Animal lovers go wild for capybara cafe due to open this year

Clover and Sweet Pea can't wait to meet you

We’ve heard of cat, dog and rabbit cafes, but imagine sipping your cappuccino with the world’s largest rodent at your feet. 

Closely related to the loveable guinea pig, capybaras are super sociable and like to stick to groups of up to 100 members, making them the ideal animal to bring to the interactive dining experience. 

Situated in the Norfolk town of Toftwood - just short of three hours outside of London - The Capybara Cafe will house two babies to begin with, named Clover and Sweet Pea. 

Jemma Aldridge is the owner and revealed to the Eastern Daily Press that her two children were the inspiration behind her business idea.

The kids, who require extra support, have found comfort in the company of the capybaras due to their relaxed nature, and so their mum obtained an exotic animal license.

Jemma's cafe will offer a "spa treatment" for the creatures, with hot beverages and cakes available as add-ons.

"I wanted to create something based around the kids, for the kids, that would help other people who are unable to travel to see the capybaras," she said.

"We want to play on their character and make the space resemble that of their calming, therapeutic outlook. We are very excited to raise them and are hoping there will be a special bond imprinted. The unique and natural friendship they can form with everyone; I can only imagine how much it will help the community."

Tokyo has its own capybara cafe too, which went viral on TikTok last year after visitors described it as "the best day of my life".

Should it take off down in Toftwood, cross-country expansion would surely be on the cards.