Where: The Criterion, 224 Piccadilly, Piccadilly, London W1J 9HP
When: December 2012
The
Criterion Restaurant. The name alone conjures up visions of a glorious
past. As you sit and lose yourself in the opulence of the neo-Byzantine
architecture, it's easy to believe the building is soaked in a
fascinating history. With its gold and marble shimmering alongside the
mosaics, mirrors and plaques, the restaurant has an almost celestial
air. If the walls could talk, they would surely whisper to you their
secrets...
They would tell of when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first imagined the meeting between Dr. Watson and the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes, in the Criterion Long Bar...
They would tell of when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first imagined the meeting between Dr. Watson and the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes, in the Criterion Long Bar...
...and it here that we found ourselves waiting patiently for a table (I would advise booking, we were lucky!) Since The Criterion is such an elegant and breath takingly beautiful restaurant, it really is a place, in which you don't mind pausing, posing and people watching. We visited the restaurant on a cold,
rainy evening and it was such a pleasure to step into the Christmassy,
gold ceilinged room and leave the dark and wet behind. A pianist was playing appropriately festive tunes which was a pleasing backdrop to the general happy atmosphere. Service was friendly and relaxed and the couple next to us provided additional entertaining conversation - yes that's how close the tables are.
The food was good but nothing spectacular, certainly not living up to the opulent surroundings but all in all, The Criterian is a beautiful romantic escape from the craziness of Piccadilly Circus and somewhere I certainly would pop in again especially for the very reasonable 2 courses for 23GBP offer.
The food was good but nothing spectacular, certainly not living up to the opulent surroundings but all in all, The Criterian is a beautiful romantic escape from the craziness of Piccadilly Circus and somewhere I certainly would pop in again especially for the very reasonable 2 courses for 23GBP offer.
Starters:
Roasted white onion soup, confit guinea fowl, brie (V)
Buffalo mozzarella, heritage tomato, pesto, white balsamic jelly (V)
Mains:
Homemade linguini, clams, squid, prawns, mussels, chilli, garlic, rocket salad
Pan fried Wester Ross salmon, samphire, beetroot & horseradish puree
Originally opened in 1874, the Grade II listed lavish space has undergone a gentle and sympathetic restoration of its spectacular interiors, adding warmth and softness to the space.
Head Chef, Matthew Foxon, has created a Modern European menu that is simple and luxurious, sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients from the British Isles. Live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 7pm add to the charming ambiance. Come and discover this gem of history and timeless elegance for yourself.
Contact:
The Criterion, 224 Piccadilly, Piccadilly, London W1J 9HP
Reservations:
T 020 7930 0488 F 020 7930 8380
Email: reservations@criterionrestaurant.com
www.criterionrestaurant.com
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