[K-Blast]

groundbreaking? no. controversial? for some, yes. speaking for myself, I would love to see something like this in america.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/ar...es-London.html

• London Dungeon creates quirky cafe where customers can drink with rats
• Guests are able to handle the 'misunderstood' rodents as they enjoy a coffee

By Travelmail Reporter

Published: 11:36 EST, 1 July 2014 | Updated: 11:36 EST, 1 July 2014

For a good ten years now, coffee has been Britain’s new obsession – with high street chains popping up everywhere to challenge our image as a nation of tea drinkers.

But the new brand of caffeine launched by a major tourist attraction may be a step too far for even the most latté-obsessed fans of hot beverages.

London Dungeon – an enclave of spooky corridors and shock-tactic exhibits which looks at the darker side of the history of the capital city – is celebrating the opening of its Rat Café, and with it, the chance for guests to enjoy a nice mug of ‘Ratuccino’.

The concept has been dreamed up in response to the current Japanese craze for ‘Cat Cafes’ – where customers sip lunchtime drinks in the company of resident felines.

This London version, as you might have guessed, involves not purring moggies but scampering, twitching – and very real – rodents.

Brave souls can also opt to eat at the café – where, if they can stomach the bad pun as much as the very idea of it – they can try Black Forest Rateux.

Health and safety officials will be relieved to hear that neither food nor drink at the Rat Café includes rats as genuine ingredients – but willing guests can, if they so choose, enjoy both while the little creatures dash about the room, or even sit on their shoulders.

Although this unusual form of catering is largely for fun, there is also a mildly serious point to it – an attempt to rehabilitate the image of a much-maligned creature.

‘Rats have been tarnished with an undeserved reputation throughout history – from the Black Death of the Middle Ages to the great stink of Victorian times,’ says Hywel Mathias of London Dungeon.

‘We wanted to challenge those perceptions and show they are actually characterful and full of fun.’

Eighteen rats were unleashed on café guests – all of whom have rodent day jobs at the London Dungeon, and have been vetted to mingle with the public.

‘We have 18 rodents living here, and they are a huge hit with our guests, who get to see them close up in their special display, with giant viewing windows,’ Mr Mathias adds.

‘Our café takes that a step further, and lets people get even closer, handle them, stroke them and really get to know them.’

Although the Rat Café was a one-off for a group of rat-loving guests, London Dungeon is considering making the idea a regular event.

‘Judging by first reactions, this pop-up rat café could become a regular date on the eccentric things to do calendar,’ Mr Hywel says.

[Illusion]

No one ever said rats are beautiful intelligent clean animals.

[Clubhouse]

Great and novel idea, I bet they'll make a mint

[gatagato]

In London there's already Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, a Cat/gato-cafe: now if they want to add some thrill to the fun, all they have to do is to mix the two together.

[corpsehands]

Rats are fascinating creatures.

[Kanda444]

awww, what a fun way to get sick

[K-Blast]

Originally Posted by Kanda444 ↗

awww, what a fun way to get sick

I've never gotten an illness from handling rats. :P you just have to make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.

[Kanda444]

Originally Posted by K-Blast ↗

I've never gotten an illness from handling rats. :P you just have to make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.

yeah... like going to the bathroom, which a lot of people (disgustingly) dont do .....then you get things like norovirus.

i wouldnt have my cats at the table with me when i eat.....i have the same rule with all animals. im not saying rats are filthier than other animals. im saying having animals that end up inevitably stepping in their own feces (like cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, birds) at the table where you're going to eat isnt the healthiest choice if you dont like getting sick. all it takes is a little fecal matter on your hands getting in your food or mouth and you're sick.

[DannyDrama]

Originally Posted by Kanda444 ↗

yeah... like going to the bathroom, which a lot of people (disgustingly) dont do .....then you get things like norovirus.

i wouldnt have my cats at the table with me when i eat.....i have the same rule with all animals. im not saying rats are filthier than other animals. im saying having animals that end up inevitably stepping in their own feces (like cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, birds) at the table where you're going to eat isnt the healthiest choice if you dont like getting sick. all it takes is a little fecal matter on your hands getting in your food or mouth and you're sick.

I'm with you, I like rats just fine but this is a poor idea.

[gatagato]

Originally Posted by Kanda444 ↗

yeah... like going to the bathroom, which a lot of people (disgustingly) dont do .....then you get things like norovirus.

i wouldnt have my cats at the table with me when i eat.....i have the same rule with all animals. im not saying rats are filthier than other animals. im saying having animals that end up inevitably stepping in their own feces (like cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, birds) at the table where you're going to eat isnt the healthiest choice if you dont like getting sick. all it takes is a little fecal matter on your hands getting in your food or mouth and you're sick.

Yeah, my cat walks away when i sit at the table, he got used to do so since he was little, he has his own corner with his food and water, and an outdoor area for the litter: many people turn their pets into table beggars and that's a very filthy habit: it's disgusting and also very annoying for me to be harassed while i'm eating, a friend of mine uses to lock her dog somewhere if i'm there for dinner as she knows that i wouldn't even sit at the table otherwise.
Afaik rats are clean, sweet and smart, cool pets, but like any other pet should stay away from human's food (unless you are in a Chinese restaurant, in that case the pet could be THE food).