The House of Magic hosts the most outlandish, extraordinary and enchanting events in London. Built by prominent magician Simon Drake (creator of Channel 4’s The Secret Cabaret) nearly 2 decades ago, guests can enjoy high quality cuisine and drinks at uniquely low prices, before being startled and amazed to varying degrees throughout the night. Although it’s often booked out exclusively for corporate and private parties the house also has a number of public nights throughout the year.
As you walk nervously through the Enchanted Garden your ears register the sound of creaking doors, distant thunder and howling wolves along a path which leads you past glowing fishponds and mechanical critters that rustle in the undergrowth. Once inside guests are free to explore a mansion crammed with haunted portraits, fascinating curios, dozens of chandeliers, a collection of spooky automata handmade by Drake himself. It’s like your favorite bar crossed with a museum of curiosities, with everything from vintage posters to toys, automata and bookshelves stuffed with interesting tomes on the dark arts.
A recent visitor said, “For the sheer variety of entertainment Simon Drake’s magic house is hard to beat. Over the course of the night and plenty of drinks we had our fortunes read and were suitably bewildered by wandering of close-up magicians. There was a highly amusing and at times startling tour of the haunted cellar by the master’s butler, heavy on vampire-based innuendo throughout. Finally, after generous helpings of an excellent buffet, the show began. We won’t spoil it for you but rest assured this is proper magic, the kind they used to show on the telly before it all became about plinths, street magic and conning bookies. It’s all as you’d hope from the glamorous assistants to the outrageous costumes and sinister showmanship. Think of it as if you’re visiting a museum, theatre, restaurant, bar and club all in one… what’s more you’ll definitely be talking about this place for years to come.“
