Discover the Best Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: A 2026 Guide
- comedyinyoureye
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
Fancy a bit of magic with your tea and scones? London's got a whole load of places doing Harry Potter-themed afternoon teas, and it can be a bit tricky to figure out which ones are actually any good. We've tried a few, and honestly, some are a bit hit and miss. But don't worry, we've narrowed it down to the absolute best Harry Potter afternoon tea London has to offer in 2026. Get ready for some seriously spellbinding treats!
Key Takeaways
The official Harry Potter Studios Afternoon Tea is a unique experience, though it's located in Watford, not central London.
Several London hotels and cafes offer Harry Potter-inspired afternoon teas with creative menus and immersive settings.
Consider the Georgian House Hotel for a truly magical and immersive wizard afternoon tea, complete with potion-making.
The Great Northern Hotel offers a more understated, yet still charming, 'Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named' near King's Cross.
While some places offer excellent food, others focus more on the themed experience, so check reviews to match your preference.
1. Harry Potter Studios Afternoon Tea
Right then, let's talk about the main event, the one and only official Harry Potter afternoon tea experience. This isn't just any old tea; it's set within the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. You'll find yourself seated in a special area, often under the atmospheric floating candles that mimic the Great Hall. It's quite the setting, and honestly, it makes the whole experience feel properly magical.
When you book this, it's an add-on to your studio tour tickets, so you need to plan that in. The tea itself is served in what's called 'The Hogwarts Table', located in the Food Hall area. Don't expect a private room; it's a sectioned-off part of the main space, so there's a bit of general hustle and bustle from other visitors, but it didn't really spoil the mood for us.
Here's a rough idea of what you can expect on the menu:
Savoury Bites: Think along the lines of 'Molly Weasley's sandwich selection' and perhaps a mini Hogwarts meat pie. Nothing too groundbreaking, but tasty enough.
Sweet Treats: This is where they really shine. Expect things like Dumbledore's sherbet lemon macarons, a chocolate Golden Snitch, and scones with a magical twist – often with edible glitter and served with jam and clotted cream.
Drinks: You get a choice of tea or coffee, and they even provide a little cauldron tea brewer, which is a nice touch.
The whole experience lasts about 90 minutes, and it's definitely a highlight for any Potterhead visiting the studios. It's worth noting that while the food quality is generally decent, the real draw here is the immersive atmosphere and the official connection to the films. They do cater for various dietary needs, but you must let them know at least 48 hours in advance.
Booking this afternoon tea means you're getting the official experience, complete with themed treats and a setting that tries its best to transport you to the wizarding world. It's a bit of a trek to Watford, but for the dedicated fan, it's a must-do part of the studio tour.
2. Magic Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer
The Vintry & Mercer Hotel offers a rather swanky take on a magic-themed afternoon tea. While it’s not explicitly tied to Harry Potter, it’s definitely got that enchanting vibe that any witch or wizard would appreciate. Honestly, the sweet treats were the real stars of the show here. Think white chocolate and blueberry owls that look almost too good to eat, and a 'Box of Bones' that's a delightful mix of chewy sweets and chocolatey soil. It all arrives at your table with a bit of drama, too – a dry ice effect flowing from the stand really adds to the fun.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, but still want that touch of magic. They do cater for different dietary needs, which is always a plus.
Here's a little breakdown:
Sweet Delights: White chocolate owls, 'Box of Bones' with chocolate soil.
Savory Bites: Expect a selection of sandwiches and other tasty morsels.
Theatrical Presentation: Dry ice adds a magical flourish to the serving stand.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian and other needs can usually be accommodated.
This place really knows how to make an afternoon feel special. The attention to detail on the food is impressive, and the whole presentation is quite something. It’s a lovely spot for a treat.
Price: Around £49.50 per person. Location: 9-20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU.
3. Wizard Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel
Tucked away in Pimlico, the Georgian House Hotel offers a truly enchanting experience for any aspiring wizard or witch. This isn't just a meal; it's a journey into a magical world, complete with all the trimmings. The attention to detail here is what really sets it apart.
