At The Lockhart you can order a Befuddlement Brew while flicking through a copy of the Deathly Hallows, but there’s plenty for non-Potter fans as well

The Lockhart, which opened in Toronto’s west end last week, is a “casual neighborhood bar”, according to co-owner Matt Rocks. But look closely, and a few things stand out: there are “potions” instead of cocktails, the occasional costume-clad patron strolls in for a pint of “Befuddlement Brew” and the books on the shelves are all written by the same author: JK Rowling.

The Lockhart is a bar for any muggle who has dreamt of Hogwarts, but non-enthusiasts are also welcome.



“We took ideas from the books and kind of added them to the decor, along with other things that we liked,” says Rocks. “But there are definitely some things in here for Harry Potter fans like myself.”

The Potter references are obvious to anyone who has read the books but also make for interesting decor to those not in the know.

The bar’s logo, for example, a large stag head printed on the wall, could be a patronus to fans or an interesting stencil to others and there’s a custom neon light on the wall reading “All was well”, the closing line of the final book. There’s also Potter POP! dolls scattered around the bar, a potions and elixirs wall, and a hidden Deathly Hallows symbol.

All was well, reads the neon sign inside the bar

The references don’t end with the decor. The drinks menu, which Rocks said his co-owner Pouria Fakhraei created using “a lot of inspiration from alchemy and potioneering”, includes numerous references to JK Rowling’s fantasy world. Customers can order a “Befuddlement Brew”, a “Shacklebolt” or a “Ludo’s Debt”.

Despite the names, Rocks said the bar offers “a really good product”. They infuse all of their liquors in house and their short tapas menu provides crowd favorites like baked brie, gourmet popcorn and deep-fried jalapeño mac and cheese sliders.

The drinks menu was created using a lot of inspiration from alchemy and potioneering

The Lockhart, like its Defense Against the Dark Arts professor namesake, has been getting a lot of attention as of late. Only a few days after opening, Rocks said business “blew up” as neighborhood locals and Potter fans alike flooded the bar. One man showed up in full Slytherin robes on Wednesday.

The duo plans to continue adding to the business, with a brunch menu on the way, monthly Potter trivia nights, and a Halloween party that Rocks said he’s “definitely dressing up as one of the characters” for. But butterbeer may not make the menu under its original name because of copyright reasons.

“I don’t want to step on JK’s toes,” Rocks said. “I’m also, like, her biggest fan. I wouldn’t want to upset her.”