Our moods instantly lift as we’re whisked away from the cold gloomy weather and into a magical atmosphere
Can you think of an example where the phrases “Sutton-in-Ashfield” and “magical” were used together? I don’t want to offend anyone.
The market town, about 12 miles north of Nottingham, looks especially dreary on the day I arrive since the rain is pouring down. The busiest area in town is one of the cafes in the indoor market at Idlewells Shopping Centre, but outside, Low Street is a sad picture of how high streets have been destroyed by business closures.
After browsing a few charity shops, we proceed to Wizards Den Cafe. From the street, you can’t see inside since the windows are wrapped with a Harry Potter-themed wrap of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, providing a feeling of mystery as to what lies behind the door.
Stepping inside means passing through a gateway into a darker fantasy world. The ceiling features a night sky with twinkling green lights and floating candles, with additional candles on the tables and lanterns. Our spirits immediately lift as we are carried away from the chilly, dreary weather.
The owner has really gone to town on the Harry Potter-inspired decor – and it’s incredibly atmospheric and inviting. Wizard robes hang on the backs of chairs, which are upholstered in fabrics representing the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
A giant reptilian basilisk dominates one of the walls, while a white owl perches on top of a column of books next to a glowing orange log burner. A Whomping Willow and a Dobby stand in opposite corners. At this point it’s probably important to point out that the cafe has a disclaimer on its Facebook page saying it’s inspired by fantasy, folklore, wizards, witches and mystical fun. It is not endorsed by, affiliated with or associated with Warner Bros. or J.K. Rowling or otherwise connected with Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.
Although it’s dark and mysterious, your eyes soon adapt to the low-level lighting. With around 18 seats, the cafe is small and cosy and you do feel you’ve been magicked away to another land.
The menu continues the theme with Wizard’s Lair Lunch, Serpent Spuds (jacket potatoes), Sorcerer’s stone-baked pizza and Wand-erful snacks and baguettes. Breakfast and afternoon tea are also served.
As well as hot drinks, fizzy drinks and milkshakes there’s a selection of mocktails with names such as Blue Goblin, Frozen Yeti, Polyjuice Potion and the Phoenix, however, because it’s a cold day we stick to Americanos to warm us up. As we muggles wait for our food, a stream of customers come in – all wanting takeaway cake which is half-price due to it being the cafe’s six-month anniversary.
Food comes from the Witch’s Kitchen; I don’t hear any staff chanting “eye of newt and toe of frog” as they toil over a steaming cauldron, so I’m guessing they use more traditional ways to make my husband’s all-day breakfast and my jacket potato with chilli.
The potato is drenched in chilli – no complaints here. The spiciness warms my taste senses. A salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and peppers is served in a separate dish, as is a portion of coleslaw. This Serpent Spud costs £5.60, which is hardly a deceptively low price.
The all-day breakfast (£9.95) is served with two poached eggs, two sausages, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans, and chips. My husband finishes it off with special praise for the “proper” homemade chips, while the eggs might have used a bit more time.
I saw that one of the new menu additions was chocolate cake and pink custard, a school dinner staple. If I wasn’t so full, I could have made that disappear without using a magic wand.
