Brits might expect a touch of home at Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter — but not a backlash over breakfast. A single dish has managed to spark an unexpectedly fierce critique, prompting some to call it an “abomination.”
Food at theme park restaurants often walks a fine line between whimsy and realism. Universal’s Wizarding World restaurants — The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade and The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley — are beloved for immersive decor. Diners sipping on Butterbeer while seated amid faux rafters, moving portraits, and charming, magical details that transport them into the world of witchcraft and wizardry.
Still, atmosphere can only offset a culinary miss so much. For British fans, tradition matters. After all, Hogwarts halls echo with references to prefects, King’s Cross Station, and notably, full English breakfasts — the proper, hearty fare that sums up home for many.
The Universal Breakfast That Sparked Outrage
At The Three Broomsticks, the “Traditional English Breakfast” features scrambled eggs, sausages, black pudding, bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sautéed mushrooms, breakfast potatoes — and, oddly, a croissant. All for $19.99 per adult.
British diners have been vocal about their distaste.
American Friend went to Harry Potter world in the US and got this abomination.
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One voice lamented: “This has managed to insult both English and French breakfast culture simultaneously,” adding, “What’s worse is how this was likely overpriced and tasted quite bland.”
Another quipped: “If this is what passes for ‘British food’ over there, no wonder they think our food sucks lmao.”
A third fan pointed to franchise missteps: “I’m pretty sure I remember descriptions of breakfast at Hogwarts having serving dishes with bacon, sausages, eggs and toast piled high. Not whatever this shite is.”
On Reddit’s r/UniversalOrlando, a British user previously broke down the shortcomings further:
“Beans are all wrong. Bacon, black pudding is ok, but not the best quality. … Normal full English wouldn’t come with a croissant.”
Clearly, ingredients and presentation failed the authenticity test — and the croissant, a French staple in an “English” plate, becomes emblematic of the misfire.
Why the Misfire Might Be a Near-Missed Opportunity
Theme park kitchens juggle speed, scale, and cost — but recreating a true full English breakfast remains a tall order. For fans steeped in British culture and Harry Potter lore, though, shortcuts can break the illusion.
Not all dishes disappoint. Some visitors praise options like the shepherd’s pie and beef pasties as more fitting and flavorful — though far fewer have extended such praise to the breakfast plate. Croissants in Hogsmeade? Not so magical.
JK Rowling is famously stringent on what happens within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Previous reports suggested that Rowling tried every food and drink item sold in the land, having samples shipped to Scotland for this very purpose before Universal Studios Hollywood opened its version of the land.
Whether or not the full English made the trip across the pond to receive Rowling’s personal stamp of approval remains to be seen.
When Universal Studios Great Britain ever gets off the ground, fans may want the Wizarding World to stay off the menu — especially if it includes a repeat of this breakfast. The magic, it seems, doesn’t always carry over to the kitchen.
Are you a fan of the food in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
