Is the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London just Instagram magic, or is it truly worth your galleons?
If you’re planning a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and love themed food experiences, the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea is probably already on your radar.
My sister Jachel and I gave it a try, and here’s our full review to help you decide if it’s worth booking.
Here are my go-to tools and resources:
| 🏡 Book a stay near the magic. Explore top-rated hotels near Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and compare prices now! 🚆 Travel by train with Trainline – ideal for visiting filming locations like Oxford or King’s Cross. 🎟️ Book magical experiences with GetYourGuide – think walking tours, day trips and more. 🪄Discover more magical stops with my curated list of must-do Harry Potter experiences in London. |
What is the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea?
The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea is an optional add-on experience inside the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden. It’s a themed tea featuring sandwiches, savouries and sweets inspired by characters and settings from the Wizarding World. Think Golden Snitch desserts, Butterbeer scones and a Hogwarts-inspired setting.
Location & Accessibility
📍 Where is it?
Located near the Food Hall inside the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, the afternoon tea is held in a closed-off area exclusive to tea guests. You must have a Studio Tour ticket to access it. It’s not available for walk-ins or standalone booking.
🚗 Getting There
- By car: Free on-site parking is available.
- By train & shuttle: Take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction, then hop on the Harry Potter shuttle to the Studio.
🪄 Experience the magic of Wizarding World without the travel hassle. Hop on to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour with transport from London and spend the day wandering Diagon Alley, the Great Hall and other magical sets. ✨ (afternoon tea not included)
Harry Potter Afternoon Tea Review
We booked this experience ourselves and what follows is our honest review, from first impressions to final bites.
1. Arrival and First Impressions
We arrived five minutes late, not realizing there was now a metal detector at the entrance (This wasn’t there the last time we visited in 2022 so it caught us off guard) which caused a short delay. The tea area is a beautifully decorated space reminiscent of the Great Hall with floating candles, house banners and Gothic-style windows. It definitely felt magical.
How magical does it feel?
- The ambiance is subtle but strong floating candles, house banners and wood beams add Hogwarts charm.
- The tables are set simply and neatly. Not overly branded but elegant.
- Themed music played softly in the background, adding just the right mood.
We were seated in the middle of the room and noticed several side booths were empty (which looked cozier and more private). We didn’t ask to move, assuming they were reserved for future guests. But definitely ask the host if you’d like to move to a different seat.
🧣Complete your wizarding look with a cozy Harry Potter house scarf. Perfect for costumes, photos or just keeping you warm on your next magical adventure. 🧹
2. Tea Time: Food and Beverage
Our hostess greeted us warmly and handed us a drink menu. That’s when Jachel got confused , the menu had prices! We weren’t sure what was included so I guessed that maybe tea was covered, like on our Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in London (where only alcohol was extra).
We placed our order and agreed to pay if needed. I ordered a hot chocolate (because who says you have to have tea?), and Jachel chose coffee. Though in true Hermione fashion, she later wished she’d gone with tea.
Note: Despite the menu showing prices, our coffee and hot chocolate were included in the afternoon tea. We didn’t pay extra for them.
The drinks arrived shortly. My hot chocolate came in a tall glass with a cloud of whipped cream. It was so good, and the presentation added to the fun.
When the tiered stand of goodies arrived, we were thrilled! It was a visual feast! The food was artfully arranged with nods to our favourite characters. There was a cauldron, a Golden Snitch dessert and bright pops of colour from the macarons and sandwiches.
The scones were served separately from the tiered tray, arriving warm on their own plate alongside jam and Butterbeer-infused clotted cream. Of course, this is the one we tried.
🥪 Sandwiches (Molly Weasley’s Selection)
Because no one makes sandwiches quite like a mum especially if that mum is Molly Weasley! The flavours were traditional with fun twists and served on colourful, soft breads.
Wiltshire Ham with Grain Mustard Mayo on Tomato Bread
★★★★½ (Gail) / ★★★★½ (Jachel)
Gail: I loved this one! The sandwich was soft and comforting. I couldn’t really taste the mustard, which was fine by me.
