Astoria making comeback

Wellington’s Cafe Astoria is to reopen – in the same place, and with the same name – after closing its doors and laying off all 31 of its staff in December last year. Back then, owners Yu Group – who also owned Atlas restaurant, Choice Bros brewery, Husk bar and restaurant, The Hudson on Chews and Arcade Burger – said the cafe was closed due to increased running costs, which it was unable to offset by raising the price of a cup of coffee. James Pask, executive chef for Yu Group, said the new Astoria would employ between 30 and 50 new staff and would pay staff the living wage or more. ‘‘We made a decision, with everything that’s going on, that what’s really important is staff retention and their wellbeing,’’ Pask said. The cafe, in Midland Park in Wellington’s central business district, was a popular spot for politicians and public servants and was well known as a place to see and be seen in the capital. Pask said the business would have a full refresh to modernise the space, and would expand its business hours to include dinner.