In 1883, the building on Hunter Street West opened as Clancy's Hotel and was owned by John Sullivan and John Clancy. In later years, it was known as the Peterborough House, The American Hotel/House and Brownie's Tavern before its former owner "Red Dog" Ray McGregor lent his nick-name to the now legendary tavern.
On April 7, 2009 after being closed for a number of months, the building located at 189 Hunter St West was reopened by Michael Skinner, CEO of Kawartha Entertainment Group Inc and owner of The Rooster and 2nd Floor Lounge. It was reopened as the Historic Red Dog Pub and Tavern and is being run by General Manager Mike Stone and Assistant Manager Pat Cassidy. The Historic Red Dog has been opened as Peterborough's largest dedicated live music venue with an inside capacity of 249 and an outside capacity of 60. With 24 beers on tap and 18 different scotches the selection of beverages is vast. Also sporting a 100" Main TV as well as 5 other flat screen TVs, the Historic Red Dog is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting event. The traditional buffet lunch is also still available and has been offered for the past 30 years. Doors open at 11am and stay open until 2am and we are even open on Christmas.
Sunday to Wednesday a number of local acoustic artists play at the Red Dog and then bands are generally there on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the afternoon. Some of the more famous acts who have played at the Red Dog include Neil Young, Ronnie Hawkins, Down Child Blues Band, The Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan, the Partland Brothers, Jeff Healey, Alannah Myles, Sebastian Bach, The Leahy Family, Colin Linden, Rita Chiarelli, Chicago Pete, Prairie Oyster, Sparkliver, Reverend Ken, and the Cowboy Junkies.
The Historic Red Dog is a division of the Kawartha Entertainment Group Inc.