The waiters are suited up in over-sized red bows and all in one ensembles, the waitresses in sugary sweet pastel dresses. Even the restaurant chefs have joined in with the fancy dress, tinting their crisp white hats and uniform a trademark Hello Kitty pink.
The many squeals of delight from Hello Kitty fans of all ages when they first lay their eyes on the themed wallpapers, Kitty shaped seating and masses of balloons are almost audible just imagining such a place. More like Disneyland meets a veritable Kitty temple, than your average restaurant.
Surreal
It’s all unapologetically surreal, the main aim of the restaurant to provide escapist amusement. The dishes served up all tip their hats in some way to the infamous kitty, with more themed molds and intricate food stencils than any die-hard fan could dream of.
The restaurant, which first opened on 23rd December 2011, was built in the midst of the Beijing shopping plaza, Sanlitun Village. The Sanlitun Village was an obvious choice for host, with its modern American stylized buildings, mingled with traditional Chinese architecture. It is a visual feast of avant-garde contradiction and more than capable of coping with this latest, slightly bizarre, addition.
Japanese brainchild London resident.
The very first Hello Kitty restaurant opened in Japan, where the idea for the animated Bobtail cat originated. Though, ironically enough, the character herself was designed as a born and bred English resident, living in the suburbs of London with her parents and twin sister, Mimmy.
Hello Kitty as a brand has established roots worldwide, her infamous face branded on merchandise in Canada, France, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Northern America and the UK, and that is to name but a few.
Hello Kitty’s roots
The idea for Hello Kitty, or to use her full name, Kitty White, was first thought up by the Japanese designer, Yuko Shimizu. The emblem of the little cat first appearing on a purse all the way back in 1974.
The Japanese as a people are famous for their affinity with the cute, or Kawaii, and Hello Kitty is the epitomizing figure head of the adorable, quite literally. Hello Kitty products are produced by the Japanese company, Sanrio, who base their entire market on the ‘Kawaii’. The best known of their characters, of course, Hello Kitty herself.
Although Hello Kitty's target appeal is aimed mostly at the young, pre-teen audience, the symbol has grown in it's kitsch appeal amongst many generations, today holding appeal to most ages. It's quite an achievement for such a little kitten, even one that's been around for nigh on forty years.
The cost of entrance to the first Chinese Hello Kitty restaurant in Beijing is a fairly reasonable £16, or 160 yuan, though with places overbooked since its opening, those interested may have to wait a little while for the experience.
China's next plans are for a Hello Kitty theme park near Shanghai, due to be opened to the public in two years time.
Credits
(i) Hello Kitty Official website
