"The Criterion is a busy hive of boho activity...guest ales and a busy programme of gigs, music and film events are the main draws, but the Criterion's stone-baked pizzas play their part. The dough is made fresh, daily, and the exemplarily thin bases have a good chew factor, a nice light char, and are topped with decent, fresh ingredients. Remarkably at these prices, the ham is real pig and not some reconstituted pap. The whole place has a real generosity of spirit about it. Staff are friendly, it's comfy, a little bit quirky, and - but for some beer memorabilia - defiantly unstyled" - The Guardian

"The Criterion has a reputation for stocking real ales from micro-breweries and is part of LocAle.The pub has knowledgeable staff, regular quizzes, beer festivals and music sessions. Food is served too, really wonderful, authentic Italian pizzas heading the menu, but other items are also available - CAMRA Leicester, who named the Criterion 'Pub of the Year' 3 years running