the very best of traditional German cuisine, with German-style brews and wines available at the bar.

With beer from local breweries, Buller Road Brewery and King River Brewing, Peter along with his partner Deb Fyfe will be serving up steins of the very best; guests welcomed with a complimentary drink on arrival.

For the night, Mizzi’s will be running a courtesy shuttle bus, this service thanks to the crew from Locals’ Day Out.

Guests will be picked up from Mansfield outside the Masonic Hall at around 6pm with further pick-up locations along the way.

With limited seats available bookings are essential, Peter and Deb recommending you call now to secure your spot.

Transport, three courses and a drink on arrival are set at an incredibly reasonable $65 per head, representing a great night out.

The bus will return to town around 10.30pm, with an additional shuttle service operating for Sawmill Settlement residents, to ensure everybody can kick back, have a drink and relax into a good time.

Lederhosen whilst encouraged are of course optional.