Reviews of The Potions Cauldron. (Shop) in York (North Yorkshire).

The Potions Cauldron

101 Reviews

76 Comments

Shop

Gift shop

9¾, Shambles, York YO1 7LZ, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Potions Cauldron, Shop in York (North Yorkshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Potions Cauldron

Popular times

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Reviews of The Potions Cauldron

C. G.

A bit of a laugh with a couple of good cocktails! You can't go to York without experiencing a bit of Potter magic. The 'adult only' potions experience was cheesy, with sweet (but strong) cocktails, but a great laugh. Thank you to the incredible staff for being so welcoming to us. Oh and for being dog friendly.

R. A.

We booked the 'Adult only potion experience' What an amazing time we had! We went in not quite sure what to expect as we'd never done any type of cocktail making classes before, eleanor our host was brilliant, bubbly and ensured we had a fun and safe time. I'd highly recommend couples and small groups alike to experience this delicious potion making adventure

J. K.

Turned up a bit late for our potions mixing (adult) but the lovely woman behind counter welcomed us and lead us strait to the room to start the experience. It was a laugh with how everything was introduced to you with a few shots to start it off with and then comes the mixing of 2 very nice and strong cocktails special effects amazing room was amazing definitely worth a visit with kids or without!!!!!!

E. H.

Absolutely afore this lil place on the Shambles, pretty sure the staff got sick of me constantly showing up on different occasions (Sorry, I'll be back on Halloween 😅👌). This quirky place sells treats, drinks and other bits and bobs, they also make some tasty drinks, personally I love the butter beer with cream, its sweet but not too much! They also do cocktail making sessions in the back, in a decorated room with talking ghosts, you keep some bits to take home and it's a fun group or couple activity. Honestly it's definitely on my absolute favourite spots, I order their cordials sometimes, power of a Wizard is the best one! I'll be back 😂

A. H.

Brilliant experience. I'm not normally one for these kinds of things, but I was made really comfortable by the staff. Light hearted fun, really funny and great for anyone of any age. True fans of...a certain book &/ film series too... And Came away with plenty more potions to drink! Thanks a lot!

L. M.

A great quirky idea for a shop...I was expecting more from the drinks. More than anything I was happy to pay for the experience. The server was great giving us all the suggestions although on his own I think he was overwhelmed. I had the butterbeer style drink and in my personal opinion it's just not good. If you have been to Harry Potter studios and had it there...its exactly the same. My husband had an alcoholic drink and it was really nice.

J.

This is a lovely and quirky shop, the staff are friendly and it has a magical steampunk look out of a work of fiction. We brought some alcoholic potions which were top notch when we got home. I recommend you come here if you want a witchy experience down in the shambles!

E. N.

A magical time awaits for the family as you enjoy laughs and a chance to mix your own potion. If you are looking for a fun activity while visiting The Shambles, stop in for this little delight.

J. H. D.

A late 'adults only' (no kids, nothing rude) experience to try some strong 'potions'. Victrolla (sorry if i messed your name up) was a fantastic, engaging and funny host and we left the experience just slightly sozzled 🤪. Brilliant.

S. k.

This place and the potions experience is a gem! A wonderdful activity enjoyed with the kids, and the small touches to a magical potion making experience are brilliant. Staff are fun and helpful, A must see when in York!

T. P.

Great fun, not just for kids as we were a group of 4 adults. Was a great laugh and our mixologist was funny

K. S.

I was looking forward to visiting here when I was in York for the day, it did not disappoint! We didn't do the experience just visited the shop. It was a great experience, so interactive and the guy serving was so funny and friendly, as was the girl with the super cool blue and pink hair. The drinks we got are amazing, I'll definitely be back the next time we are in York and might even book for the potion making experience 😃🪄🧙‍♂️

R. B. (.

Wonderful experience! Just went in to have a quick look and the staff were bubbly, chatty and warming, the potions looked marvellous and the designs of everything was amazing! I have to say, I did enjoy the chocolate frog hot chocolate and the 13th century shop just sold the time in there so much more! And controlled flow did make me feel safer even if I had to wait a few minutes.

O. N.

Regarding the potions experience. Easy to book, staff are friendly and helpful. I will say however, that the experience is much more for children, and is more of a sitting in a room while different AV videos play (entertaining for children, amusing at best boring at worse for adults). "Making" the potions, once again, is pretty simplistic, and again, children will love it, but not so much for adults! I say definitely fun for families, and would recommend it for that demographic!

C. B.

We had a wonderful time both in the store earlier on and during the adults only Potion Experience. Our alchemist Victrola was very entertaining and engaging throughout and we would 100% consider booking in for it again. Highly recommended.

J.

This ended up being a really cool quick stop in the Shambles. Its kind of a quirky fun drink shop that only loosely plays on the Harry Potter theme, but still enjoyable. The shopkeeper was fun and engaging and the drinks he made for us were quite good. Good for kids and adults (they mix alcoholic beverages too!) so it's fun to check out.

