George Calombaris is celebrating a professional milestone, with today marking a decade in business at The Press Club.

“This is a time to reflect and to acknowledge the hundreds of staff that have come through the doors of The Press Club,” said Calombaris.

“I am grateful, thankful and so proud of our restaurant and the fact it has made us all so happy over the past 10 years. It is the dreamer of our group and has an incredible way of bringing out our emotions every single day.”

The pioneering modern Greek restaurant, which opened its doors for the first time on 4 October 2006 – also the owner’s 28th birthday – was named after the historic building’s former occupants The Herald and Weekly Times.

It was then almost seven years into business that the restaurant’s first incarnation was temporarily closed for the owner to focus on his next venture GAZI, before reopening in December 2013.

The renovated space reflected the shifting tastes towards a more intimate, bespoke dining experience, featuring a design by March Studios and complimented by purpose built development kitchen by Press Club – Projects.

Having set a new standard for the Hellenic culinary experience, drawing from Calombaris’ classical French training, love of modern cooking techniques and cultural background, The Press Club has been awarded by The Age Good Food Guide as Best New Restaurant in 2008, along with Chef of the Year and has a two hat status.

To mark the anniversary, Calombaris transformed himself into Nikolas, a Greek chef with a surprise to share and lessons to teach, which can be watched below.