Visiting Hello Kitty & Friends x ARTBOX Cafe

The newest theme – and possibly the cutest yet! – at the ARTBOX Cafe is Hello Kitty and Friends. I’d never been to a character cafe before, so I was so excited to get to visit!

I’d never been to Brighton before either, so it was an adventure. It’s amazing how they change the exterior to match each theme! It’s really close to the seafront, and it fits right in. The colours and decals give it a really happy energy.

I arrived a while before my time slot, which meant I had time to explore the shop. There’s so many different Hello Kitty items, and even some Stitch & Story kits. I think my favourite thing was the cord My Melody, though I had to leave it on the shelf.

The cafe itself is upstairs, and when I say everything is decorated to theme, I mean it! I loved the wall art, I wonder what happens to them after this theme? I’d absolutely decorate my home with one.

And of course I had to get a (very excited) selfie with Hello Kitty herself! I think she liked my peace signs?

The menu has lots of different options, including many that are vegan and gluten-free. I couldn’t believe how kawaii they can make food! We ordered Hello Kitty’s choco apple waffle, and Pompompurin’s basket burger. They looked exactly as they did on the menu too, which is impressive.

I was definitely visiting more for the atmosphere than the food, but honestly it was amazing. The texture of the waffle was so so good. It was so difficult to eat Pompompurin’s face though, he’s too cute!

Of course I couldn’t leave without buying some merch. I was very excited to choose a pin badge exclusive to the cafe, it took me ages to choose between the three designs. Eventually I chose the pin with Hello Kitty, My Melody and Kuromi, as Kuromi is one of my favourite Sanrio characters. I did love the Little Twin Stars one too. I also got some Kuromi stickers, and a glittery Pochacco keychain – I can’t resist anything shiny.

I also got to keep the coasters from the drinks we had, I think there are 6 different designs to collect, so I may have to return. I was very happy to get the Little Twin Stars one.

All the staff were so nice too. The whole experience was awesome! I’d definitely recommend visiting if you can. If you can’t, the ARTBOX cafe Instagram is great for living vicariously, and you can find lots of Hello Kitty and Friends merch on the ARTBOX website (UK), which delivers worldwide.

How to visit

The ARTBOX Cafe is a permanent cafe in Brighton, UK, and open every day for shopping and takeaway ice cream/drinks. Booking is recommended for the upstairs cafe but they do accept walk-ins. Visit the website to book and get more info. The Hello Kitty & Friends theme will continue into 2023 so there’s plenty time to plan a trip.