Jachel: Her favourite, the texture was perfect and the tomato bread added a great touch.
Cucumber & Cream Cheese
★★★ (Gail) / ★★★½ (Jachel)
Gail: Light and classic, nothing too adventurous but refreshing and traditional for a tea service.
Jachel: Refreshing and classic but a little basic.
Chicken Curry on Cocoa Bread
★★★ (Gail) / ★★★½ (Jachel)
Gail: Not a curry fan but loved the cocoa bread.
Jachel: Also not a favourite, but appreciated the flavour combo. That said, I wouldn’t go for seconds.
Prawn Mayo on Lemon Bread
★★★★ (Gail) / ❌ (Jachel – allergic)
Gail: I really enjoyed this one so much that I ate Jachel’s share! The lemon bread was subtly zesty and the prawn mayo was creamy without being overpowering.
Jachel: I didn’t try this one due to my allergy. We didn’t declare it since it’s not life-threatening but they do ask about dietary requirements when booking.
⚠️ Allergy Note: If you or someone in your group has any allergies or dietary requirements, contact the Studio at least 48 hours in advance.
UK: +44 (0)800 640 4550 | International: 00 44 800 640 4550.
🥧 Savoury Bites
The second tier held the savouries. This layer is hearty, comforting and themed with subtle nods to Hogwarts life.
Hogwarts Meat Pie
★★★½ (Gail) / ★★★★ (Jachel)
Gail: The pastry was buttery and flaky, but the beef filling was a bit dry. Still, it felt hearty and nostalgic, exactly what you’d imagine being served at a Hogwarts feast.
Jachel: I liked it. Enjoyed it overall.
Common Room Sausage Roll
★★★★ (Gail) / ★★★★ (Jachel)
Gail: My favourite from the savouries! The pulled ham hock was tender and not too salty, and it paired beautifully with the feta and flaky pastry.
Jachel: Best of the savouries for her too.
Smoked Salmon on Beetroot Waffle
★★★½ (Gail) / ❌ (Jachel – didn’t eat)
Gail: I’m not a fan of salmon, but I loved the crunchy beetroot waffle and the cream cheese.
Jachel: Didn’t try it due to her allergy.
🍰 Sweet Treats: The Dessert Spread
This is where the afternoon tea truly leaned into the magical theme. The top tier was a visually appealing with golden Snitches and colourful macarons.
Golden Snitch: White Chocolate with Raspberry Ganache
★★★½ (Both)
Gail: Beautiful presentation! The raspberry centre was sweet and soft.
Jachel: Pretty and creative but the flavor was average overall.
Follow the Butterflies: Chocolate Sphere with Passionfruit Caramel
★★★½ (Both)
Gail: Tart and chocolatey.
Jachel: Loved the design. The passionfruit was unexpectedly tasty!
Hagrid’s Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkin Loaf with Pecan Crumb
★★★½ (Both)
Gail: Cozy and nutty.
Jachel: Tasty but could’ve used more spice for that proper autumn feel.
Dumbledore’s Sherbet Lemon Macaron
★★★★ (Gail) / ★★★½ (Jachel)
We were only given one (boo!) so we shared it. Zesty and sweet and such a fun nod to Dumbledore’s favourite Muggle candy.
Lupin’s Chocolate Macaron
★★★★ (Both)
Only one again but worth sharing. Deep chocolate flavour and a tiny chocolate frog topper that made us smile.
🧁Butterbeer Scone
★★★★½ (Both)
Gail: This was the first thing we ate because it was served warm and yes, you could taste the Butterbeer in the scone! It had a soft, fluffy texture inside, with a golden outer layer (not hard, not dry). The Butterbeer-infused cream was heavenly. I wanted to take a jar home!
Jachel: Served warm with dreamy Butterbeer cream! I love it!
Trivia Break: Clotted Cream or Jam First?
