How many hours of your life have you spent watching Friends? And how many of those hours did you fantasise about sitting on that orange ‘Central Perk’ sofa for a coffee with the gang? Or living across the hallway from your best pals in an apartment that was a freakin’ steal due to rent control?
If the answer is anything close to or exceeding many many many times, then your wish is about to come true. A Friends immersive experience is landing in London next week – just in time to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the show’s premiere. It’s the launch of the experience’s first flagship location in the UK, and the fun all kicks off on August 12.
The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in London
Could that name for the experience be any more perfect? Invoking an iconic episode where the gang hit up London, you’ll be travelling over to the ExCeL Centre to transport yourself into their world. Taking inspiration from The One With Ross’ Wedding Parts 1&2, vistores can able to step into a recreation of the semi-demolished church where Ross gets married to Emily, and even check out the 3D version of Joey’s London map.
Back in the New York setting of the experience, there are plenty more photograph opportunities. You can grab a snap in front of the iconic purple door of Monica and Rachel’s apartment, or kick back in Joey and Chandler’s recliners (though we can’t confirm if the chick and the duck will join you).
Plus, you won’t need to worry about getting peckish. You can just waltz in and try the themed food and drink made for the show before stepping into ‘Central Perk’. There in the coffee shop synonymous with the show, you can take a seat on the famous orange sofa. While we’re on the subject of sofas, you can also expect a ‘PIVOOOOT’ moment to pop up at some point…
But this isn’t just a chance to grab some snaps and pose in the settings. You can also go behind the scenes and learn about the making of the show itself. Guests hear stories from the costume designer and learn all about what went into making the show so iconic.
Oh, and talking of clothing, you’ll also be able to get your hands on some exclusive merchandise that can only be found at the London leg of the Friends experience.
📍 The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in London opens on August 12, at the ExCeL Centre, Royal Victoria Docks, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL. The nearest station is Custom House.
You can grab your tickets at this link now.