Harry Potter Café Reopens Four Years After Devastating Fire
The Elephant House café, a notable location for Harry Potter fans, has reopened more than four years after a devastating fire. This café, located on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh, was severely damaged in August 2021.
Reopening After the Fire
After enduring a lengthy closure, The Elephant House reopened its doors on a recent Monday. David Taylor, the café’s owner for three decades, expressed excitement about the reopening. He highlighted the emotional journey since the fire, stating, “It’s tragic to think we have been closed for four-and-a-half years. The whole thing has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.”
A Destination for Harry Potter Fans
The café became a pilgrimage site for Harry Potter enthusiasts during its closure. Fans visited the exterior, taking pictures even when the café’s windows were boarded up. Taylor noted, “People have been asking to come in too; it’s just been non-stop. It’s a Mecca for Harry Potter fans.”
- Date of fire: August 2021
- Cost of refurbishment: £500,000
- Duration of closure: Over four years
- New lease: 20 years with the new owners of the building
JK Rowling and The Elephant House
J.K. Rowling, the renowned author, frequently wrote parts of her Harry Potter series at The Elephant House in the late 1990s. She often sat at an antique wooden table, which survived the fire. Taylor reminisced, “I was only introduced to her when her first book was published. We knew her but she wasn’t famous at that point.”
Tributes to Edinburgh Writers
The café’s interior now showcases portraits of J.K. Rowling and other famous Edinburgh authors, including Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, and Irvine Welsh. Taylor remarked on their connection to the café, stating that they have all been regular customers.
The reopening of The Elephant House marks a significant moment for both the local community and Harry Potter fans worldwide, reaffirming its status as a beloved landmark in Edinburgh.
