Well students, it’s time for another review. This job of reviewing is definitely starting to have its ‘perks’, see what I did there? If only someone would appreciate my genius. To explain Central Perk in a few words; absolutely awesome. A complete recreation of the famous Friends set where all the gang used to hang out and discuss life over coffee has now been brought to Liverpool and is perfect for all students. Don’t get your hopes up though; I was half expecting Günter and his bleach blonde hair to be in there ready to greet me when I opened the door but sadly he wasn’t. He has definitely not done an acting job since Friends too so I reckon he would have unquestionably been up for it. Located by Hatton Garden, Central Perk is immediately striking with its outside image and automatically draws you in. As soon as you walk in, I’m pre-warning you, be prepared to feel like a little kid in a sweet shop. I’m pretty sure you are all avid Friends fans, who isn’t? The ability to sit on the ‘famous couch’, drink coffee and pretend to be your favourite Friends character has surely been a fantasy from all of us that Central Perk makes a reality (WARNING: Shouting; ‘How you doin’?’ at attractive ladies doesn’t work the same as it does in the show and some people consider it ‘harassment’ or something. I found out the hard way). We have all visualised which Friends character we would be, I have always saw myself as a bit of a Ross. Many times in life have I wanted to go ‘Red Ross’ in certain situations but my obesity, blood pressure or a 5 minute walk uphill usually does it for me. I am sort of a mix of all 6; I have Chandlers sarcasm and ability to kill an atmosphere with a joke, Joey’s love for food and theory of not sharing, Phoebes guitar and singing abilities, Ross’ misfortune as well as having a dodgy tan for a week or two, Monica’s obsessive compulsive disorders but not for cleaning, quite the opposite, it seems I have a obsessive compulsive disorder for avoiding cleaning all together. Finally, I have the same fashion sense as Rachel. Always catch me in a short dress catching all sorts of attention. Anyway.. cross-dressing aside, what was Central Perk like?
Upon entering Central Perk, I was immediately impressed with how warm, helpful and friendly the staff where. I’m not surprised; if I worked in a place that looked like the Friends set and it had Friends episodes on throughout the whole day I think I would be pretty happy to be there too. I decided to go for a Latte which somehow had a heart at the top of it which was an excellent touch. This was the first time I was tempted to turn around and say “How you doing?” but I then realised this was not especially done for me and that the staff probably hear this 10x a day and I refuse to be another statistic.
To accompany my latte, I decided to branch out and have a pastrami, mustard, mayo, salad and gherkin sandwich.I didn’t realise there was gherkins until the last bite and was bemused to how I had missed the gherkins and enjoyed it. Then I realised this magical coffee shop posseses the power to even get me over my 21 year fear of gherkins. The latte was one of the smoothest, silkiest and sensual coffees’ I have ever tasted which beautifully accompanied the ambience. The atmosphere within Central Perk is like no other; it is extremely warm, relaxing and impossible to not embrace.
Here is a link to their Menu; http://www.central-perk.co.uk/menus.html. I know we can’t keep you students away from alcohol for long so Central Perk thought ahead and accommodates all you alcoholics in the making. Not only do they especially import Brooklyn Lager (which is definitely worth the effort), they also specialise in 9 different types of cocktails ranging from Long Island Creams to Manhattan Mochas’. Their catalogue of drinks does not end there as they also stock such classics as Vanilla Coke, Root Beer and Minute Maid Lemonade. They also offer incredible cakes to accompany your choice of drink with a variety of sandwiches or bagels. It is a very hard place to review as the idea sells itself. All I can do is reiterate how fantastic this coffee shop is and is perfect for an outing with your new student flatmates to get to know them more or to nurse your mammoth hangover on the famous couch. All that is missing from the shop is Phoebe in the corner singing; ‘Smelly Cat’. You could always be gutsy and innovative enough to bring in a smelly cat with you to make up for this though. Trust me; the coffee is so delicious you will probably have to get one while you are in there and one to take away. I did.
(TOLD YOU)
So then, all you students who where half playing with the idea of coming to Liverpool for University, I’m pretty sure I have just swung your vote. To all you existing students in Liverpool, make sure you go down to Central Perk as soon as possible and live out your very own fantasy of being part of the Friends cast. Head down there yourself with 5 of your friends and take part in a bit of roleplay.. the last time I was with 5 friends and we took part in roleplay I have never been the same since. This promises to be a completely different experience to mine but will be as equally as remarkable. Check out the fantastic landscape inside the shop with a fully framed television playing episodes of Friends all day long. Whether you are a huge Friends fans or not, Central Perk ensures quality throughout all their products and services and will definitely have you coming back again.
Written by David Williams (For and on behalf of UNFOLD Student Life)
