There’s a new Coca-Cola flavour in town, and it’s angling for unofficial drink-of-the-summer status. As the fizzy giant takes over Soho to usher in its latest cherry-laced chapter, Wonderland swings by to see what the hype is all about.

The thermometers hit 30 degrees, and suddenly, London forgets how to function. It happens every year – and we look forward to it. Things get slow, sticky, faintly delirious. No beverage known to man seems quite capable of cutting through the heat. Until, of course, a lightbulb moment strikes: there’s a red-and-black, at times silver, can waiting patiently in your fridge, left marinating for days, now ice-cold, crisp, almost offensively fizzy. Name a better feeling. We’d call it a midday summer’s dream.

But believe it or not, that ritual might be due for an upgrade. Coca-Cola has announced the arrival of a new flavour to its beloved cherry portfolio, the Cherry Float Zero Sugar and, naturally, marked the moment with a Soho takeover last Friday. Enter The Cherry Coke Café – Wonderland stopped by to see what all the buzz was about.

Tucked along London’s Greek Street, the pink-painted, cherry-stamped space is already fizzing at the door, and behind it lies treat upon treat. Think token-filled ball machines stocked with exclusive merchandise – baby tees, dad caps, the kind of pieces you’d expect to pick up on a sun-soaked seaside pier. There’s a nostalgic charm to it all, the world of everyone’s favourite fizzy drink reimagined with a glossy, cherry-tinged finish.

And what’s there to do when in the presence of such greatness – Miss Can of Coke herself? Crack it open, of course. At the pop-up, guests are invited to an afternoon tea experience, served on a silver three-tier stand, with each course inspired by one of the three cherry-laced flavours: Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar (a classic favourite), Coca-Cola Cherry Float Zero Sugar (the newest addition to the family, sweet on the palate) and Diet Coke Cherry (just the right amount of tang). Accompanied by cherry-infused takes on traditional tea favourites – sausage rolls, arancini, mini sandwiches, cheesecake and macarons – there’s something for every taste bud.

Upstairs, a few more rounds of games, Polaroids and photobooths await. Here, the café invites (or rather, implores!) you to document the moment, while interactive activities keep the energy high and the competition just friendly enough. And wait a minute, is that Maura Higgins? We couldn’t think of a better fit for a Cherry Coke than Maura’s Cherry Birkin. Your favourite bev has just got its cherry on top.