Criterion Restaurant, Victorian restaurant in Piccadilly Circus, London, England
The Criterion Restaurant occupies a Neo-Byzantine building in Piccadilly Circus featuring gilded ceilings, marble columns, and decorative tilework that incorporates jade and turquoise stones throughout. The dining spaces showcase ornamental details visible across walls and surfaces, creating a richly decorated interior.
The restaurant opened in 1873 after architect Thomas Verity spent two years constructing an elaborate building with special materials. The opening marked the beginning of its role as a gathering place for London society and later for writers and activists.
The name derives from a Greek word meaning standard or criterion, reflecting the ambition to create a place of highest quality. Visitors today still see the ornate gilded ceilings and marble columns, showing how people wanted to dine here with style and importance.
The location is near several Underground stations and is easy to reach by public transport. The restaurant accommodates large groups for private celebrations and special occasions, making it convenient for shared meals.
Writer Arthur Conan Doyle developed the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson while spending time here, and they later appeared in his detective stories. This connection made the restaurant a literary place where the world's most famous detectives had their beginnings.
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