
03 Dec 2024
Fans of magic, fantasy, science-fiction and immersive experiences should make a bee-line for The Cauldron this Halloween. A spooky seasonal menu of molecular shots and flamboyant cocktails will be available throughout October, as well as extra special limited edition Halloween versions of the extremely popular Potions Experiences and Wizard Afternoon Teas.
Bringing together molecular food and drink and actual working magic wand technology (Harry Potter eat your heart out), The Cauldron gives those of all ages the chance to become wizards and witches for a few hours. While to an extent, every day is Halloween at this themed venue, the vibe is really ramped up come October. Expect lots of carved pumpkins and considered decorations that’ll go far beyond the standard holiday effort made by most pubs and bars, as well as theatrical presentation of consumables that you’ll want to photograph.
Attendees booking either of the Halloween experiences will be treated to a warm mug of “HallowCream” Cider on arrival; this hot spiced apple cider drink is infused with cinnamon and orange, ginger beer and butterscotch syrup, then topped with homemade butterscotch whipped cream and a drizzling of caramel — adults will also be offered a shot of cognac, bourbon, or Dead Man’s Fingers hazelnut rum, to booze up the beverage.
Those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for the eerie will just love this themed afternoon tea. Two brand new, seasonal build-your-own teas and a special menu are available throughout October. The Traditional Tea with a Halloween Twist includes 10 varieties of teas, with autumnal spices (cinnamon, apple, cloves, ginger and star anise) and flowers to crush in a pestle and mortar, for a truly personalised blend.
The Cauldron’s Spooked Tea is all about the iced tea; tangy, sweet and sour, it provides the option of a shot of gin for an extra kick. Both options come with “sand-witches,” a scone and scarily tasty treats like Bloody Chocolate Cupcake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Verrine (topped with an edible Witch’s Finger), Halloween Macaron and Carrot Cake. Food is served on a magic wand-activated tea stand topped with a Dragon Egg, making the whole experience not only a cauldron load of fun but very Instagrammable. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
In the final week of October, you’ll be able to brew a potion for yourself. This molecular recipe – also available as a mocktail – has been in the making for two years and has been named “The Spawn of Satan.” A take on a raspberry vodka martini, it includes DIY spheres of white chocolate, which attendees make themselves, by squeezing drips of “Creamed Unicorn” into a sodium alginate bath; a chemical reaction then cooks them into spheres. Finally, they are added to “The Blood of Your Enemies” (raspberry and vodka) and topped with a popping boba of white chocolate. Your potion-making experience will also include either a “Devil’s Spawn” hand-brewed drink or “Lost Thyme”, brewed in a cauldron.
And you can order more drinks at The Cauldron’s unique bar. Try shots like the Bubbling Shots of Death (green, red, and black varieties), the Candy Corn Shot (layered shot of yellow, orange and white) and The Ectoplasm Shot (chocolate and orange shot art). Or signature cocktails such as The Three Witches (a sharing cocktail served in a bubbling cauldron), The Doom (served with fire on a black slate) and Damiana’s Charm (a love potion made with Damiana Leaf, which is a natural aphrodisiac).
Not all contain alcohol, so if you’re driving or tee-total, you can opt for The Shirley Spellman (a Shirley Temple served in a bubbling, mini cauldron) or a handmade mocktail poured using a working magic wand. The potions are so imaginative that you’re sure to want a few, both for the visual and taste experience.
Additionally, kids (and big kids) can book to decorate pumpkin-shaped cookies with bright frosting and candies – an activity that’s ideal for parties. And if you can’t make it to one of the venues in person, the brand is now offering a postal service for gifts including the glittery Essence of Feline Familiar potion served in a cat-shaped receptacle, Freeze Dried Unicorn Poop, Freeze Dried Fairy Droppings and Spellbinding Sweets — these items can be shopped online at The Cauldron’s website.
To meet demand, The Cauldron is extending its opening hours during the month of October, with plenty of family-friendly and student-specific time slots. The Cauldron has locations in Edinburgh, London and a newly opened venue in Brighton; so get booking, jump on your broomstick and make this Halloween the most creative and memorable yet.