If you’re looking for afternoon tea in York for the whole family, The Potions Academy has recently launched Wizard Afternoon Tea and it’s proving more popular than a Harry Potter costume on World Book Day.

Run by the expert team behind The Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand, it’s an experience that brings the magic of wizardry to life in the heart of York, along with some delicious locally sourced treats. We went along to try it out for ourselves. Here’s what to expect if you fancy treating your young wizards to an afternoon tea with a difference.

An enchanting atmosphere

Walking up the stairs and into The Potions Academy immediately transported us into a wizarding universe that’s a world away from the bustling Shambles Market below. With flickering lanterns, magical background sounds and walls decorated with curious artifacts the attention to detail is truly magical.

Three magical ‘lessons’

A friendly and funny wizard host guided us through the experience from start to finish. Unlike traditional afternoon tea, which can test the patience – and manners – of young children, The Potions Academy keeps things lively by dividing the experience into three ‘lessons’. Each lesson brings something different, like discovering your wizard name and using a Magic Meter to find out how magical you are (not very, as it turns out!). There’s also enough time to sit, chat and enjoy the food and the atmosphere, though, which we really appreciated.

A locally sourced feast

We wondered how magical the food would be, given that The Potions Academy isn’t a food business, but we were pleasantly surprised. We were presented with three tiers of beautifully presented magical morsels, all sourced from the amazing local businesses on the Shambles. With fresh finger sandwiches and macarons, sausage rolls, pies and other magical morsels on offer, all washed down with a cauldron of good English tea, we were surprised to find that we couldn’t finish it all (not even the jelly snakes or chocolate frogs!). It’s a brilliant showcase of some of the best food in the city.

A broomstick flight over North Yorkshire!

Another highlight was the final lesson: broomstick flying! We wore robes, mounted broomsticks, and with green screen technology, ‘flew’ across North Yorkshire to the coast. The experience was great fun, and we even received a QR code for a video to share with friends and family.

Perfect for families

One of the best things about The Potions Academy’s Wizard Afternoon Tea is that it’s designed with families in mind. Many afternoon teas, while mouthwatering, aren’t great for kids. The Potions Academy experience, however, is engaging from start to finish, with no waiting around and plenty of interactive elements to keep children entertained. Every guest is given a potion to take home, too, which is a lovely touch. We also received a Broomstick Flying Badge to proudly show off our newly acquired broomstick flying skills! It’s these little details that make The Potions Academy stand out from other afternoon teas.

Wizard Afternoon Tea – The verdict

If you’re looking for a unique afternoon tea in York that combines delicious food with immersive entertainment, The Potions Academy’s Wizard Afternoon Tea is a must. With a beautiful setting in the heart of the Shambles, a sprinkle of magic and some truly tasty locally sourced delicacies, it’s a fun, family-friendly experience unlike any other in York.

Good to know

• Location – The Potions Academy, York (call in at The Potions Cauldron, 9 ¾ Shambles, York and they will show you the way)
• Pre-booking is essential – Wizard Afternoon Tea is held on selected dates and must be booked in advance.
• Most dietary requirements can be catered for – just let them know when booking and give at least 48 hours’ notice.
• There’s no age limit, but it’ll be best for children who can sit through the experience.
• The experience lasts about an hour, making it a perfect addition to a day exploring York.