The cuddle cafe: the world's most unusual themed cafes

Fancy a cuddle cafe? London's cafe society continues to get stranger by the day, as the first Cuddle Cafe is set to open next week. It's actually a publicity stunt by McVites, who will open the cafe for two days next week (on 10th and 11th February) on Tottenham Street, handing out tea and biscuits in exchange for a hug.

The brand quotes Dr Stuart Farrimond, who has inexplicably researched the effects of hugging. He found that most people want more hugs in their life, and that they are key to improving health and happiness - because they release oxytocin.

He said in a statement: "My research not only discovered that cuddling a soft toy triggers a similar emotional response and health benefit to hugging a person, but also that the act of drinking a hot beverage can stimulate similar warm, positive feelings, so what better combination that a cuppa and a cuddle?"

While this particular cafe will last just until the supply of biscuits runs out, there are plenty of highly unusual cafes in the capital and around the world. We have tracked down some of the weirdest and most wonderful.

The question is whether we want all of this. Does the addition of an owl, a kitten or a hug make your coffee and cake that much more appealing, or would you rather eat your bog standard lunch in peace? Let us know in the comments.

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