The Criterion

Where tradition meets technology

Boasting a 135-year history, The Criterion was bought by the Vins Holdings group last year. TISSL provided the EPoS system for the venue and was chosen for its superior customer service

The Criterion in London’s Piccadilly is one of the world’s best-known restaurants. Boasting a history stretching back to 1874, it is where Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George met to thrash out their political views and it was the venue for gatherings of proud suffragettes. History has quite literally been made there.

“We were impressed by TISSL’s approach to customer service”

However, the restaurant is also famous as the location of a famous literary meeting – according to the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Criterion’s Long Bar was where Dr Watson met Sherlock Holmes.

Today, with its neo-Byzantine architecture, The Criterion has retained much of its opulence – with gold and marble shimmering alongside mosaics and mirrors. But, in many ways, The Criterion is very much in the 21^st century – particularly when it comes to its EPoS systems.

The restaurant changed hands last year and Vins Holdings re-opened the restaurant on 27 February 2009. New systems from TISSL sprung into action that day – with four terminals front-of-house and a back office system as well.

“We looked at a number of EPoS suppliers,” says Irakli Sopromadze, owner of The Criterion. “We were, however, particularly impressed by TISSL’s approach to customer service. They were the only company to stand up and offer us comprehensive support and that, to us, is key. It has been borne out in the fact that if we have worries or questions, somebody always gets back to us really quickly – often within the hour.”

He continues: “The TISSL team also presented confidently and showed obvious knowledge and expertise. We wanted to work with an EPoS provider we could trust – and, in TISSL, we have found that provider.”

“The TISSL team also presented confidently and showed obvious knowledge and expertise”

Vins Holdings is building a portfolio of properties that boost ‘great character and distinction’.

“After identifying the correct type of establishment, we sensitively and skilfully maximise the potential of each business by building around its core strengths and attractions,” says Irakli, who adds that The Criterion is currently the company’s flagship restaurant property.

“The training that TISSL provided was excellent”

Irakli says that the TISSL terminals, both front-of-house and in the back office, are easy to use.

“None of our staff have had any problems using the technology and navigating their way around the TISSL system,” he says. “The training that TISSL provided was excellent and they explained how we can tailor the system – adding buttons as menus change, for instance.”

The Criterion’s Head Chef, Matthew Foxon, has created a modern European menu that is ‘simple and luxurious’, sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients. The restaurant also offers live music every Friday and Saturday night

“We are really pleased with how successful the restaurant has been,” adds Irakli. “Taking over and running a well-established restaurant like The Criterion is always a challenge and that transition period can be difficult – but TISSL were fantastic during that time and helped to smooth the way for us.”