So no one told you life was gonna be this way—clap, clap, clap, clap—but they definitely should have mentioned that the FRIENDS Experience in London would feel like stepping straight into an episode of the show.

As a devoted fan who’s watched FRIENDS more times than Ross Geller has gotten married (and divorced), I was beyond thrilled to head to Immerse LDN in Newham to explore the FRIENDS Experience.

We went from east London to New York where it all started with the iconic orange couch, the very one that’s seen more drama, laughter, and coffee spills than any piece of furniture should.

And where was it? Right in front of the fountain.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

Yes, that fountain—the one from the opening credits where the gang splashes around while “I’ll Be There For You” plays.

I snapped a photo or two (or twenty), trying to capture the perfect moment while resisting the urge to jump in and start splashing around myself.

Next up was a wall lined with fun facts about the cast and the show.

As I read about behind-the-scenes secrets, I found myself nodding like Ross in a lecture about palaeontology.

The FRIENDS Experience holds some of the original scripts, clothing, and we even got to read Rachel Green’s 18-page letter to Ross, written FRONT AND BACK!

It’s been more than 20 years since that episode aired and I’m sure even die-hard fans are sure what Rachel wrote to him, so to get the chance to see what outrageous things she wrote finally answered a lot of questions.

Naturally, I tried to skim through it, but just like Ross, I had to pretend I understood what it all meant.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

Then, it was time for a quick trip back into London.

The FRIENDS Experience brings Ross and Emily’s wedding venue back and it makes you feel like you’re a guest at that Season 4 wedding.

The setup was complete with everything except a stuttering groom saying “I, Ross, take thee, Rachel.”

Walking through a replica of the London streets, I couldn’t help but think of all the moments the gang shared there.

The experience moved seamlessly from London back to New York, and straight into Joey and Chandler’s apartment.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

It’s really hard to explain the thrill you get of stepping into an apartment that you’ve seen on Netflix over and over again.

The foosball table was set up, the recliners were ready for action, and the Magna Doodle was begging for a message.

I couldn’t help but write one of my favourite quotes on the Magna Doodle, which was “Joey! It’s Estelle!” before grabbing a seat in the recliner and declaring, “I’m not moving for anything less than food.”

From there, it was a short walk to Monica’s immaculate apartment.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

It was like walking into a time capsule—everything was in its perfect place, just as Monica would have wanted it.

The kitchen looked ready for a Thanksgiving dinner, and I took a moment to appreciate the famous purple walls.

It was hard not to get a little emotional thinking about all the memories made there, from Monica’s “Seven, seven, seven!” to Chandler’s big proposal.

Finally, I made my way to Central Perk, where the legendary orange couch was waiting once again.

(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)

This time, it was indoors, surrounded by the cosy vibes of the café we all know and love.

I sat down, took a moment to soak it all in, and imagined Gunther glaring at me from behind the counter.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing Phoebe’s guitar, singing Smelly Cat and Phoebe’s Christmas song.

Towards the end, we got to take photos with Pat the Dog, the purple door, and carrying Ross’s couch up the stairs, shouting PIVOT!

The experience wrapped up with a quiz, the same way Monica, Joey, Chandler, and Rachel did with Ross before the girls lost their apartment.

My FRIENDS knowledge was put to the test, and I have to say, I aced it.

The final touch was seeing Phoebe’s taxi parked outside.

I half-expected her to jump out and start singing one of her songs.

All in all, the FRIENDS Experience was like living out a dream.

Whether you’re a Chandler, a Rachel, a Joey, or even a Janice, there’s something for every fan to enjoy.

If there’s anywhere to be an unapologetic FRIENDS fan, then the place is here.