For a lot of Londoners, the prospect of getting their own cat often can’t be a reality – that’s where Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium comes in.
This place is a haven for those who miss being around kitties, and of course, those who just can’t get enough of hanging out with them.
If your idea of the purrfect (sorry, no more, I promise) tranquil break from city life includes a cosy cuppa, or an afternoon tea sitting among lots of the cutest felines, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is a must-visit.
Lady Dinah’s follows the adopt-don’t-shop mantra – all of their adorable feline residents have been rescued from shelters – and they encourage those wanting their own moggy to do the same. Some of their previous residents go on to be adopted.
A lot of the resident floofs are members of the same family, and they all have very different personalities (S/O to Wookie, my number one since day one – he is an absolute u n i t.) Some demand all of your attention (looking at you, Peter and Lizzie!) and only expect the most specific of pats – it’s definitely worth finding out from the Dinah’s cat carers what the cattos in your immediate vicinity are fans of, and what they are not, to ensure you make the best of friends, and not mortal enemies.
This cat cafe has been thoughtfully created to be a calming sanctuary for cats and cat fans alike. The cats have lots of places up high from which to observe their human servants and entertainers below, and they have lots of toys, places to exercise and sleep – including boxes of course.
It goes without saying that Lady Dinah’s put the cats welfare first and foremost – the way it should be! This means that there are a few very easy mandatory house rules to follow – this isn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee shop after all.
The rules are all on their website and you should definitely check these out before you book – for instance, no, you can’t pick up and squish the kitties, and no kids under 12 are permitted, (paradise, eh!?) and of course, the golden rule, let sleeping cats lie.
Location: 152-154, Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG. Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street Overground, or Bethnal Green Tube Station. Find it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: Monday 10am – 6pm, Tuesday 11am – 6pm, Closed Wednesdays, Thursday 11am – 6pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Price: from £10pp.
More information: on their website. (Photos: @ladydinahscats)