Located at 213–215 High Street, Prahran, High Street Hotel has been a local icon for over 170 years. Originally built in 1853–54 as the Duke of York Hotel, this corner pub has evolved alongside the vibrant Prahran community, with its first owner, William Hardwood, a Sheffield cutler who arrived in Melbourne in the 1840s.
The hotel quickly became a key stopping point for omnibuses travelling between the city and surrounding areas, serving both travellers and locals. In 1927, the building underwent significant renovations to meet the demands of the time, reflecting the broader trend of refurbishing Victorian-era hotels.
The Duke of York Hotel was renamed Edwards Tavern in 1984 and became a popular live music venue under the Kocher family. In 2010, Sand Hill Road took over, commissioning a bold redesign by Techne Architects. The contemporary revamp maintained the hotel’s historical charm while introducing modern design elements, including a striking façade featuring 17 oversized concrete pipes that created unique indoor booths.
After operating as The Smith, the venue underwent a major renovation in 2025. It reopened in late November as High Street Hotel, beginning a new chapter for this historic Prahran pub.