We have reunited with Tatler to introduce an all-new transportive pop-up experience to the historic Magistracy building in Tai Kwun. This summer’s collaboration brings you far away from the towering skyscrapers and high-rise residential buildings of Hong Kong to the Greek Islands scattered along the edge of the Aegean Sea, where crystal-clear blue waters are reflected off stark white walls and days end in nights filled with revelry and celebration. Where evenings are spent watching the sunset over shimmering waters as the kids are tucked away in bed, and boisterous dinners with friends turn into impromptu dance parties, one too many glasses of wine imbibed.

Spread throughout the villages and all along the coast are numerous open-air eateries, from relaxed beachside restaurants that stretch far along the sandy shores to those tucked along the streets awash in whites and blues where you can exchange swimwear for your finest, breeziest whites and linens, dressed for an evening of glamour and joyful celebration. The clattering of cutlery and raucous laughter sets the stage for lively ouzo-fuelled evenings, where everyone in the room embraces the Greek way of life. Where tables filled with generous spreads of mezze and the hum of conversation crescendos as the hours’ tick by, and the day’s events are all washed down with one too many rounds of ouzo.

Starting 24 May, escape into a world where partying and play are the ideal way to celebrate life and the vibrant, bustling energy of the city is transformed into an evening of pure celebration. You are welcomed into the ouzeria at Papadakis with animated, jubilant greetings and, as is customary, a shot of ouzo. Glasses of wine are handed out by cheerful bartenders who give only one option, white or red, whetting the appetite for the evening to come. Evenings here are not made for decision making, they are simply meant to be enjoyed whole-heartedly, even if they end as a foggy memory.

The energy of the room is high as you are seated, with the bantering of friends and the dimming sunlight bounces off the glittering disco ball tucked in the corner, a nod to the evening of revelry that awaits. A single menu of classic Greek dishes  invite you to unwind in the dining room, where wine glasses are never empty and spirited servers weave through the tables dropping a colourful spread of sharing-style mezze alongside surprise shots of ouzo.

From a smooth and creamy house-made Hummus and the traditional Taramasalata, the recipe for which remains a secret and has been handed down through generations, to the smoky Roasted Eggplant, all are made to be perfectly scooped up with warm Greek pita or fresh-cut crudités.

The thrum of conversation and raucous laughter is the ideal backdrop to a meal best enjoyed after a long day soaking in the sun, exploring the nooks and crannies of the beautiful seaside villages, skin kissed by the salty sea air. Alongside the colourful mezze are dishes that showcase treasures of the sea, from the Bottarga Avgotaraho, or sliced Hamachi with watermelon, lemon, olives and bottarga to the estiatòrio’s signature dish, Scallop Saganaki, seared jumbo scallops basted with roasted cherry tomato, ouzo butter and a dusting of green herbs.

As the hour chimes, raise a glass to Dimitrios, the host for the evening, and cheer “Yamas!”, downing a glass of ouzo. Finally, the show stopping main: a shoulder of Slow-roasted Lamb. Marinated for 12-hours this succulent cut is roasted, wrapped and basted in lemon, herbs and red wine. This slow-cooked masterpiece is a mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone dish enjoyed with a selection of sides, from the light and refreshing classic Greek Village Salad to the hearty Potatoes Papadakis.

After dinner, you can stop by the quaint souvenir shop tucked away on the side street, where scoops of gelato and a selection of nostalgic candies await so you can end the night with an extra sweet treat. In collaboration with Messina, Papadakis introduces two limited-edition flavours for you, Scents of Santorini a refreshing grapefruit and olive oil sorbet and A Greek Tragedy, a honey gelato smashed with pistachio baklava and pistachio fudge (also available for a limited time at Messina). Hidden amongst the walls filled with floaties and other beachside gear, is a display of postcards available to send home to family and friends, a reminder of long nights and lively evenings spent in the sunny seaside Aegean villages.

As we celebrate 10 years, Papadakis kicks off Summer Festival, celebrating a decade of Hong Kong’s most compelling hospitality movement. Stay tuned for a detailed line-up of transportive experiences to come.

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The Papadakis experience is available for three weeks only, from 24 May through 26 June, prices are inclusive of free-flow drinks. Available by invitation only, register here. Follow @papadakis_popup to learn more.

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