It’s the end of an era for popular award winning restaurant Press Club, one of the many restaurants Greek Australian restaurateur George Calombaris has owned and operated since 2006.

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.

George Colombaris expressed his feelings on the restaurant’s Facebook page:

“These will be the hardest words I have to write. I am emotional. I can’t stop crying but I know good things have to come to an end. @thepressclub has given me everything. Not just me but also thousands who have experienced it. @thepressclub was a dream to put Hellenic ideas on the map. To love the past and to always look forward. Yes, it’s the end. And also the beginning. I am an Aussie. I am a Hellene. We never stop dreaming, thinking and creating. We make mistakes. Lots of them. @thepressclub will always be in my heart and soul – 12 years of memories. More than a restaurant; it’s a place that creates stories, innovation, love and life. We’ve had the privilege to welcome over 600,000 guests, travel our menu across the globe and together, become a family. Now, it’s time for a new chapter and to write a whole new book,” wrote a Calombaris announcing that on 29 June 2019 the restaurant’s team will serve their final menu before entering an exciting phase of reinvention. “We are incredibly proud of the past and now more than ever, inspired by the future. There will be exciting events over the next few months to celebrate signature dishes and host special guest chefs to celebrate their part in the journey. Join us in what has been and share the excitement for what is to come. Thank you for your support. To the next chapter.”

Shaping its own culture of excellence across Australia

Accolades and awards were plentiful for the Press Club. The Age Good Food Guide had dubbed it the Best New Restaurant in 2008, along with the Chef of the Year award. The restaurant has a two hat status. “It’s all about food in the middle of the table that’s shared between friends and family; that’s the Hellenic way, the Hellenic spirit,” George Calombaris said in a past interview with Neos Kosmos after three of his establishment were voted amongst the best 500 restaurants in Australia, (according to the 2017 Australia’s Top Restaurants Awards, compiled by The Australian Financial Review).