D. P.

Did the adults potions experience and as someone who likes close up theatre and make believe this was a fantastic gift from my wife for my 50th. The room is very well decked out with moving pictures, a "scottish" ghost and a poltergeist. The cocktails are very sweet but remember this experience has been created more for kids and the whole presentation reflects this. The host Faith was superb and immersed us into the experience. We look forward to coming back for their updated show later in the year

B. A.

Visited the potion shop for both a bit of retail therapy and to partake in a potion making workshop. Very much worth the money spent (although for us adults who didn't chose the poison slightly over priced in comparison) however would throughly recommend the experience and shop. We will be back again.

M.

Really enjoyed my time looking in the shop (bearing in mind it is quite small and could probably have around 4 people in it comfortably browsing) whilst the back area is for the potion making. What intrigued me the most was all the decor they had around to set the scene of a potions shop. The staff were friendly to chat to whilst they made our drinks to takeaway. My butterbeer drink was really nice but of course it won’t be to everyone’s taste.

D. A.

We literally stumbled across this place and were made to feel so welcome by our hosts, Kai and Rachel. Both were absolutely fantastic, funny and made us feel so welcome. We found the place for a photo opp and stayed for 2 hours. These guys made our weekend! Thank you so much, Kai and Rachel!

M. B.

A disappointing experience. I booked the 18+ potion-making experience with my parents and partner and, as others have said, it was 20 minutes of watching videos followed by a cocktail being brought in (premade), we were left to talk for 5 minutes, then a short 'quiz' from the staff before we actually made a cocktail. By cocktail, we poured a few things into a glass with some Whiz Fizz. This was the only cocktail we made and it took all of 5 minutes. The staff then said we had ten minutes to enjoy the cocktail, then the staff came in and told us we had five minutes to leave. Overall, disappointing and definitely not worth the money. EDIT - UPDATE: I was kindly invited back to the Potions Cauldron, who advised that they had improved the experience since my last visit. We had a late start, but the staff member leading the experience was apologetic and had a high-energy. The drinks had definitely improved, with every drink involving some ‘making’, and we were definitely not sober at the end. We were pre-warned that we had a certain amount of time at the end before the session would finish, and they offered to pour any leftover drink into plastic cups which i thought was a nice touch. My only concern would be that guests were not allowed to use the toilet during the experience, reportedly due to it being messy. Overall, a definite improvement!

J. B.

Host, Josh, was well versed and made it fun, atmospheric music and lighting plus props all added to the experience. Worth the small charge for a quirky place to visit.

S. M.

We were really impressed with the value of the Potion Making Experience we received. The room was decorated wonderfully (Harry Potter theming) and the host was very funny, he even told us a bit of history about the building. Many photo opportunities as well. The drink was really fun to make and I loved the popping candy. One of the highlights our of holiday.

J. D.

My favourite shop on the shambles. Fond memories creating and making potions. If you're a fan of magic and alchemy, this place has got you covered.

T. E.

Lovely Harry Potter themed experience. 20 minutes with small children experimenting different HP themed potions (soft drinks) with a magic look to them in a cool room. Worth it if you have children into Harry Potter.

N. L.

I went with my boyfriend today and its fair to say we really enjoyed the experience. The room you get taken to is very interactive and informative of each of the potions. My boyfriend made a comment how much it cheered me up since we've left.

A. S.

Super cute & lots of choice (too many choices if you are indecisive like me)

R. C.

Stumbled across this little gem while walking around the Shambles, as a massive Harry Potter fan I couldn't not go in. The lady serving was lovely and explained to me exactly what I was buying. When I am back in York I will be back to buy more.

P. X.

A very special store of Harry Potter.

a.

Very enjoyable, did the adult experience and was good wholesome fun, incredible showmanship. Highly recommend giving it a shot.

a. m.

Me and my partner were in York last halloween and as usual I like to walk up and down the shambles and visit all of my favourite shops. Then I found this amazingly wonderful magical shop hidden away at the top of the shambles and I am so thankful we found it as I was blown away with their wonderful potions and sweets I instantly bought the pack of 4 potion juices as the bottles and their names just caught me eyes and when the man shook them and said we had to release the magic showing us the glittery magic spiralling around I could feel myself shrink down to an eight year old girl being mesmerized by magic in a bottle filled with unicorn tears I also had their hot chocolate with cream and chocolate frog and it was lush I was smiling like a Cheshire cat all my way down the shambles . I ordered the huge jar of choc frogs wen I got home .yum yum .

S. S.

Booked the adults only experience and it ended up just being the two of us which was nice. The staff were lovely and the experience was very interactive. Loved the drinks that we got too

J.

Great concept for a shop and the drinks are actually lovely, we did the normal experience as I can't drink alcohol, it was good fun and the staff are amazing however it is very clearly meant for younger children. I highly recommend this place for families as the price is cheap and you get to take home the nice vials of juice mixes.

R. H.

I visited The Potions Cauldron on my visit to York on Friday 10th, and was greeted in the store by a lady named Faith. Faith had a fantastic energy, kept the magic of the store alive, and smiled throughout. She was chatty and told me about York in relation to Harry Potter, which as a visitor to York, gave some colour to the area. She made my visit what it was, so I really hope the owner/manager sees this and acknowledges their wonderful staff!

