It's not easy for anyone to open a catering outlet today that doesn't already exist. But Klaudia and her partner Robi, who live in Eger, have succeeded in this endeavour, as their idea is unique not only in the city but also in the country. With the legendary orange sofa and, of course, giant mugs, Central Perk is waiting!
In the beginning, Claudia and Robi didn't have much to do with hospitality, but they had long been interested in the idea of a joint project. As they both loved the genre-bending series, when it was uploaded to one of the most popular streaming services, they embarked on a marathon together. Around season 4, they started talking about how great it would be if they could actually sit in the famous coffee shop. The idea was already a success, as it had been more than 25 years since Friends since the launch of the first part, yet the Friends phenomenon seems insatiable. Generation Z members laugh at jokes from decades ago just as much as those who have seen each episode a thousand times.
From deaf room to bar
Determination was finally followed by action and last November they started work on the premises, formerly Patyolat, then a hearing aid sales outlet. The latter proved important because it brought unexpected surprises (in English, difficulties). To restore the original space and layout as much as possible, they had to knock out several walls. Currently, the section that serves as a service counter was previously used as a deaf room, so when the walls were knocked out, several wheelbarrows of sand fell out of them, relatively unexpectedly. Nevertheless, with the help of family and friends alone, the impossible was achieved in just a few months.
To make the Central Perk the most authentic, they tirelessly trawled the flea markets, scoured the internet and, of course, there was plenty to be had. Such as the iconic orange sofa or the “service” sign above the counter. They were lucky with most of the equipment, however, because thanks to the unending enthusiasm for the series, the internet is full of relics and well-known „characters” such as Hugsy and the smelly cat.
The Central Perk is an instant success
Once the café started to take shape, they started to announce the opening in various suggestive ways on various social media platforms, and the expected effect was not missed. On 3 March, the place was invaded, with everyone wanting a picture somewhere. Their popularity has been unbroken ever since, with May being the only month that saw a dip. To prevent this, they keep their guests coming back with a variety of themed events, from quiz nights to slam poetry competitions. As you might expect, the majority of their audience are tourists who will drive several towns away for the experience. The locals tend to stop in for a glass of Békésszentandrás craft beer or coffee in the evening, when board games, another unique option in the area, are also on offer.
Can't have enough coffee and biscuits
As for the offer, Central Perk brings the classic line. The coffee is sourced from Black Sheep in Debrecen, and they offer two roasts of specialty black. Both have completed a barista course to ensure quality service, so your coffee mug is in the best possible hands. In addition to traditional coffees, they also offer matcha and chai lattes, as well as orange juice and tonic-infused pressos. The lemonade is also delicious, and the different sorbets are homemade, with a special red mark for the sugar-free versions. The cakes are made by a pastry chef from Feldebre, and in the spirit of environmental protection, her husband delivers them to their door by bicycle. As it's not difficult to find brioche and somlós in the area, they wanted a more modern selection. There's vegan zebra on Hugsy's recommendation, Chandler and Rachel's cheesecake, Ross's sea salt caramel and the inevitable Christmas truffle - although we don't know how popular the latter is.
But perhaps the best way to describe the feeling of the place is that when Klaudia or Robi are not at the bar, it is one of their family or friends who is serving the guests. Central Perk is a true love project, which could not have been possible without the help and support of family and friends, and this family atmosphere is immediately noticeable. And we think that's what makes a fresh business a really good one, and makes a guest a regular.#
Address: 3300 Eger, Érsek utca 11.
