On January 2nd 1867 Cobb & Cos “Telegraph Line of coaches started from the original Criterion, later to be demolished to make way for the present Criterion Hotel built in 1917.
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The Criterion, a place of cultural significance became heritage list in March of 1994. The Main bar features a silky oak bar with a curved central bay and mirrored shelving, workmanship not seen today has made the windows of lead lighting a main attraction from the footpath and the pressed metal ceiling are another highlight of the building. |
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There is some dispute over whether the six faces in the pressed metal ceiling are faces of the virgin Mary or Cherubs watching over the patrons. The hotel retains a substantial amount of the original joinery including the main staircase. In the 1940’s the pressed metal ceiling in the public bar now know as the Three Bullet Bar was pierced by three shots from the rifle of a returned serviceman, hence it’s name. The bullet holes remain today. |
