Build and display this Friends collectible construction toy or recreate your favorite scenes from the classic American sitcom. I oriented my project around one of my favorite series: Friends™. The challenge was to visualize passages of the series to allow me to recreate the furniture and the characters in as much detail as possible. Joey Tribbiani features an outstanding head, demonstrating his overwhelming confidence on either side. Furthermore, the red shirt includes some realistic creasing and this textured hair piece appears faithful to the onscreen character in my opinion. However, my favourite aspect of this minifigure is his reddish brown bag, presumably making reference to Joey's penchant for bags that becomes apparent during The One With Joey's Bag!

While action is generally focused within an apartment or Central Perk, the exterior of the coffee shop sometimes appears as well. The designer has accordingly afforded detail to this section of the model, most notably including red and white striped awnings. The light bluish grey pavement is exceptionally narrow but does provide just enough space for a minifigure to stand outside. Unfortunately, neither Rachel nor Monica Geller include specialised heads which is rather disappointing because LEGO has produced surprisingly few flesh heads for female characters. Nevertheless, I like this double-sided design and the medium nougat suspenders look lovely in relation to the television series, although dark tan might have been more accurate.

Our difference

For a successful LEGO Ideas project, you have to believe in yourself, be patient and not hesitate to ask for help in case of difficulties, because there are many qualified and helpful people. Their facial prints are a little hit and miss – Ross looks exactly like his on screen character whereas Rachel seems a little more generic. Some of the alternative faces look a little too angry at times, but these are really small gripes with otherwise excellent minifigures.

Unusually, this structure includes two studio lights which reflect how the television series was actually filmed. They are supported using ball joints and 2x2x10 lattice tower elements so look great, although these can easily be removed if you prefer. Several interesting details decorate the model, including an attractive menu board that has been simplified in relation to the series but includes realistic icons.This is a set that provides an intricate build with perfect little details. If it were a regular LEGO set it would be pretty amazing, but the fact it is based on such a popular television series makes it something really special. Fans of the show will be left shouting out ‘oh my God’ at all of the little references while more casual fans will be enthralled by the techniques on display. This Friends-themed gift toy measures over 4" (11cm) high, 11" (29cm) wide and 8" (22cm) deep and will make an eye-catching centerpiece in any room.

Each minifigure includes appropriate accessories, making reference to their occupations or character from the television series. Rachel, for instance, features a pearl silver shield that represents a serving tray while Joey carries a printed pizza box with a slice of pizza. Phoebe's guitar and Chandler's laptop are provided as well, along with several colourful mugs and food accessories. Phoebe frequently performs her original songs from another seating area beside the window. The red settee compares favourably with the television series and I like the elevated floor as well. Moreover, a series of tan tiles represent window blinds and the dark green columns, which have not been released in this colour before, seem authentic. Musical accessories are also found here, including a microphone stand and Ross' electronic keyboard. This LEGO® Ideas set includes 7 new-for-September-2019 minifigures: Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Phoebe Buffay and Gunther. Central Perk frequently provides the setting for discussion between characters, hence this interesting model focuses upon an orange couch, an armchair, two patterned chairs and the central table. These items appear consistently throughout the series, although one chair typically remains against the wall because four characters can sit on the settee. This rendition only provides enough room for three but looks marvellous.Interviews with Aymeric Fievet, Milan Madge and Crystal Fontan, the fan designer, product designer and graphic designer respectively, are included too. Their shared passion for Friends is undoubtedly apparent and I was especially interested to read Milan's comments about the unusually angled walls which adhere to the original television studio. My favorite LEGO element is “1x2 Masonry (98283)”, which I discovered in The Big Bang Theory™ set. I find it essential in the realization of buildings, houses, castles and my CENTRAL PERK, of course. Gunther manages the Central Perk coffee shop and accordingly accompanies the primary characters here. This minifigure wears a striking lime green shirt and a colourful tie, reflecting his appreciation for bright clothes during the television series. I think lime green was a perfect colour choice as this shade stands out when Gunther is behind the counter. Central Perk has inspired frequent comparison with 21302 The Big Bang Theory which seems reasonable given their equivalent source materials. However, this model includes much greater detail than its predecessor and is substantially larger as well, measuring almost 30cm wide and 21cm deep. The construction techniques are also more elaborate, particularly concerning the angled walls.

Rachel Green sports numerous outfits throughout the series but this minifigure takes inspiration from her waitress' attire. The bright light blue blouse looks superb but the corresponding legs seem slightly washed out in my opinion. However, I think Rachel's most notable feature is her hair and this medium nougat element is perfect. It was initially created for the Veterinarian from Series 17 of the Collectable Minifigures but appears fitting here. I’ve played with LEGO products from a very young age and collected many sets. My collection is still evolving and I am particularly interested in the Minifigures series. LEGO Ideas has produced some outstanding models and 21319 Central Perk is undoubtedly among my favourite such designs. This structure looks wonderful on display, replicating myriad subtle details from Friends and including some enjoyable references. Furthermore, I believe this model could easily form the basis for a generic coffee shop, potentially attracting those with little interest in the series. This LEGO® Ideas set comes with a booklet with building instructions and information about this awesome set's fan creator and LEGO designer.Unfortunately, the other external walls include very little detail. They are not intended for display and viewing the model from this angles reveals certain building techniques which are used to good effect internally. Of course, this design also corresponds with the studio filming arrangement as the camera would never show Central Perk from these angles, hence its jumbled appearance seems rather fitting. The biscuit container could also be improved as its shape differs from the television series. However, the cash register looks marvellous and the pearl gold espresso machine behind the counter is perfect when compared with its source material. Moreover, pearl silver coffee granule dispensers are situated between the reddish brown shelves and these are laden with detailed accessories. Other accessory elements in this café playset include a newspaper, 15 coffee cups and a 'Reserved' sign, plus 3 vases and buildable flowers. What I like about LEGO Ideas is that it gives you the opportunity to really use your imagination and if successful, see your name associated with your favorite brand! Moreover, it is playful and easy to use. It’s always a pleasure to discover new creations every day.