March 2026
The Maori Chief Hotel on Moray Street South Melbourne, looking splendidly prominent – but also rather forlorn, since it appears to be closed.
It was built in 1875, replacing an earlier pub of 1867 (wasn’t that old, maybe it was a little timber shack?) and already sported the exotic name. Nobody knows exactly why it has the name except that maybe it was inspired by a Māori visit of some sort – but I can’t see any news reports about that, though in 1867 the then Maori Chief in New Zealand died, so maybe they just saw a newspaper ?
Anyway theres a faded rather naive drawing of a chief in the first floor corner, but it’s after 1970 (B&W pic). The tiles and leadlight at ground level are very nice and look 1920s to me. Inside there’s nothing at all original or even early.
It was put up for lease in 2024 maybe still going in 2025, but looks quite closed now, and Google maps says it’s closed. Great sign on the corner, not my photo. Update : it’s owned by a rich person/company who have offices there and use the bar – as a bar !
Storey of Melbourne 
I walked past it today after visiting Clarendon Street, where a variety of people were seen trying to enter the closed Coles and Chemist Warehouse. The pub is definitely closed, and not just for Good Friday. Your basic old school pub just doesn’t cut it anymore. I hope is won’t be demolished. It could become nice apartments, with parking underneath in the cellar.
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