Magic in the making: Harry Potter studio tour, London

Well we’re seven books and eight movies down and it seemed like the Harry Potter juggernaut had come to a standstill. Although I’m a grown woman this thought made me sad. The books had been special to me, seeing the films a pleasure. So when I heard that Warner Bros were opening a studio tour I was beside myself with excitement.

Not only would I get to indulge my love of all things Potter but I’d get to relish in my geeky side by glimpsing behind the scenes. I begged my other half for tickets as a Christmas present (I didn’t mind waiting) and he relented obliged.

The doubts started to spring into my mind. Would seeing exactly how the films were created spoil the magic behind them? Would it be too crowded to see anything? There’s been a lot of hype about the cost; would I need to re-mortgage my flat to afford it?

Happily the answers were no, no and mostly no.

Heading into the Great Hall

 

If anything, seeing the secrets of the Harry Potter films has added to my admiration of all the films. The detail and hard work that the crew and everyone involved at Leavesden Studios took my breath away. There were tickets for the Hogwarts Express, a handwritten letter to Lily Potter informing her she had a place at Hogwarts – things that would only be seen on screen for a fleeting moment, if at all.

The matter of crowd control was nothing to fear. We went on a busy day in the Easter holidays when places had sold out but it was never push-shove. The timed entry helped, as did the fact you could basically make your way around in your own time. We spent four hours there but could have spent longer.

With the cost, well, the tickets were £28 for an adult. It seems expensive, but is comparable with other ‘days out’ in the UK like Alton Towers and the like, and as someone like me who’s afraid of rollercoasters it was better value. The food there can be expensive, but there’s an undercover picnic area half way around where you can eat your own lunch. The gift shop is expensive, but all gift shops are overpriced if you ask me.

And the butter beer (yes you can try butter beer) is about the price of a Starbucks at £2.95. Well, you MUST to try it. I can’t say I enjoyed it. My advice would be to drink it quickly as it starts to congeal and look positively disgusting, but it’s an experience, part of the day. 

Knocking at number 4 Privet Drive. Harry wasn't home.

Highlights for me were the art department models, seeing the beautiful dress that Hermione wore to the Yule Ball, the make-up artist’s work station (lots of wigs, MAC and Laura Mercier products) and, of course, the stunning scale model of Hogwarts Castle. I spent ages looking at it from every angle as the lights showed how it would look in daylight and at night.

I hope that gives you some idea whether you want to go. I was so glad I wasn’t disappointed and I hope you won’t be either.

Once you pop…

Popcorn. It’s something I just never think of eating outside a cinema. 

Even in the cinema it’s not always my first choice; multiplex popcorn is hardly a culinary delight. I generally just have a fizzy drink and – if it’s available – some Ben and Jerry’s. Those options are much quieter for my fellow audience members and far more delicious.

Yet good old Marks and Spencer has gone a good way to changing my mind and making popcorn seem, well, indulgent. They have a healthy snack range with a cupboard full of treats that all come in at fewer than 100 or fewer than 150 calories. Among them is this:

Chocolate and pecan popcorn at just 130 calories. Yes, even with chocolate! I’ve got a real sweet tooth and this really hits the spot without making me feel guilty. And hey, it’s got to be better than a bag of crisps, right?

Now I’ll admit there doesn’t seem to be very much chocolate drizzled on the top and the pecan nuts are few and far between, but the rich toffee coating on each kernel is enough to pack in the flavour and make this humble cinema snack all the more luxurious.

There’s a strawberry and white chocolate version too but I’ve not sampled it as I’m not keen on freeze dried berries.

Of course, this being Marks and Spencer food, it is a little pricey. When I bought these they were around £2.50 for five bags and, to be honest, the bags aren’t that big but the goodies inside are so rich and decadent you probably won’t care!

It’s a yes from me provided I’m feeling rich.