Another Round at the Pig’s Ear Tavern

Trent Alum to Partner on a Re-opening of the Iconic Tavern 

January 23, 2023

Ask Trent Peterborough alumni of a certain vintage about their social lives at the University and the Pig’s Ear Tavern is bound to come up. The downtown watering hole was so much a Trent tradition that founding Trent president THB Symons once attended a “Piggy Degree” ceremony where graduating students received recognition for their patronage.

It should come as no surprise that two Trent alumni have stepped up to re-open “The Piggy” after the pub closed its doors in 2017. 

Steve Robertson ’93 (Psychology) and Ashley Holmes ’06 (Business Administration), along with two other investor-friends, received keys to the building on January 20, 2023 after purchasing the then-vacant property. 

The Pig’s Ear, which first opened its doors as the St. Maurice Saloon two years before Confederation, held unique status as a University hangout, hub for the local Peterborough/Trent music scene and long standing locals pub. Its closure left a huge hole in both the Peterborough and Trent communities. 

“The loss of The Pig’s Ear was more than losing a bar,” notes Steve. “To so many people, it was a part of their fondest memories. Dating back over 150 years, the city also lost a piece of history. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back this long-cherished establishment, where people can once again meet to talk, laugh, sing, and form new memories over a tray of beer!” 

The duo hope to turn back the clock and offer a reassuring link to pre-pandemic Peterborough – and pre-pandemic Trent. 

“The timing for re-opening the Pig’s Ear feels right,” explains Ashley of the purchase. “Who knows if the bar would have been able to  survive the last 3 years. Taking trays to-go might not have worked out. It’s really exciting that we get to be a part of its history.” 

The doors of the infamous Pig’s Ear Tavern closed on April 22, 2017 when owners John and Lylie Punter sold the building to retire. John and Lylie offer their joy and support to the new Pig’s Ear Tavern.

“Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes,” they said in a statement. “Piggy 2.0: Better than ever!”  

Expect an announcement for re-opening plans soon.

And then get ready to line up for the first tray in a good while.

For more information on the Pig's Ear re-opening, please email Steve and Ashley at info@pigseartavern.com