From the moment you step inside, you're transported. The hotel itself has a historic charm, and the dining area is designed to feel like a secret wizarding chamber. You'll be presented with menus that glow in the dark, which is a fun touch. They even provide wizard robes and hats for you to wear during your tea, making for some brilliant photo opportunities.
The afternoon tea itself is a three-course affair, and they've thought of everyone, with vegan options available. Expect delights like lightning bolt scones, 'beastly' bakewells, and other themed treats. A highlight for many is the chance to create your own 'potion' drink, guided by a scroll. It's a hands-on bit of fun that really adds to the immersive feel.
Here's a quick look at what you can expect:
Food: A selection of themed savoury bites and sweet treats, including lightning bolt scones.
Drinks: A choice of teas, plus the chance to mix your own magical potion.
Atmosphere: Immersive decor, glowing menus, and optional wizard robes and hats.
Dietary Needs: Vegan options are available.
While it's only available on weekends, the Georgian House Hotel's Wizard Afternoon Tea is a standout. It manages to be both luxurious and incredibly fun, with food that's genuinely delicious, not just a gimmick. The 'Tears of a Wizard' cream soda is particularly memorable.
Price: Around £40 per wizard Location: 35-39 St George’s Dr, Pimlico, SW1V 4DG
4. Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named at Great Northern Hotel
Right then, let's talk about the Great Northern Hotel's 'Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named'. Now, King's Cross is a pretty big deal in the Harry Potter world, so it makes sense to have a themed tea right there. This one's a bit different from the others because it's not so much about dressing up or potions, and more about the food itself.
They've put together a menu that's clearly inspired by the wizarding world, but in a more subtle way. You'll find things like 'Enchanted' arancini, which sounds intriguing, and sandwiches with names like 'Halo-Ham-ora'. For the sweet stuff, there's a Butterbeer-inspired panna cotta that apparently tastes as good as it sounds, and chocolate frogs. Of course, you still get your traditional scones with jam and cream – can't have afternoon tea without those, can you?
Here's a peek at what you might expect:
'Enchanted' arancini
'Halo-Ham-ora' sandwiches
Butterbeer-inspired panna cotta
Chocolate frogs
Traditional scones
It's a bit more of a relaxed affair, which might be just what some people are after.
While it might not have the full-on immersive experience of some other places, the Great Northern Hotel offers a more understated nod to the wizarding world through its carefully crafted menu. It's a solid choice if you're looking for good food with a magical twist, especially if you're already in the King's Cross area.
This afternoon tea is a more affordable option, priced at £39.50 per person. It's a nice way to get a taste of the magic without breaking the bank, though it does lack some of the theatrical elements found elsewhere.
5. Wizard’s Afternoon Tea at Tower Suites
For a truly magical experience that won't break the bank, the Wizard's Afternoon Tea at Tower Suites is a fantastic option. Located in the five-star Blue Orchid Hotels, this tea offers a delightful immersion into the wizarding world. You'll get a three-tiered selection of treats including a Sorting Hat carrot cake, salted caramel Golden Snitch, and a creamy Butter Beer. It's a fun way to enjoy some themed goodies without the hefty price tag of some other venues.
What really sets this afternoon tea apart, especially for younger wizards or those who love a bit of dress-up, are the included accessories. You get a pair of Harry-inspired glasses, a house tie, and even a wand to play with during your meal. It really adds to the playful atmosphere and makes for some great photo opportunities.
Here's a peek at what you might find on the menu:
Sorting Hat Carrot Cake
Salted Caramel Golden Snitch
Butter Beer Cream
Assortment of finger sandwiches
While my own experience was great, with both the food and service hitting the mark, it's worth noting that some older reviews on TripAdvisor have been a bit mixed. However, given the affordability and the fun, interactive elements, it's definitely worth considering for a magical afternoon out. The last update for this experience was January 7, 2026, and it's priced at £50 per person, making it one of the more accessible Harry Potter-themed teas in London.
The hotel is situated in a convenient spot, making it easy to access for a pre- or post-tea exploration of the city.
6. Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wizard Exploratorium
It's with a heavy heart that we have to report that The Wizard Exploratorium's Wizard Afternoon Tea® in Soho has permanently closed its doors. This was a truly unique experience, blending the magic of potions with a delightful afternoon tea spread. For those who managed to experience it, it was a memorable event, offering a chance to create your own magical concoctions alongside delicious treats.
While this particular venue is no longer an option for a magical afternoon out, its memory lives on as a testament to the creativity that can be found in London's themed dining scene. We'll certainly miss the innovative approach they took to combining interactive potion-making with classic afternoon tea fare.
The Wizard Exploratorium offered a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to step into a world of magic and wonder. It was more than just a meal; it was an adventure that engaged all the senses, leaving a lasting impression on all who visited.
7. Cutter & Squidge at The Potion Room
Cutter & Squidge have a spot called The Potion Room, and it's a pretty neat place for an afternoon tea that feels a bit like stepping into a wizard's lab. They really go for the whole potion-making vibe, which is quite fun. You get to actually mix up a drink yourself, following instructions that come on a scroll. It's not just about the drinks though; the food is a big part of it too.
They serve up a selection of sandwiches, some savoury bits, and then the sweet treats. The sandwiches were alright, a mix of classics like cucumber and cream cheese, and coronation chicken. The savoury layer had things like cheese and jam quiche and a smoked salmon scotch egg, though I found the texture a bit odd on those. The real stars are the sweets, though. Think Golden Snitch choux buns and chocolate frog cheesecakes. They even have a cake inspired by Luna Lovegood's Spectrespecs.
Here's a rough idea of what you might find:
Finger Sandwiches: Cucumber & cream cheese, ham & mustard, coronation chicken, smoked salmon.
Savouries: Cheese and jam quiche, brie and cranberry parcels, smoked salmon scotch egg.
Magical Sweets: Golden Snitch choux bun, chocolate frog cheesecake, Luna Loaf cake.
While the presentation is definitely a highlight, and the interactive potion drink is a fun gimmick, the actual taste of some of the savoury items wasn't quite as magical as the theme.
It's a good option if you're looking for something a bit different and enjoy the interactive element. Just manage your expectations on the savoury side, and you'll likely have a good time.
So, Which Magical Treat Will You Choose?
Right then, that’s our rundown of the best Harry Potter-themed afternoon teas London has to offer for 2026. From the official Warner Bros. Studios experience to more quirky, hotel-based options, there’s definitely something for every witch, wizard, and Muggle out there. We’ve tried to give you a good mix, considering the atmosphere, the food, and of course, the all-important magic factor. Whether you’re after a full-on immersive day out or just a delightful afternoon tea with a wizardly twist, hopefully, this guide has helped you pick your next adventure. Happy tea-sipping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Harry Potter afternoon tea in London?
The only officially licensed Harry Potter afternoon tea is at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Watford. It's a special treat served under the floating candles, just like in the Great Hall!
Are there other Harry Potter-themed afternoon teas in London?
Yes, absolutely! While not official, many places offer magical afternoon teas inspired by the wizarding world. Think potions, enchanted treats, and wizarding robes – they're all part of the fun.
How much does a Harry Potter afternoon tea usually cost?
Prices can vary quite a bit. The official one at the studios is part of a package with your ticket. Other themed teas might range from around £35 to £50 or more per person, depending on the venue and what's included.
Do I need to book in advance?
Definitely! These popular themed teas get booked up really quickly, especially the official one at the studios. It's best to book weeks, or even months, ahead if you can.
Can they cater for allergies or dietary needs?
Most places are very good at accommodating dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. It's crucial to let them know when you book, usually at least 24-48 hours beforehand, so they can prepare something special for you.
What kind of food can I expect at a Harry Potter afternoon tea?
You'll find a mix of savoury and sweet treats. Expect things like sandwiches with fun names, themed cakes and pastries (like Golden Snitches or Chocolate Frogs!), and special scones, often with a magical twist like edible glitter. And of course, plenty of tea!