Discover the Most Enchanting Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Experiences in London This Year
- comedyinyoureye
- 10 hours ago
- 7 min read
Fancy a trip to Hogwarts without leaving London? Well, you're in luck! There are some seriously magical spots offering a Harry Potter afternoon tea experience that'll make you feel like you've stepped right out of the books. We've rounded up a few of the best places to get your wizarding fix, complete with enchanting treats and maybe even a potion or two. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon if you're a Potterhead looking for something a bit special.
Key Takeaways
The official Harry Potter afternoon tea is at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, offering an immersive experience with film-themed treats.
Several London hotels provide wizard-themed afternoon teas, like the Magic Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer and the Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Georgian House Hotel.
Unique Harry Potter-inspired dining includes options like the Wizard's Afternoon Tea at Tower Suites, often featuring dress-up elements.
Expect a range of sweet and savoury delights, from Golden Snitches to Butterbeer-inspired goodies, alongside magical beverages.
Many venues offer special dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, so all wizards and witches can enjoy the feast.
The Official Harry Potter Studio Tour Afternoon Tea
An Immersive Experience At The Warner Bros. Studio Tour
If you're looking for the one and only official Harry Potter afternoon tea, this is it. Located at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Watford, it’s a proper treat for any fan. You can enjoy this magical meal before or after you explore the sets and props from the films. It’s not actually served on the Great Hall set, but they do a good job of making the dining area feel special with music from the movies playing. This is the only place you can get the truly official experience.
Magical Treats And Savoury Delights
The afternoon tea itself is a creative spread. For the savoury part, expect things like 'Molly Weasley's sandwich selection' and a Hogwarts meat pie. But honestly, the sweet treats are where it really shines. Think Dumbledore's sherbet lemon macarons, chocolate Golden Snitches, and Butterbeer-inspired scones. They even give you a little cauldron tea brewer to use, which is a fun touch. It's a really well-thought-out menu that brings the wizarding world to your plate.
Location And Booking Information
Getting to the Studio Tour is a bit of a journey, as it's located in Leavesden, Watford, not right in central London. You'll need to book your Studio Tour tickets first, as the afternoon tea is an add-on and can't be booked separately. Each reservation lasts about 90 minutes, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s best to book well in advance, especially during peak times. If you have any dietary needs, make sure to let them know at least 48 hours before your visit.
| £79.90 for two people (food only) | | Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 7LR | | Must be booked with Studio Tour entry | | Contact 48 hours in advance |
Enchanting Wizard-Themed Afternoon Teas In London
Beyond the official studio tour, London truly shines with a variety of magical afternoon tea experiences that will transport you straight to a world of spells and enchantments. These spots put their own unique spin on wizarding wonders, offering a delightful escape for any fan.
Magic Afternoon Tea At Vintry & Mercer
Located in the heart of the city, Vintry & Mercer offers a truly immersive experience. The highlight here is the interactive potion-making session, where you get to concoct your own magical brew. The menus themselves are a treat, with some even glowing in the dark!
Atmospheric dining room
Interactive potion-making
Exquisite, themed menus
This spot is perfect for those who want to feel like they're truly part of the magic. It’s a bit of a splurge at £49.50 per person, but the unique experience makes it worthwhile. You can even find deals on sites like Wowcher sometimes, so keep an eye out for those magic afternoon tea offers.
The food here is not just about looks; it's genuinely delicious, with a good balance of sweet and savoury treats. The themed cocktails are also a must-try, though be warned, some pack a punch!
Wizard Afternoon Tea At The Georgian House Hotel
For a touch of luxury and a deeply immersive feel, the Georgian House Hotel in Pimlico is a fantastic choice. They offer a three-course wizard afternoon tea that includes treats like lightning bolt scones and 'beastly' bakewells. You can even don a wizard robe and hat for the occasion, adding to the fun.
Three-course menu
Optional robes and hats
Dry ice cauldron effects
This experience is available on weekends and costs around £40 per wizard. It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for something a bit more intimate and special. The hotel is also conveniently located within walking distance of Victoria station.
The Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named At Great Northern Hotel
Given King's Cross station's importance in the Harry Potter stories, it's only fitting that the Great Northern Hotel offers a themed afternoon tea. While it might not have the same level of immersive theatrics as some other venues, its menu is certainly enchanting. Expect savoury delights like 'Enchanted' arancini and 'Halo-Ham-ora' sandwiches, alongside sweet treats such as Butterbeer-inspired panna cotta and chocolate frogs. It’s a more affordable option at £39.50 per person, making it accessible for more fans.
