Coffer Corporate Leisure is delighted to announce the sale of the iconic Covent Garden restaurant and brand, “Christopher’s American Bar and Grill”, on behalf of the owners.

The purchaser is The Hon. Ambar Paul, a Director of the conglomerate Caparo Group, headed by Lord Paul. The acquisition comprises Ambar Paul’s first foray into the restaurant sector, although the Paul family have a long association in leisure with past and present investments including a current hotel group, Caparo Hotels.

It is understood that Ambar Paul will continue to trade Christopher’s in its current format whilst considering a number of alternative investment / roll-out options for the site and brand in the medium term.

Christopher’s was originally inspired by the Chicago Palm Restaurant in America and Christopher Gilmour, the founder, opened ‘Christopher’s The American Bar and Grill’ in 1991 to serve good quality American steaks and lobsters. The restaurant and bar quickly became something of an institution renowned for its authentic reproduction of the classic “steak and lobster” houses of the East Coast of the United States and has established a reputation as one of the strongest American restaurant brands in London and the UK.

Christopher’s is situated within an impressive Grade II Listed Victorian property on Wellington Street in the thriving heart of London’s West End Theatre-land. Nearby venues include the Lyceum (which is currently showing the acclaimed and extremely successful musical, “The Lion King”), The Adelphi Theatre, Theatre Royal and Aldwych Theatre.

Ambar Paul commented: “I am delighted to have acquired this iconic brand and restaurant in Covent Garden for which I am considering a number of investment/roll out options. With the significant investment I plan to undertake I am confident that this fantastic site will continue to offer a quality dining experience for both existing and future patrons.”

Lawrence Telford, Director of Coffer Corporate Leisure, said: “We were delighted to act on behalf of Christopher’s American Bar & Grill in the successful sale of this iconic brand and business. Whilst confidential, we secured a premium for this site despite the prevailing economic conditions illustrating further that good quality, well located sites will command significant interest and premiums.”