A Local Legend Since 1854
The Hawthorn Hotel is a local legend, part of the Hawthorn community since it was built in 1854-1855 on the corner of William Street and Burwood Road as The Governor Hotham. It was renamed The Hawthorn Hotel in 2001.
The original hotel was licensed to the owner, John Conran, one of the councillors elected to the first Hawthorn Council in 1860.
The Governor Hotham was one of Hawthorn’s first hotels. It was the site for many significant meetings that were instrumental in the development of Hawthorn.
Important organisations such as the Boroondara District Road Board used it as a meeting place as they were responsible for the development of roads in an area of 5180 hectares of the district then known as The Hawthorns.
The hotel was well-placed as the Hawthorn railway to had extended to Glenferrie and Auburn, and the hotel was in a good position to benefit from railway customers’ patronage.
The hotel was extended in 1883, making more room for the many community events it hosted. As Hawthorn grew, hotels were the venue for all types of meetings including for development and building proposals and to hear the policies of would-be government representatives.
For instance, The Herald reported on 18 July 1861 on “a meeting of electors” held at the hotel with “two hundred persons present”.
The licence for the hotel changed hands many times. It was a time when publicans were well-known in their communities and received quite regular media attention.
On 10 March 1899 the Tatura Guardian reported on a farewell to a much-admired licensee Richard Dummett, who ran the pub for three years.
The event was held at the Hawthorn Town Hall and was told “Mr Dummett had earned the goodwill and esteem of all with whom he had come in contact, and it was a matter of regret that he had retired from the conduct of the hotel where he had been so popular.”
As for the original licensee, John Conran sadly died eight years after building the pub, in 1863, aged just 40.
In 2001 it was renamed The Hawthorn Hotel where it became affectionately known to regulars as ‘The Hawka’. The hotel was purchased by Swinburne University in 2015 and later sold.
Today, The Hawthorn Hotel combines modern bar, restaurant, and function facilities with its traditional pub charm.
Known for its lively atmosphere, it hosts regular live music, DJ nights, and vibrant events. The spacious outdoor beer garden and rooftop deck provide the perfect setting for social gatherings, especially in the warmer months.
Come in soon and say hello.
