Review: Why you need to visit Southampton’s Harry Potter bar

Dumbledore’s words were echoing in my head as I approached the newest addition to Southampton’s night life scene.

Dark Arts Potion and Puzzle Bar is a Harry Potter-themed cocktail bar that recently opened its doors to wizards and muggles alike.

Based at 125 High Street, the bar forms part of Elusion Escape Rooms, created by Simon Quinlan and Amy Jo Lyons.

As a lover of all things dark and mystical (and the person no one wants to play Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit against) I knew I had to pay the bar a visit.

Alohomora new cocktail bar!

Before I even step foot inside the bar, I’m already impressed.

It stands out from the rest of the High Street, with beautiful Gothic features adorning the building, including detailed pillars and a large, arched window.

I admired it for a few seconds before entering, and I was immediately greeted by Drew, my warlock for the evening.

‘Good evening adventurer!’, he exclaimed enthusiastically as I walked inside.

He guided me to my table as I, in complete awe, took in my surroundings.

READ MORE: Pictures show inside new Harry Potter-themed cocktail bar

The venue is dimly lit and furnished with dark wood tables and chairs, as you might imagine the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter to be.

There is a warm glow of green from the ‘potions’ at the bar and row upon row of fairy lights are strung on the ceiling.

I was handed the drinks and cocktails menu which I perused extensively.

Although I opted for the first of my two mocktails of the night, The Mimic, I was impressed with the offering.

Love Potion, a sweet concoction of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and jelly sweets and love hearts, caught my eye, and I later saw it being served in a heart-shaped glass.

A mental note was made to return and have that next time.

Pink Horror was another drink that caught my eye – a mixture of gin, sour raspberry, sparkling elderflower, lychee and essence of Yog Sothoth. An intriguing drink that left much to the imagination.

There are plenty of mystical cocktails on offer, but for those who may choose not to drink like me, we have the choice of two delectable mocktails.

As mentioned previously, The Mimic was my first choice of the evening.

Orange juice, tropical juice, lemon soda, and grenadine – a colourful and fruity drink seemingly out of place in the bar.

That is what I thought until Drew appeared at my side with a small, treasure box, ‘mysteriously’ filled with…gummy bears.

‘What a strange turn of events! Who would’ve expected such a surprise?’ he said happily as I accepted the box and tucked into my drink.

Hints of magic

Whilst enjoying The Mimic, I sat and soaked up the atmosphere.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, you may turn your nose up at anything Harry Potter-themed, reminded only of the exceptionally commercial offerings previously visited.

(No, we do not want to see the House flags and Snitches everywhere).

But the Dark Arts Potion Bar perfectly encapsulates the feeling of wishing you were sat in The Three Broomsticks or the Leaky Cauldron whilst reading the books.

You are truly transported into a magical realm thanks to the spellbinding touches.

I particularly enjoyed the bubbling cauldron in the corner of the room, and leatherbound books tied by string at my side.

If I hadn’t looked outside the window to see the bustling high street, I would’ve forgotten that I was in fact in the city centre, and not at the heart of a story I am so fond of.

The Goblin Mojito was next on my list, a refreshing replica of my preferred cocktail.

Made with apple juice, sparkling elderflower cordial, lime juice, and mint leaves, this mocktail was my favourite of the two.

Final thoughts

Overall, the bar is really rather brilliant.

From friendly and enthusiastic staff, to exceptional finishing touches, the bar is an otherworldly experience.

It utterly transports you to a place only frequented in your imagination and offers entertainment aplenty.

Magic is real, and it can be found at Dark Arts Potion and Puzzle Bar.