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Shambles in York is one of the most famous streets in the World with more than 5 million visitors per year and has been described by Visit England as “The real Diagon Alley”, making the street a must for fans of magic from across the World.

About half way down Shambles you will notice the steam coming out of number 9¾ as the potion makers of the World’s most magical drinks emporium The Potions Cauldron are busy brewing elixir’s to enchant visitors, and keeping the history of magic on Shambles alive!

Since the 14th century potion makers have resided at 9¾ Shambles York, brewing and selling potions and elixirs to the people of the city...some medicinal and some magical.

The first known potion maker was Phileas Fry, who came to York in 1335 on a mission to help the needy and heal the sick, but in 1346 he left York and answered the call of his monarch and went to fight for King and country and joined the armies of Edward III against the French in The Battle of Crecy.

During his time in France he fought with honour and rose to the rank of Captain and one dark night whilst on patrol he captured a mysterious French woman called Agnes de Molay who locals and the English alike feared and tarnished as a Witch. Agnes de Molay made an offer that Captain Fry couldn't resist and traded her freedom for the secrets of the dark arts, and potion recipes that Phileas Fry could use for good and use to bring an end to the bloodshed and take himself, his troops and his new secrets back to England.

When he returned to York, it was a dark time with enemies from home and abroad threatening to engulf England in more bloodshed and The Black Death consuming the city, Phileas knew the risks he was taking but that the potion recipes of Agnes De Molay could give the people of York the chance to battle back.

To try and hide the magic at work Phileas built a secret Potion room at the back of 9¾ Shambles York to give sanctuary to those purveyors of the dark arts who could help him brew the potions that could save his city.

The power of Unicorn Essence, Serpents Venom, Tears of a Wizard and Basilsk Blood were legendary and word seen spread of the magic at work in Shambles, York and the work of one man and a loyal band of potion makers who were bringing light to the darkness.

All that would be required to turn these potions from mere liquid to magic elixirs is the ancient potion spell…

“Pick up the potion and turn upside down, and rotate three times. Turn the potion the right way, and tap the lid five times. Then experience the magic of Agnes De Molay”.

Potion making was dangerous and exhausting work and the potion makers started to brew a potion to raise spirits and to bring cheer to the streets of York. This real butterscotch beer called Spellbound became the stuff of legend and casks of the beer would be exchanged in secret to avoid the magic being uncovered or the potion being misused for evil.

In 2017 whilst renovating the old apothecary the current owners of 9¾ found records detailing the potion recipes and decided that once again Shambles, York should be a beacon for good and provide potions to the cities visitors.

They have reopened The Potions Cauldron, a shop that any boy Wizard would want to visit and if you can pass the magical test of the Magic Meter, maybe you could experience the mystical powers of The Potions Cauldron. You can also visit the secret potion room that is full of 700 years of York’s magical history.

A magical drinks emporium for Wizards serving the ancient magical potions of French Witch Agnes de Molay which we’re brought back to York in the 14th century by Phileas Fry. Come and try our magical drinkable potions, learn the spell and unlock the magic. We have potions for all ages.

You can also visit the secret wizard sanctuary at the back of The Potions Cauldron that was used to hide Wizards at a time when magic was outlawed in York. Once beyond the mystical wall you will find all means of magic including a 6,000 piece Lego Hogwarts and a bubbling cauldron. Enjoy a potion in our secret wizard room by booking our Potions Experience today.

The Potions Cauldron gives you the chance to mix your own magical potion and be a trainee wizard with our Phileas Phials.

You can also look for magical friends who are still taking sanctuary at 9¾ Shambles, York, you never know who you will find.

Don’t leave without taking a magical selfie to show all your friends and be a Wanted Wizard.

Buy magical gifts for friends and family including our famous magical potions, bath potions and much more!