If you're an avid fan of the ever popular sitcom, Friends, and you've not known, you should do now, because you can always relieve the whole Friends experience and even try to be in the show yourself, only in Central Perk cafe, in Beijing, China.
Before I continue, let me first say that (1) my own photos are blurry, (2) I hardly take any photos because I was too tired from carrying my heavy backpack and walking under the hot sun to reach this cafe, (3) couldn't order much because I was simply too stuffed from eating peking duck before coming.
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| Photo taken from The Telegraph. |
Location 4/5
Situated at the 6th storey of an office block in the CBD of Beijing, one would initially find Central Perk feeling out of place. But the moment you step inside, you just feel like you're home or something. The ambience is so calming and homely, I enjoyed it! It's pretty much a stone's throw away from the subway station, so it's easily accessible! One thing to note though, there are a few office blocks in the place it's located, so be sure you enter the correct office building.
Service 5/5
We arrived all tired and sweating (our backpacks were heavy and it was scorching hot), only to realize there was no seats available. But a staff quickly came to welcome us and was really helpful in finding two seats for us. Their english was impeccable too, and it was a delight to know that.
Pricing 3.5/5
Food and beverage is priced at your standard market pricing. 20rmb for a cup of tea, 30rmb for a cup of mocha, 15rmb for a cupcake. Well, not too bad I'd say.
Food 4.5/5
We only ordered a cup of mint mocha and a cup of tea. Well the tea was Twinings, so nothing would go wrong with that. The mint mocha was good, like really good, and it was served in a huge cup. It was however, just a bit too sweet after drinking too much, or maybe it was just because I was just feeling too full from the duck. All in all, I think their coffee beverages are worth trying. They serve cupcakes as well, which are named according to the characters in the sitcom. We wanted to try the "Monica" but unfortunately, it was sold out.
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| Photo taken from Buzzfeed. |
Overall 4/5
In essence, this is a cafe you gotta check it out when you're in Beijing. It should top your list of to-dos when you've only got a few hours in town (like us). Well I mean, there aren't many Friends cafe in the world to begin with, so this definitely sets itself different from your other usual cafes. At Central Perk, you get to watch Friends for free too, and sit on that
orange couch! Well, unless you are unlucky to meet "hoggers" who refuse to give up their seats on that couch, then too bad for you. Or you could try paying the "hoggers" off (hehe). Do also take note that this cafe might see a lot of college students, probably more than what you get in usual cafes.
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| Photo taken from Buzzfeed. |
Address: Central Perk, Chaowai SOHO, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Building A, Suite 0616. 朝阳门外大街, 朝外SOHO, A区0616室.