Unique Harry Potter Inspired Dining Experiences
Wizard's Afternoon Tea At Tower Suites
For a truly Potter-esque experience without the official studio tour price tag, the Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels offers a wizard and magic-themed afternoon tea that’s worth a look. They really lean into the theme here, and you even get a few props to play with – think Harry-inspired glasses, a house tie, and a wand. It’s a fun touch that really adds to the atmosphere.
The food itself is quite good, with treats clearly inspired by the wizarding world. You’ll find a Sorting Hat carrot cake, a salted caramel Golden Snitch, and a creamy Butterbeer drink. While my own experience was positive, it’s worth noting that some older reviews on TripAdvisor mention mixed service and food quality. It’s always a good idea to check recent feedback, but for the price, it’s a strong contender.
Price: Around £35 per person.
The Potion Room At Cutter & Squidge
Cutter & Squidge, a popular bakery in Soho, used to host 'The Potion Room' which was a highly immersive Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea. While this specific experience appears to have closed down, it was a standout for its creative approach. Guests could brew their own 'potions' and enjoy a menu filled with magical-sounding treats. It’s a shame it’s no longer running, as it was a unique take on the wizarding theme.
It's always a bit sad when a beloved themed experience closes its doors. These kinds of places really capture the imagination and offer something a bit different from the usual. Hopefully, something similar will pop up again soon.
While The Potion Room is no longer available, Cutter & Squidge still offers a range of delightful cakes and treats that might appeal to any witch or wizard looking for a sweet fix in London.
Culinary Delights For Every Wizard
Sweet Treats And Savoury Bites
When it comes to the food itself, you're in for a real treat. The savoury selection often includes things like delicate finger sandwiches with interesting fillings – think prawn mayonnaise on lemon bread or cucumber and cream cheese with dill on spinach bread. They even get creative with the bread colours, sometimes using tomato or cocoa bread for a bit of visual flair, nodding to the house colours. You might also find mini pies, perhaps a beef brisket filling, or even a sausage roll that's surprisingly good, even if you don't usually go for them. The attention to detail in these small bites is quite something.
Potions And Enchanted Beverages
No wizarding experience would be complete without a magical drink. Many places offer 'potions' that are essentially cocktails or mocktails, often with a bit of theatre involved. You might get to mix your own ingredients or watch as your drink changes colour. Classic wizarding drinks like Butterbeer are also a popular choice, often appearing as a scone flavour or a creamy beverage. It’s all about adding that extra layer of enchantment to your meal.
Dietary Options For All
It's good to know that most places are pretty accommodating when it comes to dietary needs. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, they usually have options available. It's always best to check their specific menu or contact them directly when booking, as they often require a bit of notice to prepare special meals. They want everyone to be able to enjoy the magic, after all.
Your Next Magical Adventure Awaits
So there you have it, a few of the most enchanting places in London to enjoy a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea. Whether you're after the official experience at the Studios or a more whimsical take on wizardry, there's something for every fan. It's a brilliant way to spend an afternoon, really. You get to eat some lovely cakes and sandwiches, and pretend you're back in Hogwarts for a bit. Honestly, if you're a Potterhead visiting the city, you really should try and fit one of these in. It’s a bit of fun, and who doesn’t love a good scone?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the official Harry Potter Studio Tour tea and other wizard-themed teas?
The official afternoon tea is at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. It's part of the tour itself and offers a really immersive experience with food directly inspired by the films. Other places offer 'wizard-themed' teas, which are inspired by magic and fantasy but aren't officially linked to Harry Potter.
Do I need a ticket for the Harry Potter Studio Tour to have their afternoon tea?
Yes, you absolutely do! The afternoon tea is an add-on to your Studio Tour ticket and can't be booked on its own. You'll need to plan your visit to the tour around your tea time.
Are there any Harry Potter afternoon teas that are not in Watford?
Definitely! Several hotels and cafes in central London offer magical, wizard-themed afternoon teas that are inspired by Harry Potter. These include places like the Georgian House Hotel, Vintry & Mercer, and the Great Northern Hotel.
Can I get special food for allergies or dietary needs?
Most of these places are really good about catering to different needs. It's always best to check when you book, but many offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The Georgian House Hotel and the Studio Tour specifically mention having options for vegans and those avoiding gluten.
What kind of magical treats can I expect?
You'll find all sorts of enchanting goodies! Think Butterbeer-flavoured scones, Golden Snitch chocolates, Dumbledore's sherbet lemon macarons, and cakes shaped like owls or pumpkins. Some places even offer 'potion' drinks that change colour or bubble!
How much does a Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea usually cost?
Prices can vary quite a bit. The official Studio Tour tea is a bit pricier, often around £79.90 for two. Other themed teas in London might range from about £39.50 to £50 per person, depending on the venue and what's included.