A long-vacant downtown Peterborough space will soon be home to the pulsating sound of live music, in particular that of the punk and hip-hop variety.
Bar 379 will open in mid March at the former location of The Twisted Wheel at 379 Water Street (just north of Simcoe Street).
Conner Clarkin, who co-owns Revelstoke Café at 641 George Street North, says he originally eyed the former location of The Spill, also on George Street, for his new venture but switched gears.
“I was walking by here one day and saw the ‘For Lease’ sign and reached out and it all worked out in my favour,” says Clarkin who, when he’s not hard at it at Revelstoke alongside his wife Tash and his dad Jeff, sings lead vocals for alternative punk band Heartless Romantics.
“I grew up in Peterborough in the local music scene. I’ve seen a lot of venues come and go. Cooking and live music are my two passions. I had to put the live music on pause for a little while to get the restaurant up and going. I was kind of waiting for the right opportunity and then this came up.”
The space has been empty since The Twisted Wheel closed in 2019, less than a year after it was opened by Jonathan Hall and Mike Judson. Hall, who founded the Hootenanny On Hunter Street music festival, died of a heart attack in March of that year.
“We came in here a lot,” recounts Clarkin, adding “It was always full, always pumping. We’re going to keep The Twisted Wheel (lettering) on the windows, just to kind of pay homage to Johnny (Hall) and what he built here.”
“They didn’t have as much live music — a lot of DJ music. We really want to push that we’re a live music venue and get really cool acts through here. It’s a small room, but the intimacy of seeing a band in a 50-person room is really cool.”
“My background is punk music. I also do a lot of hip-hop work. Those two genres will definitely make their way through the door, probably more than others, but we’re super open to anyone. We want to host all sorts of bands, representing all sorts of genres.”
With plans to open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. until last call, Clarkin says the bar will serve mostly craft beers, with “some cheaper options for the student crowd. We’ll also be pushing the boundaries with cocktails. It’s all about the experience.”
“As for food, we’re going to be working with The Food Shop across the street. Anthony (Lennan) is going to provide us baked fresh goods along the lines of soft pretzels and sausage rolls and anything else he can think of.”
Ultimately, the goal, says Clarkin, is to offer “an inclusive, accessible space for people from all walks of life. We want to host all sorts of acts, all sorts of special nights, and bring in a really good variety of folks, and remind people that downtown isn’t as bad as a lot of people say.”
Once the bar is open, Clarkin sees his role as that of the welcoming host.
“Just treating every guest how you would want to be treated when you go out. Being nice to someone goes a long way. It’s a lost art. We just want everyone to feel good here and feel taken care of.”
Not lost on Clarkin is the number of downtown bars that have closed in recent years, the latest being the Historic Red Dog on Hunter Street West. That said, new nightspots have opened, examples being Jethro’s Bar + Stage and the second coming of The Pig’s Ear Tavern. Both are thriving, which bodes well for Clarkin’s new bar.
“My paramount plan is to really advocate more for the downtown. I’m friends with all the business owners along this stretch of Water Street. They’re all great people making a go of it. This strip of Water Street (between Simcoe and Hunter streets) is really cool. It’s becoming the new Hunter Street.”
“If I can keep walking in here every day with a smile on my face, and I’m able to keep feeding my family and feeding my employees’ families and keeping everyone happy, that’s the goal.”
“We have so many great young people in this town, so many great musicians, so many great artists, and we’re lacking space for them,” Clarkin notes. “If I can play even a tiny part in giving people opportunities like I was given when I was younger, I’m set for life. That’s all I really care about — giving back to a community that’s been so generous to me.”
Between Revelstoke Café and a one-year-old at home, with twins on the way, this new venture won’t leave a lot of wiggle room for Clarkin. He’s good with that.
“We’re blessed. I’ve got a great support system. My father is very hands on with both businesses and that really helps.”
Now, with the opening of Bar 379 just weeks away, the broad smile on Clarkin’s face speaks to his anticipation.
“I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. Let’s get this done. Let’s get it open.”
