Iconic Prahran Corner Pub Set For Massive Glow-Up & A Little Nod To Ralph Lauren

Keen eyes watching the Prahran side of High Street will have noticed The Smith quietly shut its doors with the pub undergoing a pretty serious glow-up.

The old dame is set to reopen as the High St Hotel at the end of November, channeling a bit of “Ralph Lauren meets Prahran energy” according to new owners Nic and Bianca Gordon.

The pair you may know from Blue Tongue Wine Bar in Elwood as well, another southside institution. They've onboarded executive chef Sebastian McQuarrie, who has taken pub classics and given them just the right amount of polish. 

Expect the likes of whole rotisserie chicken or porchetta with sides, crab and prawn toast with XO mayo, deep-fried beef and mozzarella lasagne bites (yes, really—now it’s just a game of how many we can put away), and an eye fillet steak frites dripping in bone marrow butter. It’s comforting, elevated and designed to share.

“Sebastian brings a stellar resume of culinary leadership across high-performing hospitality venues,” says Bianca, “His appointment signals a serious commitment to food quality, consistency, and an elevated yet approachable dining experience.”

The nod to Ralph Lauren, is all British racing green and polished brass form a stately, but moody interior, making the venue look proper pub-y again.

There’s the street-side front bar, a massive dining room and a big beer garden perfect for sunny afternoons and whatever game tickles your fancy. 

The relaunch has that little family touch as well, with Nic and Bianca putting theirs first; his nephew and cousin running the floor—and the community as well with $10,000 grants up for grabs for local sporting clubs.

For more of Melbourne's best pubs head this way, and you can check out our guide on where to eat on Chapel Street right here. 

Keep your eyes peeled for an opening date, we’re hearing towards the end of November. Find the High St Hotel at 213 High Street, Prahran.