A. W.

Fantastic shop with brilliant customer service. Even though there was a huge que outside and only 1 party in at a time, the shopkeeper made every single customers experience amazing! We will be travelling back at some point in order to do the potion making experience as we forgot to book. The products are also magical as was the decor. Thank you!

F. N.

Such a lovely experience, really enjoyed it. Thank you Josh for making it so fun for us both. Its really good for adults and kids too, and perfect for the price! Definitely reccomend if you're in York, can't do this anywhere else (Also thanks to Josh for being so fun and letting me film him mixing potions, so friendly and made the experience all the more enjoyable)

R. J.

My partner and I did the cocktail potion experience in the evening and were disappointed with it. We found we were mostly left in a room with another couple unattended to make a cube and when we made it, it was dismantled by the host and we were told to try and make it again. This experience is ok value for money, just not as exciting as we had hoped and as a result we wouldn't recommend it

E. P.

Great time thank you kai for cousins hen do had a fab time and great laugh very nice cocktails also 😀 🙌🥂😀🍾 thanks very much great time x

K. S.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Some interesting Harry Potter themed goodies.

B. C.

I really did not expect to like this shop. Yet when I was walking through the shambles I ended up coming in and buying some 'potions' for my parents and several bath bombs for myself! My god, it is so worth the visit ! If I come back to York this will be one of the first places that I come!

M. E.

Such a fun and magical experience for our anniversary. Victrola and Eleanor went above and beyond to make it a special night. Thanks for the potions.

F.

My partner got me a lovely gift set from these folk on their online shop and made my birthday great. I recently picked up their squash potion vials and a decanter. I didn't quite realise how wonderful the box the decanter arrives in would be as a set piece never mind the infusions I can now make in it with my own infusion resources. 5 star review for a 5 star company that provided opportunity for a great experience for me.

G. A.

Great staff. Friendly, knowledgeable, engaging. Loved the potions making visit. Lots of fun for the entire family

B. D.

The cocktail making class was very fun and the drinks tasted great!

E. P.

We loved this mini attraction - the kids (6&9) were mesmerised and just the right amount of scared! The potions experience is just ace - I especially loved the adult 'poison' - Highly recommended

C.

Excellent customer service. Friendly and reliable whether purchasing in store or online. I’ve purchased in store, where they were amazing with my children.... making a shopping experience magical. I’ve also purchased online 4 times during lockdown, and the items were perfect with fast delivery and well packaged.

T. M.

Took the Grandchildren here at the weekend,they loved it,both had a bottle of potion each,unfortunately Grandma broke the Grandson's (he was so upset,Grandma was mortified ),ordered online Sunday and parcel has arrived today(Wednesday ),that's what we call customer service,Grandma now happy and sure Grandson's will be when he gets his new bottle of potion.

H. D.

Amazing! Loved our potions experience on Sunday! Such a funny potions wizard and a proper good end to our weekend hols. 10/10

M. F.

Friendly staff and delicious potions! Their magic meters are also a must buy! Being a Potter fan, I feel there is something for young and adult fans here.

G. T.

We all had great fun making our potions, our potion master was great, certainly worth a visit if in York

Z. H.

Lovely shop. The potions experience wasn’t what I expected and I was a bit disappointed but the two little girls that were in the room with us seemed to enjoy it

N. B.

Amazing experience Friday potion making! The guy was fantastic with my very excited children! Will be booking again.

m. s.

great experience, the staff are amazing and great fun well worth a visit

M. H.

Great shop with plenty of selfie ops for Potter fans! My 7 year old loved being told all about the potions which were delicious

R.

Friendly, energetic staff, lots of fun for the kids and really fits in with the whole magic experience! Would definitely recommend!

P. A.

Not too expensive, staff extremely friendly and a nice experience!

T. B.

Josh was a very impressive host and alchemist 👍👍👍 the kid loved it.

A. B.

Got a great and unique gift from here. Very tasty. Worth checking out!

A. C.

fabulous staff and great place

K. B.

Staff always put on a show- kids love it

B. F.

A magical experience with great staff and Wizard themed gifts you can’t buy anywhere else in York

j. “.

FAO....... "All @ POTIONS COULD RON" I've edited the 4 stars to what I thought I had given ORIGINALLY.... 5* I COULD HAPPILY LIVE IN THAT "BIG 'OL' COULDRON

D. A.

What a cool shop! Will visit again ;-)

L. 1.

Great idea lads luved it

J. C.

Magical!!!

s. w.

(Translated) Harry Potter Potions, where you can mix your favorite potions, and drink the potion, there is also a coffee shop, tired to rest, this unique experience is only this store Have! When you go, you can buy some bath salts as souvenirs, the shape is very cute, the employees are very friendly, highly recommended (Original) 哈利波特魔药铺，在这里可以调配你最喜欢的魔药，还能把魔药喝掉哦，里面还有一个咖啡厅，累了可以歇歇脚，这种独特的体验只有这家店才有！走的时候可以买一些浴盐作为纪念品，造型非常可爱，员工们也很友好，强烈推荐

L. B.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

E. M.

R.

O. S. K.

S. C.

C. D.

P. M.

K. R.

E. B.

N. C.

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