DARRENERS of a certain age will have no trouble in recognising this image of this smart cafe which used to serve the town.

It's the luxurious, mock-Tudor-timbered Criterion, which could be found at The Circus, in premises above the Midland Bank.

In years gone by, it would serve two and three course luncheons, on crisp white tablecloths to be enjoyed by busy businessmen or ladies who had been browsing the local stores, with their wicker shopping baskets over their arm.

Waitresses, in frilly white aprons and caps, would bring morning coffee and high tea, with cake stands bearing all manner of cream cakes, vanilla slices and tea loaf.

It would all come on pretty matching floral crockery and customers used linen napkins to protect their crisp suits, with cake forks for their Victoria sandwich and fish knives for their plaice.

For many decades, the cafe was also a popular choice of wedding reception for newly married couples when guests would be able to sit down to perfectly cut sandwiches, mini sausage rolls and trifle, while toasting the bride and groom, probably in sherry.

Did you enjoy your wedding breakfast at the Criterion?