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Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Making Magic at The Cauldron Edinburgh

You guys know I love magic. And if you're new here, and you don't know, you will after the next few weeks. Well, I've been following a new bar called The Cauldron that opened in London and was excited to make reservations and get brewing. Unfortunately, the Cauldron in London was going to be too far away for me get to, so when I saw an Edinburgh location was opening up, I jumped at the chance to go.


Each location has different decor and is a small, magical location perfect for a few witches and wizards or a crowd. So, even if you've been to one, you can get an entirely new experience at others.


Once you arrive, you check in and choose a wand. Or it chooses you. Each has a story and you learn about the material and core. Mine was carved from a unicorn horn that was sustainably-sourced. No unicorns were actually harmed. It was made for someone with daring and creativity. Eric's wand (the one shown in the Boomerang above) was carved of mermaid coral and meant for someone mischievous and sneaky who likes the element of surprise. These were perfect for us. My sister-in-law and her husband joined us and chose entirely different wands for themselves.




You put on a robe and you're welcomed with a drink (you can choose alcoholic or non) and a warm-up spell with your new wand. Ours was a choice between magical creatures. Each had a different magic word you used to ask for a drink (obviously this just adds to the fun), and we all had a good time filling our glasses. Now that you're not super thirsty, you can get to work on the real stuff.


At your work station there's a funky little set up with a cauldron, vials of potion ingredients, a magic box and recipes to brew your amazing drinks. If you don't drink, that's okay, because they can rework drinks for you without involving alcohol, you just have to let them know ahead of time. We did one of each and the non-alcoholic drinks were just as tasty. 



Each "potion" has a detailed recipe sheet with pictures and you're assigned a head witch or wizard to be on hand to help you out or bring you more volatile ingredients, like dry ice, and show you the spells to turn lights on and off and open the magic box door.



Our first potion was the Transfiguration Toniq, which was gin-based and changed colors. The second involved grinding herbs and stirring dry ice in your cauldron. It was also gin-based. We all thought this was extremely fun and interesting, because you are using historically accurate ingredients as well.


Each seating involves two potions that you create. They have a variety of munchies you can choose to order for an extra charge. Being in the UK, the majority of these were some form of cheese toastie. We were going out right after, so we didn't order any, but the drinks here are strong, so you might want a little something to sop up the alcohol. There are also additional drinks, and I knew I had to get the Dragon's Breath, because fire, and it. was. awesome. The presentation was amazing. We took video from several different angles. Also, how can you pass up a signature cocktail? (see some other pics & video here.)




Your Cauldron experience lasts an hour and 45 minutes, which gives you more than enough time to relax, plus brew and drink your two potions, and even have a few other drinks and poke around the potions classroom. Edinburgh's location has a small forest and Herbology greenhouse. We loved it and made sure to take advantage of the photo op.



If you're a fan of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or Sabrina or chemistry or drinking, The Cauldron should totally be on your list when you're in Edinburgh, London or New York City. I can't wait to go again when I have the chance, or maybe they will open more locations closer to me.

Find out more about The Cauldron on their website for rates, exact locations and to buy tickets. For what you get and the fun you have, I feel like the value of your Experience is much higher than just going to a bar where the drinks might cost the same or even more.  Plus, you get to actually create something cool, instead of sitting around waiting for someone to serve you. 


Now, grab your most magical friends! Who's ready to make something extraordinary?


Disclaimer: I was comped for my and Eric's reservation for the purposes of this review, but all opinions (and purchase of the extra magical concoction) are 100% my own. This was a must-do on my Edinburgh list whether or not I got a complimentary seating. Thank you to The Cauldron Edinburgh for letting me experience the magic they create. 

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