The Elephant House

On my 16th birthday, one of my friends gave me a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. From that moment on, I've always been a Potterhead. While spending the day in Edinburgh, Manang Babits made plans that we have lunch at The Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. It was an honor to be there.

Many tourist now flock this place because JK Rowling found inspiration here to write about Harry. The concept though was in one of her train rides from Manchester to London but she chose to spend time in this cafe to let her imagination run wild and create the world of wizards and witches.

It may look like a normal cafe to everyone that offers a good selection of pastries, coffee and tea. Add to some warm lighting inside. What makes The Elephant House unique is the theme itself--and not it was not converted to magic but it is all about elephants hence the name.

I think inspiration can be found here indeed. The views outside (a cemetery and Edinburgh Castle) and all the books on the shelves about elephants has a certain charm indeed.

For lunch, Manang Babs got herself a decaf and I enjoyed the British way of drinking tea--a pot of English Breakfast with a little bit of cream.

We decided to get 2 dishes and split it among ourselves. 


We had half of a vegetable pizza with salad. I liked the toppings on the pizza but I wasn't fond of thick crust. The salad was good though.

I've always looked forward to eating pie and this was my chance. We had Lamb pie with gravy and mash. I loved the flaky crust of the pie and the filling was very hearty. The lamb had very good flavor and tender. The mash was just alright. I would prefer a little bit more butter.

We decided to split a Fruit Scone for dessert. I like having it with both butter and jam. A friend suggested to have Nutella on scones. Hopefully I could get a chance to try that.

The ladies room was surprising though. Before it may have just been a plain white toilet with a small figure of an elephant in a corner. Now it has notes everywhere for JK Rowling. Others would give suggestions, most of them thanked her for giving us Harry Potter. My mistake is not writing one for her with a witty line from the book. I should have written: Dear Ms Rowling, Thank you for giving us Harry Potter. As I am vandalizing a bathroom wall now, all I can think of is--Mischief Managed. Love from Manila, Catz." And yes I did not write that.

I think I know why Ms Rowling was able to write Harry Potter here. I was quiet enough and the views can simply make you daydream. The food was alright as well and you can make this as a lunch stop while touring Edinburgh as it is near the other tourist spots as well. If I remember right, the lunch sets will not cost more than GBP 6 which is a pretty good deal.

Every Potterhead will find this place special. Even if you haven't read the books, this place is still worth visiting. And they have Babar on their book shelf! As a loyal Potterhead, The Elephant House will have a special place in my heart. Always.

The Elephant House is located at 21 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EN.
Some of the photos are taken by Manang Babs.