In 1920 plans were drawn up to erect a cinema on the site.
Fondly remembered as the local Bughouse, The Criterion Cinema brought an entertaining colourful era to Simon's Town. The Bioscope was run by the Foster Family for many years until 20th Century Fox took over. Romantic couples were ushered to their seats by Michael and colleagues. Many long lasting relationships were conceived and believe it or not a few babies began their newborn lives in the cinema. The Projectionist delighted audiences with movies such as Hoor my Lied, Young Fury, Tarzan and the Great River, Pistol for Ringo, The Game is Over, Gents in a Jam, Night of The Generals,  All The Way to Paris, Coast of Skeletons, King Hendrik, Lucky, As Ons Twee Eers Getroud is, Lord om Piet, Tom, Dick en Herrie, Basie, Oupa en die Plaasnooientjie, How die Blinkkant bou, Rip van Wyk, Dis Lekker om te Lewe, Daar doer in die Stad , 'n Plan is 'n Boedery, Hans die Skipper, Daar Doer in die Bosveld,  Inspan,  Altyd in my Drome, Alles sal Regkom, Cry The Beloved Country(1951), Dr Kwak, Simon Beyers, Geboortegrond, The Blue Lagoon (1923), and many others graced the screen over the years.  He also became engrossed with some of his stars, as these clippings show. African Consolidated Theatres purchased a site in 1954 next to Jubilee Square to erect a new cinema for Europeans in order to turn the Criterion into a Non European Cinema. Due to a drop in trade this project was abolished and the site was resold to Simon's Town for œ3000. The site was reduced slightly and sold to The Seven Seas club for 1400 Pounds in 1960. The Market Square across the road was renamed Jubilee Square to commemorate the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King George V.

Eleven Palm trees were planted in the square to mark the event. Today a beautifully crafted Statue stands in the square in remembrance of Able Seaman Just Nuisance. In 1967 Simon's Town was declared a 'White' area bringing forth the closure of an era filled with wonderful, colorful characters.

The Cinema doors were finally closed in 1973 due to lack of patronage. Café  Pescado The building was then converted into 'Barry's Furniture Shop' in 1982.

Mr Adendorff purchased the building and converted it into a craft center housing many interesting stalls. Killicks Coffee Place became The Penguin Coffee Place.

In 1996 Sue and Bob Gosney took over the coffee shop at the back of the craft market, renamed it Café Pescado and slowly but surely took over the rest of the building introducing Café Pescado and providing a background for the wonderful entertainment that we are now proud to offer. Pescado's has since been resold and the adventure continues.

Live Music creates a vibey ambience for locals and visitors to join in. Many artists including Robin Auld, Mark Sampson, The Latinos, Erica Lundi, James Kibbi, Nick le Roux, Judy Joubert, Gaeton Alkoordass, Derek Rivett , Vic Higgins, Gordon Mackay and Sharon Clifton have performed at the venue. Tuesday night perfomers bring back the 60, 70 and 80's evergreen music. Special performances on weekends include comedy and a variety of music including Rock & Contemporary Jazz, The Blues and Latin sounds.  The Criterion The gallery area of the old cinema has been redone as a mini theatre and lounge. The theatre has become a venue for The Criterion Spring Film Festival and has successfully hosted theatrical plays including a one man show by Graham Clarke "The Devil and Billy Markham"

References: Simon's Town Museum, Historical Simon's Town, Simon's Town Historical Society Bulletin, South African Film & Video Services, National Film Archives, Bev de Meyer. Under the Criterion Floorboards.