George Calombaris shows off his new-look Hellenic Republic Kew restaurant

MasterChef’s George Calombaris shows off his new-look Hellenic Republic Kew restaurant. SEE THE VIDEO.

George Calombaris has unveiled his new-look Hellenic Republic restaurant in Kew, which was extensively renovated over the summer.

The design by March Studios has an impressive woven rattan roof as a key feature.

The MasterChef judge says he pays special attention to the ceiling in all his venues “as people always look up”.

“This ceiling represents connection … symbolism of family sitting around a table, friends exchanging food and breaking bread. That’s what this place is all about,” he says.

The new restaurant has at its heart a giant custom-built wood-fired oven that the team has affectionately dubbed “Uncle George”.

Calombaris describes the new oven as the backbone of the menu, which has also been updated.

While favourites like the chicken spit and stifado remain, new dishes make use of the new oven, including wood-baked oysters with ouzo Kilpatrick jam.

New function rooms named Odysseus and Penelope are another feature of the refurbishment, which Calombaris says is his favourite new feature of the restaurant.

“I wanted to give each of the rooms an identity ... a meaning that went far beyond the design. It’s edgy and fun, but still sophisticated.”