Café Pescado is located in one of the oldest still standing cinemas in South Africa, The Criterion. The building is still largely in its original state with the projection room, ushers room and Gallery intact. The Managers' offices adjoining the building are currently occupied by Gladys Dilley Estates.
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South Africa's rich Motion Picture history, the second oldest in the world, is set to adorn the walls and decor at Pescado's, paying homage to a history that started with the first 'movie' shot in 1896 by Edgar Hyman. The location is also the site of the 1st Anglican Church in South Africa and our history recollection starts 200 years ago in 1803....The Pack House Henry Roselt, a man with sure intentions purchased Erf 989, Simon's Town in 1803, little realizing the long colorful legacy he would leave us with today. His ownership was short lived and on the 20th October the deed was transferred to Johan Albrecht Dell who in turn passed the deed to William Maude and William Robertson on the 07th December 1804.
In 1806 this entrepreneurial duo built a large double storied pack house on the premises, in the prime centre of Simon's Town, directly opposite the busy market. Maude and Robertson traded as a store.
In February 1810 the building was put up for sale 'By Private Contract' or alternatively to be exchanged for a similar one in Cape Town.
Unfortunately or fortunately the building did not sell and was not exchanged prior to Mr Maude's demise. Once again it was put up for Public Auction and finally rescued by the government on Thursday 04th November 1813. The deed was handed to The Church of England following Governor Sir John Cradock's urging.The premises were converted and became the home to the First Anglican Church in Southern Africa. Governor Sir John Cradock named the Church St George's.St George's Church
The first parishioners entered to worship under the guidance of Reverend George Hough, the First Chaplain on April 24th, 1814.
The Rectory and a school (now Kalidas) were built next to the Church. Rectory Lane runs off St George's Street next to Kalidas.
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Sadly the Church was to go through further change due to savage winter rains causing major damage in 1819 and in 1824 disaster struck when heavy storm water literally washed away the main part of the building.
The Anglican congregation was temporarily housed in the Sail Loft in the West Dockyard. In 1837 St Frances Church, in honour of Lady Frances Cole, was completed next to the Residency. St Frances' Church, the Oldest Anglican Church in South Africa is today a national monument. Andries Lind & Johannes Truter On 1846 19 March a Freehold grant was made to Andries Tredick Carel Lind & Johannes Andrew Truter by His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir Peregrine Maitland. This land should have been passed to the above in 1923 as per the Estate of Christian Michiel Lind but no title had ever been issued. The land formed part of a larger grant made to the Bishop of Cape Town on 18th June 1849.
Originally named Main Street, St George's street was renamed after the first Anglican Church built in South Africa.
CINEMA HISTORY
Situated in the Criterion Cinema and established in 1920
118 St Georges Street, Simon's Town. This also marks the site of the 1st Anglican Church in South Africa.The Anglican Congregation, founded in 1814, celebrates its 192nd Anniversary this year. Cafe Pescado and The Criterion will host a number of events include a Gala Dinner in July marking the event.
The gallery of the old cinema is now the Criterion Lounge. The decor and effects are a tribute the South African Film History which goes back to 1896. The venue has hosted theatrical performances including "The Devil & Billy Markham" starring Graham Clarke and various performances. Lounge about and enjoy a book, a movie or simply utilise the internet facilities now on offer.
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