Abandoned public toilet turned into a café—will it waft fragrance or stench?

▲If the café used to be a public toilet 30 years ago, would it affect your coffee experience? (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Compiled by HowToTrip

In countries around the world, "drinking coffee" has become a cultural norm, with cafés in different nations offering their own unique flavors. In Taiwan, many cafés embrace the "renovated old building" style, preserving the vintage look while incorporating new elements. But what if the café used to be a "public toilet" and still "retains some of its original features"? Would that affect your coffee-drinking experience?

In London, UK, there’s a café named "Attendant" that was once a Victorian-style underground public toilet built in 1980. It was reimagined by the "creatively minded" British duo Pete Tomlinson and Ben Russel, who thoroughly cleaned the entire abandoned toilet and urinals and infused it with modern design, bringing the once dirty and rundown space "back to life." The long wooden panels were fitted into the former urinals, transforming them into dining areas where you can sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and savor some delicious food—all in your own exclusive "private booth."

However, imagine yourself in such a café—though the air is filled with the aroma of coffee, your mind might still conjure up "distinctive odors" hard to shake off. If you ever visit London, don’t miss the chance to "experience" this public toilet café for yourself.


▲The café’s dining area retains the original appearance of the toilets, giving customers their own “individual cubicle.” (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)


▲The entrance gate has also been preserved in its aged look but repainted. (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)


▲Whether you like this design or not, start with a cup of coffee first. (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)


▲Exterior view of the café, which also offers seating for enjoying coffee. (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)

Ready to see the "original look of the café site"?


▲Left: The original entrance to the public toilet. Right: The original "urinal" appearance—might be a bit scary. (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)


▲Left and Right: The public toilet, hidden in the basement and abandoned for years, was transformed by Attendant Café into a unique coffee spot. (Photo / From Attendant’s official Facebook page)