Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is a small themed pub on Calle Cerrajeros, in the old town, a few steps from Plaza Redonda and about a minute's walk from Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Instead of ordering from a menu, guests take part in a potion class: the cocktails are prepared at the table as magic potions, in a setting that one local guide described as halfway between a speakeasy and a wizard school common room.

The experience lasts about one hour and twenty minutes. Each guest receives a cloak and a wand, the house serves a welcome potion, and then a host playing the role of potions professor hands over a shared cauldron, the ingredients and the instructions for two potions chosen from a list. From there the group mixes on its own. Potions can be made with or without alcohol, which is why the format works for families as well as for groups of friends. The magic-school theme is clearly inspired by fantasy sagas, but the venue states that it is not affiliated with any film or book franchise.

The room is small, with space for around 40 people, so sessions run by reservation only and must be booked online in advance. Published prices are 29 euros for adults, 19 euros for students over 18 with a valid card and 14 euros for under-18s. Bookings are final, although a session can usually be moved if you write at least 24 hours before; optional booking insurance and a wand to take home are offered as extras.

Unlike most bars in the city centre, Hocus Pocus is not adults-only: minors are welcome as long as they come with at least one adult on the same booking. The crowd is mainly groups of friends, couples, birthday parties and families, plus visitors looking for something different in the centre. Dress is casual, and nothing is needed beyond the cloak they hand you.

Sessions run in the afternoons and evenings, generally from late afternoon until around midnight during the week and until about 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with earlier starts at weekends. Arrive on time, as sessions are timed. It makes a good first stop before dinner in the old town or a night out in El Carmen, and it is easy to combine with a walk around Plaza Redonda, the Mercado Central and the Lonja. The same concept also operates in Madrid.