Café Monico, Historic restaurant in Soho, England
Café Monico was a two-story restaurant on Shaftesbury Avenue in London's theater district. It served classic European cuisine with French and Italian culinary traditions.
The restaurant was founded in 1877 by brothers Giacomo and Battista Monico, initially located on Tichborne Street. It moved to Shaftesbury Avenue after that street was eventually demolished as part of urban development.
The venue served as a gathering place for London's climbing community and sporting enthusiasts who made it their regular meeting spot. This connection to mountaineering circles shaped its reputation as a social hub for active pursuits.
The restaurant sat centrally between two theaters, making it easy to locate. Operating hours ran from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours offered on weekends.
The venue hosted the first World Weightlifting Championships in 1891 and later served as the birthplace of The Climbers' Club in 1897. These two events highlight its role as a meeting ground for sporting pioneers and adventurers.
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