Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 15 years, you’re well aware of the Harry Potter phenomenon that’s taken the world by storm. What started as a seemingly normal book series for young adults rapidly transformed into a world-wide trend. From candies to Halloween costumes to a multi-billion dollar film series. Harry Potter isn’t just a movie or book series, it is a household name, alongside its creator, the J.K. Rowling.
In 2014, Universal Studios Florida opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, often referred to as “Potter World.” At this point, the Harry Potter craze had taken on a whole new meaning, from amusement park rides, to a replication of Diagon Alley, to the real-life creation of Butter Beer.
What we envisioned in the movies and books had finally taken form in reality. Harry Potter has provided the world with just about everything in its franchise, but now, a bar owner in Toronto, Canada has taken Potter to a whole new level.
The Lockhart Bar opened in Toronto last week, and according to co-owner Matt Rocks, it’s a “casual neighborhood bar.” There are definitely things that make this bar stand out, other than its name. Instead of your typical drink, you purchase a “potion.”
The drink menu uses references to Rowling’s writing, alongside the décor. There’s even a light-up sign which says, “All was well,” the closing line of the book. Additionally, there are dozens of HP POP! Dolls scattered throughout the place.
In an interview done with The Guardian, Rocks even mentions Butter Beer, but says it probably won’t make its way to the menu with that name, due to copyright. The bookshelves are lined with all of one author’s works…you guessed it—Rowling’s. According to Rocks and The Guardian, there are plans for a monthly Potter trivia night, and perhaps even a Halloween party.
Business has been booming since the bar opened, and with good reason. Their Instagram and website are incredibly well developed, with fun pictures of the bar, drinks, décor, and their employees.
Regardless of your love for Harry Potter, this place is certainly pretty cool any way you look at it.
All pictures included in this article are from their website: www.thelockhart.ca/home.html.
They can be found on Instagram at thelockhartto.
