London - February 03, 2006

Rich Pickings

Astor Bar & Grill Opens

John Jacob, a fur trader, made a few bucks. Brooke and Vincent made more. William Waldorf the First was positively rolling in it.

Now there’s a new addition to the Astor clan, and it’s loaded — with top-notch cocktails, first-class food and a grand clientele. Astor Bar & Grill comprises a vast restaurant, late-night bar, cigar shop and one of the largest private dining rooms in London (big enough for 80 of your closest friends).

Formerly Oliver Peyton’s Atlantic Bar & Grill and, before that, 1920s hotspot the Regent Palace Hotel, The Astor is founded by restaurateur Gary Ashworth and Channel 4 Chairman Luke Johnson. The menu is just as impressive: rich foie gras with truffles, smoked salmon terrine, tender grilled Scotch steaks and extravagant puddings.

You don’t have to be as rich as the iced bitter chocolate soup to come here.

But it’ll help.

Astor Bar & Grill, 20 Glasshouse Street, W1 (020 7734 4888 or astorbarandgrill.com).