The eternal UK debate: Do you put jam or clotted cream first on your scone?
- Cornwall tradition says: jam first, then cream.
- Devon swears by: clotted cream first, then jam.
For more on this, check out the Wikipedia article on Cream Tea.
I went the Devon way while Jachel opted for the Cornish method. But honestly, whichever spell you cast first, they both taste great. How do you eat yours?
3. The Experience
As Harry Potter fans, we were excited and giddy, taking photos and smiling like it was our first time at Diagon Alley. We started with the scones while they were still warm (Butterbeer cream = 10/10).
Once our food was served, no one came back to check on us, which was finebut we noticed the table beside us had a different experience. Their server stopped by multiple times, chatted with them and even shared Harry Potter trivia and references.
It made us wonder: is the service experience consistent for everyone? Not that we needed constant attention but it did feel a little uneven. Maybe the magic varies depending on who’s serving your table.
That said, the server who eventually came by near the end was amazing. He offered to box up our leftovers and keep them safe until after our tour, just pick them up by 8 PM. He even shared a few fun anecdotes from other Potter fans. Friendly, warm and definitely made up for the earlier lack of interaction.
4. Value for Money
Compared to the regular food options at the Studio, the Afternoon Tea offers better presentation and a more curated, themed experience. It’s not a full-on immersive feast, but for Potter fans, it’s adds a little extra magic to your day.
💷 Price at time of booking: £39.95 per adult
Afternoon Tea must be booked for a minimum of two people and is only available as an add-on to the Studio Tour.
Here’s what we paid for two people:
- 🎟️ Adult Studio Tour Tickets: £56 per person, Total: £112.00
- 🍰 Afternoon Tea (2 people): £39.95 per person, Total: £79.90
- 🧾 Total (including tax): £191.90
🕓 The Afternoon Tea experience lasts 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your food, take photos and soak in the setting. It’s not a rushed affair but you are expected to finish within the allotted time.
🍴 We chose to do the Afternoon Tea before our Studio Tour and we’re glad we did. It let us enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace without watching the clock and then take our time to fully explore the Studio afterward.
🧁 Available daily between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
🍾 Optional Upgrade: Champagne Afternoon Tea is also available for guests aged 18 and over.
❗ Note: Afternoon Tea tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed within 48 hours of your visit.
Is it pricey?
A little but it’s comparable to other themed experiences and London afternoon teas. For fans of the Wizarding World, it felt like a worthwhile treat. It is memorable, well-presented and a lovely way to wrap up (or kick off) your studio adventure.
5. Staff & Customer Service
Our hostess was polite and professional, though not overly engaging. The service during the meal varied, we noticed some tables received more interaction and Harry Potter trivia, while ours was left mostly undisturbed.
One server stood out near the end, kindly offering to pack our leftovers and sharing fun Potter anecdotes. It was a warm and thoughtful gesture that ended the experience on a high note.
✅ Dietary needs can be accommodated if noted in advance during booking.
📞 Rebooking experience:
We had to reschedule our Warner Bros. Studio Tour due to a change in Jachel’s work schedule. To rebook, we called the customer service hotline and got through in about 5 minutes which was pretty quick in my opinion.
Tip: Check the new dates you’d like to switch to before calling.
A £10 fee applies when making changes to your booking.
The staff was friendly, helpful, and processed the change efficiently.
📌 You can find the full afternoon tea terms and policies on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour website.
Gail vs. Jachel: Who Rated It Higher?
