Antique Silverplate "The Monico" Round Tray

It all began in London in 1877, when Brothers Giacomo and Battisa Monico founded a restaurant on a small side street at 15 Tichborne Street. When it opened, it was billed as: “Grand Café Saloon. Grill Room. Best Ventilated Billiard Saloons in London. Supper after the Theatres. Restaurant Open till Half-past 12".

At the time, Tichborne Street where The Monico was located was a tight, central London alley, but as fate and the London Metropolitan Board of Works would have it, that was soon to change. Beginning in 1885, the city of London began strategically demolishing certain buildings on Tichborne Street in order to create Shaftesbury Avenue, a major street running from Piccadilly Circus all the way to New Oxford Street. Those demolitions worked in The Monico's favor by promoting its location from a narrow side street to a prominent position on Shaftesbury Avenue overlooking the much enlarged Piccadilly Circus. 

The Monico became a central meeting point in London, hosting events as varied as the first World Weightlifting Championships in 1891, to the 1899 London Chess Tournament. The restaurant carried on following the deaths of Giacomo and Battisa, as Giacomo's two sons ran it until 1950 when it was purchased by the British hotel and restaurant group, Forte's & Co. It continued to operate as The Monico for many years to follow. 

For over 144 years, The Monico was a beloved haunt in central London. It's location among the West End Theaters made it the perfect spot for a bite to eat either before or after a show. In 2021, however, The Monico became part of London's lost history as the restaurant finally closed its doors for good.

Coming to us from The Monico, we are pleased to offer this lovely Antique Silverplate Serving Tray. No stranger to presentation, we are taken by every detail of the piece including The Monico name and its famed Piccadilly Circus location within a belt and buckle crest, as well as its elegantly detailed scalloped border. With a shining silver presence, the tray was produced by the esteemed Carrington & Co. silversmiths of Regent Street in London.

From one of London's oldest restaurants, we are confident this tray will serve you well; sure to become a beloved addition to your collection.

Strictly limited quantities (at listing a total of 2 trays are available) and subject to prior sale. In very good restored antique condition. 10.25" in diameter.