Forget cat cafes: Serbia now has a cafe where alpacas roam between the tables

Serbia has put a quirky new spin on the animal cafe trend, with customers now able to enjoy a coffee while six alpacas wander around them looking for snacks.

Animal cafes have become increasingly popular in the UK, particularly cat cafes where customers can have a coffee while spending time with resident felines. Now Serbia has come up with a rather larger, and considerably woollier, alternative.

The new Alpaca Cafe at Tiganjica Ethno-Village near Stajicevo, north of Belgrade, allows visitors to sit down for a drink while six alpacas freely wander around the cafe.

Coffee, carrots and curious alpacas

Visitors pay around €10 for the experience, which includes a drink and a bucket of treats containing carrots, lettuce and apples. That means customers can expect some very interested table companions once the food comes out.

The alpacas all have their own personalities, with black alpaca Ljubica reportedly having a rather grumpy reputation. Tiny Snezana, meanwhile, has established herself as the leader of the group despite being the smallest.

Can alpacas bite?

While alpacas are generally gentle, fluffy and curious animals, they are not completely toothless teddy bears. They can bite if they become frightened, stressed or feel threatened, although this is not common. They are better known for another defensive habit, spitting, although that is usually aimed at other alpacas rather than unsuspecting cafe customers. Visitors therefore need to remember that the cute face approaching their table may be interested in their carrot rather than their conversation.

The cafe’s unusual concept also reflects the growing popularity of animal experiences, from Britain’s cat cafes to farms and petting attractions where visitors can get closer to animals. But Serbia’s answer may have a distinct advantage for anyone who has always thought a cat was simply too small to cause enough chaos around the coffee table.

For now, customers at the Serbian cafe can enjoy their drink, feed the alpacas and see whether their new furry friends are feeling friendly – just keeping their fingers away from anything that looks like a carrot.