The Catty Sark Cat Café Expands East London’s Charm to Greenwich

Key Points

• A new cat café named “The Catty Sark” is planned to open in Greenwich town centre.
• The café will be located on King William Walk, the site previously occupied by another business.
• The project is led by the former manager of Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, a well-known cat café once located in Bethnal Green, East London.
• Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium closed earlier in 2025 due to financial challenges and “uncontrollable debts.”
• The new venture’s name, “The Catty Sark,” takes inspiration from the famed Cutty Sark ship nearby, tying into Greenwich’s local heritage.
• Rules will prioritise animal welfare, including a ban on picking up cats or using flash photography.
• A crowdfunding campaign helped acquire the assets and fund preparations for reopening under a new brand.
• The café aims to attract tourists, cat lovers, and local residents looking for an alternative social space.
• Refurbishment works, including a new exterior repaint, are currently under way.
• No confirmed opening date has yet been announced.

A new chapter for feline-themed hospitality is about to begin in South East London, as a cat café called “The Catty Sark” prepares to open its doors in Greenwich town centre. Led by the former manager of Bethnal Green’s much-loved Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, the planned café marks the continuation of a concept that once captivated East Londoners and animal enthusiasts alike.

What is “The Catty Sark” café and where will it open?

As reported by J Smith of From The Murky Depths (31 December 2025), signage for a “cat café coming soon” recently appeared on a building along King William Walk, in the heart of Greenwich. Smith noted that the presence of the board caught attention among locals and visitors commuting through the area.

According to the same report, the café will be situated in a building just a short walk from the iconic Cutty Sark ship museum—a historic connection that clearly inspired the establishment’s name. Preparations are “already under way,” with the shopfront currently undergoing repainting.

The café is expected to serve coffee, cakes, and light refreshments, offering patrons the company of resident cats in an atmosphere designed for relaxation and companionship.

Who is behind the café?

The venture is spearheaded by the former manager of Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, an East London institution that first opened its doors in Shoreditch in 2014 before relocating to Bethnal Green.

As reported by From The Murky Depths, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium ceased operations earlier in 2025 following what the owner described as “uncontrollable debts.” Despite efforts to weather economic pressures and operating costs, the café was forced to shut down.

However, the manager—whose name has not yet been publicly disclosed—acquired the assets of the former Bethnal Green café. According to the project’s Crowdfunder campaign, these included furniture, fixtures, and some of the facilities essential for setting up a new location.

A crowdfunding page titled “Save Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium” detailed the plan to re-establish the business model under a new name and at a new site, carrying forward both the ethos and welfare policies that made the original café famous.

What rules will govern interactions with cats?

Animal welfare remains central to the café’s ethos. As cited on the Crowdfunder campaign linked by From The Murky Depths, the owner stressed that “guests aren’t allowed to pick the cats up, disturb them while they’re sleeping, grooming, or eating, or feed them any human food.”

Additionally, flash photography will be strictly prohibited to prevent stress for the animals.

The owner also confirmed an age policy of 12 and above, saying in the campaign statement:

“Since all our cats are rescues with different backgrounds, triggers, and past experiences, this policy—along with all our other rules—is in place to protect their wellbeing and make sure they always feel safe and respected.”

These rules, which mirror those previously enforced at Lady Dinah’s, ensure that the cats’ comfort and safety remain paramount.

Why did Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium close, and what lessons were learned?

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium was Britain’s first cat café when it opened in 2014, inspired by similar venues in Japan. Over the years, it became a unique fixture in East London’s café scene, attracting visitors from across the UK and abroad.

However, as covered in detail by Time Out London and The Guardian earlier in 2025, rising rent and operational costs, compounded by decreasing footfall post-pandemic, triggered financial instability.

In a public statement reported by The Evening Standard at the time, owner Lauren Pears confirmed the closure, calling it “a heartbreaking decision driven by factors beyond our control, including uncontrollable debts and increased energy costs.”

The experience, however, seems to have informed the new Greenwich project, which is being developed more cautiously. The smaller, central site at King William Walk will likely reduce overheads and cater to both locals and tourists drawn by Greenwich’s heritage landmarks.

How does Greenwich fit into this concept?

Greenwich provides a fitting backdrop for the rebirth of the cat café concept. The area is a magnet for visitors who come to explore Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, and Observatory.

According to the Greenwich Society’s community forum, the proposal has sparked curiosity rather than controversy. Some residents see it as a fun addition to the town centre’s post-pandemic revival, complementing the area’s blend of independent cafés, boutiques, and art spaces.

While exact council licensing details have yet to be published, early indications suggest preparations are progressing smoothly.

How are locals reacting to the news?

Reactions across social media and local networks have been largely positive. On local Facebook and Reddit groups, Greenwich residents expressed excitement about a new independent venture that offers “something different” from high-street chains.

A post on the Greenwich Residents Group (Facebook) thread saw several comments applauding the concept.

“We lost Lady Dinah’s in East London, so it’s great to see the spirit live on here,”

wrote one user.

Others, however, voiced cautious optimism, stressing the importance of maintaining high animal-care standards.

“As long as the cats are genuinely well looked after, I’ll be there opening day,”

said another.

Will “The Catty Sark” attract tourists from East London and beyond?

Given its name and location, the café is likely to benefit from Greenwich’s year-round tourist footfall.

According to Visit Greenwich data for 2024, the area welcomed over 19 million visitors annually, with increasing demand for “experiential hospitality” — venues that combine leisure, novelty, and ethical engagement.

Moreover, the café’s association with Lady Dinah’s former manager may draw loyal visitors from East London who once frequented the Bethnal Green venue. Its legacy, coupled with nostalgia, could power initial traffic and social media buzz once the opening date is announced.

What’s next for “The Catty Sark”?

Although no exact date has been confirmed, refurbishment continues at pace. Work appears focused on redesigning the shopfront and interior layout suitable for both humans and felines.

As From The Murky Depths observed, the building’s exterior has already been repainted, signalling tangible progress toward an early 2026 launch.

Once operational, the café is expected to employ local staff and engage with nearby small businesses, potentially supplying baked goods and local produce, aligning with Greenwich’s community-first business ethos.

Could this mark a cat café comeback for London?

The closure of Lady Dinah’s earlier in 2025 seemed to symbolise the end of an era for themed cafés in East London. However, the Greenwich revival suggests otherwise.

Animal cafés continue to draw interest internationally, blending social experience with ethical rescue and rehoming messages. The “Catty Sark” could, therefore, represent not just a relocation but a reimagining of what London’s animal-friendly cafés can be — sustainable, compassionate, and community-driven.

As summed up by J Smith of From The Murky Depths,

“Given how well covered the previous café was across the media, this spot is likely to attract a fair few visitors and tourists when it opens.”

While locals wait eagerly for the doors to open, one thing is clear — Greenwich’s newest residents will have fur, whiskers, and a loyal fan base even before their first coffee is poured.