Those of you that have been friends with me online awhile will know that I’m a massive foodie, so you can imagine my delight when a local restaurant announced they were running a Harry Potter themed evening. Books and food, what’s not to like!
I have to say, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Would it all be edible? What drinks would be served? Would we be accosted by Dementors on the way in? But The Oat Hill at Market Harborough really exceeded my expectations.
I felt a rush of excitement when I entered the restaurant through a platform 93/4 door, and was led to the Gryffindor table. Lit candles and brooms hung from the ceilings, a sizzling cauldron sat beside the patronous at the bar; dark dementors hung in the corners. And there were owls, real life owls, watching over us while we ate!
The food was split into seven courses, each following a class in Hogwarts – we started off with deconstructed French Onion soup for Potions Class. Another course featured snitch balls for Quidditch.
After each course we were given a steaming, fizzing cocktail to match. And, off course, one of those cocktails was Butter Beer – you can’t have a Harry Potter evening without Butter Beer, right?
Every plate of food was creatively put together and tasted delicious. My favourite was the Mandrake, served in mini plant pots complete with edible soil and roots!
It was an enchanting evening, cleverly put together, and perfect for Harry Potter fans everywhere. I can only praise the staff, and particularly the chefs, at The Oat Hill, for their warm welcome and for creating such a wealth of wonderfully themed culinary delights. I believe they’ve done a Roald Dahl evening previously, which I missed because I way away, but I’ll definitely be looking forward future events. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!