Despite taking place exclusively in Britain, Harry Potter and his friends rarely have tea. Maybe they’re busy in class during afternoon tea times… In any event, Harry Potter fans can certainly enjoy afternoon tea with a magical twist. There are a number of great Harry Potter afternoon teas in London and across the U.K. to choose from.
Don’t worry though –it’s not at all Dolores Umbridge-y; these Harry Potter afternoon teas lack pink doilies and cat plates on walls. Instead, you’ll get the chance to try your hand a potion-making, savor magically delicious snacks, and escape the Muggle world for these quintessentially British tea settings.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and planning to visit London, you probably want to pack in a few magical experiences. I’ve got a whole series of Harry Potter articles, but this one is specifically focused on afternoon teas that –to varying degrees – take their inspiration from the Wizarding World. Let this inspire you to book your own tea experience during your London trip, or explore beyond the city for one of the other teas you can find outside the capital.
This post was originally published in April 2020, and was updated most recently in August 2023. All tea opportunities listed are currently offered; if you find an error, please let me know in the comments.
Table of Contents
1. Cutter & Squidge
Cutter & Squidge offers magical afternoon teas that are arguably the Desirable No. 1 Harry Potter afternoon tea in the whole of London. Since they launched their afternoon tea and potions class, it quickly became ultra-popular and regularly sells out even years later; in 2023, it transitioned to “The Common Room,” which I haven’t had a chance to try yet –but is probably similar in the most important ways.
During the course of the tea, you’ll mix a few potions, enjoy a pot of magically-themed tea, and feel like you’ve eaten out the whole of Honeyduke’s sweets with all the treats on the menu!
(Most of the rest of the photos in this post were taken when I did the Cutter & Squidge tea with my friend – so you can get a real sense of how magical this tea is!)
Click here to learn more about The Potion Room and book your tea.
2. The Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Photos courtesy of The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour
I’ve been to the Harry Potter studio tour twice and I never knew that afternoon tea was an option until after my last trip!
It turns out that on occasion, the team at The Making of Harry Potter studio tour offers special events, including a magically sparkling afternoon tea option. You can book this as a small group and enjoy your tea in a private room as part of your visit to the rest of the studio tour. It’s a good chance to rest your legs, refuel, and escape the crowds in the Backlot Cafe.
Click here to learn about afternoon tea options at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
3. The Georgian House Hotel
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you already know The Georgian House Hotel for their Wizarding Chambers accommodation – it’s on my Harry Potter bucket list, after all! Over time, they’ve also added other wizarding experiences to their offering, including a delicious wizarding afternoon tea.
This Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea includes a three-course tea and the option for a special magical co*cktail or standard bubbly champagne.
Click here to learn more about the wizarding experiences at the Georgian House Hotel.
4. The Cauldron
Do you want to make someone fall in love with you? Or do you need a little help to boost your memory skills? The Cauldronis one of the best Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh, and they offer a wizarding afternoon tea.
This magical experience offers a full spread of treats and a lesson in tea brewing (its own kind of muggle potion-making) along with spell-casting lessons and tons of options like bubbly, molecular co*cktails, and a drink you summon from the mouth of a magical creature with your wand. It seriously sounds so cool and is well worth the trip to Edinburgh (especially as there are some other awesome Harry Potter sites too).
Click here to see the Wizarding Afternoon Tea at The Cauldron.
5. The Wands & Wizard Emporium
While you might think of afternoon tea as something you turn up for and the tea is all prepared for you, this is not the case at the Wizard Afternoon Tea from The Wands & Wizard Emporium. Instead, you’ll use magic –and a little bit of muggle molecular gastronomy –to brew your own magical drinks.
Over the course of the afternoon, you’ll choose a wand – or does it choose you? –, unlock a puzzle chest, brew two interactive teas, and nosh on a scone and a carefully curated selection of “sand-witches” and desserts. This is a very atypical muggle afternoon tea but perfect for those looking to add a little magic to their afternoon routine.
Click here to see the Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wizard Emporium.
6. Blue Orchid Hotels
Many a muggle would enjoy afternoon tea while overlooking Tower Bridge; only those with special abilities (aka a love of Harry Potter and the wisdom to book in advance) can enjoy this magical afternoon tea with an amazing view. The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea from Blue Orchid Hotel at their Tower Suites property is absolutely perfect in that way –both for view and the experience you’ll enjoy.
Tea service includes a selection of savory sandwiches and sweet treats, including a Sorting Hat carrot cake and salted caramel Golden Snitch. They also offer a creamy “Butter Beer” drink too, to accompany your tea.
Click here to see the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea at Blue Orchid Hotels.
7. The Tea Cozy
Photos courtesy of The Tea Cozy
If you find yourself in the tiny hamlet of Hurstbourne Tarrant with little fellow travelers (your kids), you may want to pop in for tea at The Tea Cozy. This is certainly well off the beaten path for most London visitors, but not so for those who are truly dedicated to trying all of the Harry Potter afternoon teas available.
The Tea Cozy offers their child-friendly Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea in a place reminiscent of Madame Puddifoot’s in Hogsmeade. The spread includes sandwiches, tea, other potions (Polyjuice Potion and Hiccoughing Solution), and the companionship of a stuffed owl and knitted Harry figure at your table.
Click here to see the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea at The Tea Cozy.
Do you know of other magical or Harry Potter afternoon teas I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
