The Owlery Cafe and Tea House, Samford

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Posted 2024-09-04 by Gillian Ching ⇒ follow

A Harry Potter inspired cafe in Samford takes you into the real-life "Owlery Room" fit for creating your own magical moment.

Who is Harry Potter?
Literature changed forever when the first Harry Potter fantasy novel was released in 1997 by English writer, JK Rowling. The story follows the adventures of a boy wizard, named Harry and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From Griffindors to Slytherins, during their time at Hogwarts, a fictional boarding school, they develop their magical skills.

This was the start of what would be 7 parts in the Harry Potter series, namely:

Philosopher's Stone (1997)

Chamber of Secrets (1998)

Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)

Goblet of Fire (2000)

Order of the Phoenix (2003)

Half-Blood Prince (2005)

Deathly Hallows (2007)

Now you can experience a piece of Potter magic in Samford in Brisbane's north with the creation of the Owlery Cafe.

The Owlery Cafe
When I heard about a Harry Potter inspired cafe I was more than a little curious. I will admit that I am not a Harry Potter expert but astute Harry Potter fans will know that in Potterland, 'The Owlery' was a special room on the top of Hogwarts Castle's West Tower, where the school owls and the owls belonging to students lived during the school year.

(Photo: Gillian Ching)

Whether you are new to Harry Potter or a long-time admirer of the story, now, you can experience a slice of this special place with a dedicated cafe at Samford with the Owlery clearly at the backdrop. The building itself is loaded with historic architectural features like leadlight windows catching and throwing colour from the sunlight, and warm fireplaces.

(Photo courtesy Jacqueline, Instagram)

Astute fans will notice the blue Ford Anglia 105E in the garden at the entrance to the cafe which, in the film, was once owned by Arthur Weasley. This is a photo opportunity waiting to happen.

The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating. For me, the outdoor seating is naturally magical and a mixed collection of curious places connected by twisting pathways. The garden area is filled with lush bromeliads, brimmed hanging baskets of foliage, soft comfy outdoor seats, traditional tables and chairs, and you might even spot the odd owl garden ornament or two. Whichever space you choose, it is sure to feel unique and private for you to create your own memories.

(Photo: Gillian Ching)

An owl with its wings outstretched flies above the entrance of the cafe. A special feature of the cafe is the red English phone box on the curb at the front of the cafe, which of course has another link to Potter. You see in the story a telephone box in Whitehall served as the visitor's entrance for the British Ministry of Magic Headquarters. It was accessible via dialling 62442 (the word M-A-G-I-C), allowing them to make a connection to state their business, receive a badge, and then transport it down into the Ministry.

(Photo: Gillian Ching)

The Menu
While the theme is based on fantasy, reality hits when it is time to select your preferred food and beverage and the soul of the cafe kicks in. The menu features light English eats (like fresh homemade scones, and monstrous sticky apple pies), perfect to have with tea or coffee. For something a little more hearty and in keeping with their English tradition are cornish pasties,

The Owlery serves Brisbane-based brew, Elixir of Life coffee from Stafford.

(Photo: Gillian Ching)

The Store of Requirement
Once you have visited The Owlery, the magic doesn't stop there. For more Potter-inspired memories, be sure to check out the House of Requirement gift store which is located right next door to the Owlery Cafe. The store has even more Harry Potter merchandise and goods reflecting the books and its films.

There are clothes (including Harry's famous student robe, scarves, ties etc), homewares, books, bags and other curios. Imagine trying on the sorting hat or draping a cape!

The Store of Requirement is open:
Wednesday 10am–3pm
Thursday 10am–3pm
Friday 10am–3pm
Saturday 10am–4pm
Sunday 10am–4pm

What Else?
The Owlery Cafe is something of a small tourist site attracting Potter fans so it does get crowded but that makes it all the more of a gathering point in the community and another reason to visit and take photos of the village of Samford.

The cafe is located opposite John Scott Park at 18-20 Station Street, Samford Village, 21 kilometres from the Brisbane Central Business District. Free street parking is available opposite the cafe. You can contact the Owlery Cafe on 0490 868 787.

The Owlery is open five days:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 8am-2pm
Thursday: 8am-2pm
Friday: 8am-2pm
Saturday: 7am-3pm (kitchen closes at 2pm)
Sunday: 7am-3pm (kitchen closes at 2pm)