For those of us still awaiting our Hogwarts acceptance letters, I made a very exciting discovery.
It happened while strolling the streets of unusually sunny Soho.
A world away from the heavy grey days of January.
February seems to have put a spring in London’s step.
Mine too!
Pearl Earrings // Pearl Necklace – Silver May Bespoke (drop her a note!)
So, while springing around pastel painted Soho, I noticed something that had never caught me eye before.
A little place hidden away behind a pink door, next to an old Tudor pub.
The window hinted that this was no place for muggles…
But a quick “Alohomora” and we were in.
Welcome to the Wizarding World of MinaLima.
Founded by graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, who are responsible for the last 15 years of Harry Potter design work.
They brought his world to life in book covers, film props, even those famous Howlers!
And of course the letters we’ve all been patiently waiting for.
Here you can wander the four floor townhouse, immersing yourself in their painstakingly designed world.
No minute detail forgotten.
And if you’re really lucky, and you sit by the fireside for long enough… your letter may finally come!
You could spend days here, wandering through the creaking rooms, pouring over every little detail.
And downstairs there’s a fabulous shop, where I bid adieu to all of my Knuts, Sickles and Galleons, and left instead with prints and pressies.
Along with a smile that wouldn’t budge!
You’ll find the entrance to Diagon Alley at:
While you’re there, why not pop down the street for a spot of lunch?
It’s no Leaky Cauldron, but 10 Greek Street is a great choice.
Ever changing, always delicious, proper, simple dishes, made beautifully and served with charm and panache.
You’ll find the menu scrawled on a chalkboard.
My advice?
Order up a feast to share.
Salty padron peppers with a chilled Chablis Premier Cru. A match made in heaven.
Cool, creamy burrata, dusted in lemon zest and swimming in exceptional olive oil.
A special of the day, ooey gooey warm cheese, drizzled in honey and smothered in truffle.
Good God it was good!
Squidies.
Rich, melt in the mouth pork belly with sharp apple & celeriac salad, topped with a sweet quince aioli.
Utter heaven. The perfect balance of flavours.
Do yourself a favour, make a booking. Take a favourite person.
Then cross the street for pudding.
The kings of Nitro Ice Cream, Chin Chin Labs.
Choose your poison.
They’ll bring it to life with aplomb.
The tiramisu sundae’s great.
The hot sticky toffee pudding sundae’s better.
And don’t even get me started on the hot chocolate!
A choc-a-block afternoon of dreams right there. So what are you waiting for? Send this to your Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw (and even Slytherin) friends, and pick a date!
You never know when the portal might close…
