On a quiet sixth floor of a Beijing apartment, a living homage to Central Perk has taken root. The space mirrors the famed cafe with warm brick tones, cozy mismatched lamps, and furnishings that feel intentionally nostalgic. An arched window sign instantly signals Friends to passersby, even if the measurements aren’t exact. The atmosphere reads as familiar and inviting. Guests step into a corridor of memory, greeted by the hum of conversations, the aroma of roasted coffee, and a color palette that echoes the TV set. Locating the cafe on a higher floor adds a small sense of discovery—a preface to the first sip.
Within, the orange sofa faces a wall mounted TV that endlessly loops FRIENDS episodes. The owner, Du Xin, has earned the nickname Gunther from regulars who swap favorite lines and moments. Behind the bar, staff and visitors trade memories of beloved scenes as the coffee machine hums and a familiar playlist drifts through the room. The space feels more like a living tribute than a cafe, a gathering place where fans from different generations reminisce. People linger, recite beloved quotes, and savor treats that nod to the show while the screen keeps the energy bright. It invites conversation as readily as a second cup of coffee.
The menu echoes the show’s playful constraint. Only items that appeared in FRIENDS are offered, turning each order into a remembered moment. Each dish and drink is listed with the exact moment it was mentioned on screen, inviting patrons to relive the scene as they order and sip. The staff sometimes recounts the scene while preparing the item, adding a tiny breadcrumb of memory to the service. It is less about novelty and more about building a living archive where pop culture history feels accessible and social, not distant or academic. The result is a cafe that feels like a curated tour through episodes, a place where taste and memory intersect in a very human way.
Du Xin has extended the concept with a second location in Shanghai that echoes the same spirit while bringing fresh energy to a different city. The Shanghai cafe has become a meeting point for FRIENDS fans who want to compare spaces, share episode notes, and plan informal get togethers. People describe the experience as part cafe, part fan club, and part social anchor in a busy modern city. The combination of thoughtful design details, warm service, and shared nostalgia has drawn curious visitors and devoted followers alike, fueling conversations and new friendships around the show.
Readers who enjoy the idea of sitcom inspired spaces are invited to imagine their own dream cafe or restaurant that captures a show’s heartbeat. Which show would be translated into a real world space? Share thoughts in the comments or on social media to join the conversation and celebrate fan culture that turns screens into rooms. A global audience, including readers in Canada and the United States, can appreciate how pop culture spaces turn beloved moments into shared experiences.