We may be sisters but our taste buds don’t always agree! Here’s how each of us rated the sandwiches, sweets and overall experience at the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea.
| Item | Gail | Jachel |
|---|---|---|
| Wiltshire Ham Sandwich | ★★★★½ | ★★★★½ |
| Cucumber & Cream Cheese | ★★★ | ★★★½ |
| Chicken Curry & Cocoa | ★★★ | ★★★½ |
| Prawn Mayo Sandwich | ★★★★ | ❌ (Allergy) |
| Meat Pie | ★★★½ | ★★★★ |
| Sausage Roll | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Salmon Waffle | ★★★½ | ❌ (Didn’t eat) |
| Golden Snitch | ★★★½ | ★★★½ |
| Follow the Butterflies | ★★★½ | ★★★½ |
| Pumpkin Patch | ★★★½ | ★★★½ |
| Sherbet Lemon Macaron | ★★★★ | ★★★½ |
| Lupin’s Chocolate Macaron | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Butterbeer Scone | ★★★★½ | ★★★★½ |
Average Food Rating:
- Gail: ★★★★☆ (3.7)
- Jachel: ★★★★☆ (3.8)
Category Ratings
| Category | Gail | Jachel |
|---|---|---|
| Food | ★★★½ | ★★★★ |
| Service | ★★★½ | ★★★½ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Ambience | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Magical Experience | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
Average Category Rating:
- Gail: ★★★★☆ (4.0)
- Jachel: ★★★★☆ (4.1)
While we both agreed the experience was magical and worth the splurge, Jachel rated the food and overall experience just a touch higher even though she had to skip a few items due to allergies.
Who Should Try It?
🏡 Best for:
- Harry Potter fans looking to add a little extra magic to their visit
- Afternoon tea lovers who enjoy themed experiences
- Families and kids wanting a fun, photo-worthy dining moment
❌ Might not be ideal for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Visitors expecting a fully immersive, Great Hall-style feast
🚂 Ready to relive your Hogwarts dreams in real life? Check out these Must-Do Harry Potter Experiences in London and start planning your adventure!
Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Pros
- Beautifully presented Harry Potter-themed treats
- A unique experience that adds a touch of magic to the Studio Tour
- Great for fans who enjoy themed food
- Butterbeer scone and themed desserts were real standouts
- Staff can store your leftovers until after your tour. Super convenient!
- Can be scheduled before or after your Studio Tour. It offers flexibility when planning your day
❌ Cons
- Only available with a Studio Tour ticket (not bookable on its own)
- Must be booked for two people minimum so odd-number groups may need to pay extra
- Not fully immersive
- Service experience can vary depending on your server
- Tickets are non-refundable and can’t be changed within 48 hours
Is it worth it?
Yes, for fans who love a bit of extra magic. The Harry Potter Afternoon Tea isn’t a must-do for everyone but it was a great add-on to our Studio Tour day. It’s beautifully presented, thoughtfully themed and gave us some warm, magical memories to take home.
Would we book it again?
We’d say it’s perfect for a special occasion or for anyone who loves themed details and whimsical food. But for us, once was enough unless we’re celebrating or bringing someone new to the magic.
Practical Tips
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to clear security smoothly
- Try the Butterbeer scone first while it’s warm (you won’t regret it!)
- Bring a portable charger, you’ll definitely want photos
- Mention any dietary needs when booking.
- Ask about drink inclusions as some drinks show prices but may still be included.
- Seating isn’t private, but the area is sectioned off for Afternoon Tea guests.
🎬 Step into the pages of the wizarding world with the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour! Explore filming spots and hidden inspirations as you wander through London’s most magical corners. ⚡️
FAQ’s: What You Need to Know
Still deciding if the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea is right for you? Here are a few quick answers to the most common questions to help you plan your visit.
Is a Studio Tour ticket required?
Yes. Afternoon Tea is only available as an add-on to a Studio Tour booking. It’s not open to walk-ins or non-ticket holders.
Is Butterbeer included?
No, but it’s featured in the scone! You can also purchase Butterbeer separately at the café.
Are dietary options available?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available if requested in advance.
Can I take my leftovers with me?
Yes! If you don’t finish your food, just let the staff know. They’ll happily pack it up for you. They can even hold it for you until after your Studio Tour (just don’t forget to pick it up before 8 PM).
Are there any drink options besides from tea or coffee?
Absolutely! They offer a selection of soft drinks and juices (subject to availability). Just note that some options may come with an additional charge, so it’s best to ask before ordering.
