In Muranów, a chamber of secrets awaits Harry Potter’s most ardent fans…
In Muranów, a chamber of secrets awaits Harry Potter’s most ardent fans…
For sure, this Harry Potter themed café would feel better suited to Old Town’s cobbled alleys – but that’s easy to say when you’re not the one paying the rent. Instead, Zaklątek slots inside the residential no-man’s land that sits between the POLIN museum and Powązki Cemetery. Sharing the same commie era block as a Vietnamese takeaway joint, booze shop and 24-hr gambling den, the slightly seamy surroundings are quickly forgotten once entry is gained.
It’s hardly big, but it sure packs a lot into its limited floorplan: a counter made from travel trunks; a wall filled with portraits of Potter characters; and bookshelves adorned with leather-bound spell books, flickering candles, Quidditch trophies and ornamental skulls. Broomsticks, a hairy spider and a giant picture of ‘the Fat Lady’ round out the look. Small as it may be, you don’t have to be a Potterhead to appreciate the fun nature of this project.
You’ll never guess, but kids absolutely love it. Noise levels can rise, so think tactically and visit during school hours. There are also some that cry about the prices (about PLN 28 for a slice of cake, PLN 20 for tea). Hardly cheap, but what is in Warsaw nowadays?
Fun, fun, fun. At a time when Warsaw’s cafés have been taken over by people that describe themselves as ‘digital nomads’, Zaklątek is a breath of fresh air. The winter tea is also delicious, and best taken on the sofa that sits in front of the artificial log fire.
We enjoyed it, and you’ve got to be a pretty miserable person if you don’t yourself. Small though it is, Zaklątek allows you to step into a fantasy world and leave Warsaw behind – any place that does that deserves its share of credit.
Smocza 27