Booking & Alternatives
You can book the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea as an add-on when purchasing your Studio Tour ticket through the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour website. It’s not available as a standalone experience, so be sure to select it during checkout if you’d like to include it in your visit.
Looking for other magical afternoon tea experiences in London?
Here are some options to check out:
🫖 Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
A whimsical tea served on a vintage double-decker as you tour London’s most iconic sights. We’ve done this one and loved it.
🏰 Wizard Afternoon Tea at Georgian House Hotel
Sip potions and nibble spell-themed treats in this cozy, hidden London hotel experience. Best for Potter fans who love a magical setting.
🧚 Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Elevated above the clouds, this dreamy Neverland-inspired tea is full of playful details and breathtaking views of London.
Plan Your Next Adventure
We didn’t finish all the desserts or some of the sandwiches (we shared quite a few!), and we were already so full. But by the end of our 1.5-hour time slot, we were laughing, sipping, sharing sweets and chatting about our favourites. It was the kind of afternoon that makes you feel like a kid again.
If you’re looking for a charming, sweet way to begin or end your Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the Afternoon Tea is a lovely option. It’s not overly showy but it captures just enough magic to make you smile, bite after bite. Great bonding moment or any witch, wizard or Muggle with a sweet tooth.
Have you tried the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea or are you planning to?
I’d love to hear what you thought (or what you’re most excited to try)! Got questions? Magical favourites? Let’s chat! Drop a comment or share your experience with me over on my Facebook Page. I always love hearing from fellow fans!
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is not sponsored in any way. We paid for our Afternoon Tea and Studio Tour tickets ourselves. All opinions are our own and experiences may vary depending on staff, time of visit and seating. As always, please check the official website for the most up-to-date info before booking!
Planning a Harry Potter-inspired trip?
These magical guides will help you make the most of your visit:
| 🗺️ Explore filming spots and hidden gems every fan should see with these 15 Harry Potter Locations in London. 🛍️ From wands to robes, here’s where to shop like a Hogwarts student. Visit these 11 Best Harry Potter Shops in London. 🎟️ Yes, magical moments that won’t cost a single Galleon. Check out these 7 Free Harry Potter Things to Do in London 📸 Perfect for your Instagram shots at Platform 9¾ or Diagon Alley, add these 135+ Harry Potter Captions to your posts. 🪄 Charm the algorithm with these themed combos of Harry Potter Emojis & Hashtags. 🎻 A magical musical night every Potterhead will adore, check out Harry Potter with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. |
Where to Stay Near Warner Bros. Studio Tour London?
Getting ready to enjoy the Harry Potter Afternoon Tea or the full Studio Tour experience? Here’s a helpful map to find nearby accomodations in Leavesden and Watford. You might be looking for a quick overnight stay or turning your visit into a full magical weekend, either way, these nearby options will keep you close to Warner Bros.
Use the interactive map below to compare prices, check availability and book your stay!
Add This to Your Travel Mood Board!
Save it now and come back when you’re ready to plan!
| Harry Potter Planning Guide |
|---|
| ✈️ Book flights and stays with Expedia – everything in one place, easy-peasy. 📱 Stay connected with an Airalo eSIM – perfect for Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, or anywhere Muggles roam. 🚆 Travel by train with Trainline – ideal for visiting filming locations like Oxford or King’s Cross. 🎟️ Book magical experiences with GetYourGuide – think walking tours, day trips, and more. 🧙 Snag Studio Tour tickets on Viator – a must-do for every Potterhead. 🪄 Grab the London Pass (Viator) – explore multiple attractions while saving some Galleons. 🚘 Need a car? Rent with Discover Cars – great for countryside day trips from London. 🧳 Protect your trip with Travel Insurance Master – peace of mind, even in the Forbidden Forest. 💌 Send magical mail with postcards from Zazzle – perfect for fellow collectors and snail mail lovers. 🦉 Want a postcard from me? Visit my Ko-fi page – it’s my little corner of the magical world! |
