On the 3rd day of CNY, we were free from all obligations as we had done all the necessary visits and stuff on the first two days of the Lunar New Year. Yet we got up early. The kids were all very excited, especially Cass. Hubs has agreed to bring everyone to the Harry Potter themed cafe at Concubine Lane, a cafe that Cass has been longing to visit since its opening recently. We reached Kong Heng and Thean Chun at 10 a.m but the entire street was already ultra busy with super early birds waiting to have breakfast at the world-renowned Kong Heng and Thean Chun coffee shops. All the patrons, including us were warned by the 'kai si hor fun / ngar choi kai' vendor that waiting time would be 45 minutes. But we waited anyway and ordered other Ipoh favorites as well.
Opened in late 2019 on the famous Concubine Lane (opposite Kong Heng and Thean Chun coffee shops), Platform 9 1/2 has some other noteworthy neighbours including BookXcess situated at Kong Heng. This new Harry-Potter themed cafe is definitely a showstopper with the window-front resembling Diagon Alley’s windowfront. With two bulging and curved windows accompanying the front door, this is the first Instagram spot in this cafe. Instagrammers can don on wizardry props and costumes complete with Harry Potter's accessories to have their perfect shots taken at this spot, like what Sherilyn did.
Staying true to Ipoh’s heritage area, it appears that Platform 9 & 1/2 retains some of the features of the heritage building. Nonetheless, there are still so many Harry Potter-themed spots! One of the most standout beverage would be butter brew float, or commonly known as butter beer, a beverage enjoyed by wizards and witches in Harry Potter. It is made with butterscotch and whipped cream and tastes like A&W root beer. Cass and Sherilyn loved it. Patrons can also try other beverages such as coffee, tea, juices, etc. Besides drinks and tidbits, this cafe does not serve food though.
Crowd at the famous Kong Heng coffee shop. This is NOT the place to go to during peak holiday season if you have no patience.
Cass choosing Harry Potter snitch for her 2 BFFs, Alysa and Joslyn (who are both Potter fans), which she bought with her ang pow money. Concubine Lane is Cass and Sherilyn's Disneyland - there are stalls that sell all their favorite trinkets, costume jewelry and of course Harry Potter souvenirs, along with stalls that sell Instagram worthy snacks like rainbow colored cheese toast, pastel colored candy floss, ice popsicals and much more.
A word of caution when you walk on the ever crowded Concubine Lane. Something unfortunate almost happened to me had I not been extra vigilant, paranoid and bitchy. As I was inching my way on the street packed with people, a male foreigner suddenly hit my shoulder very hard with his shoulder deliberately. I snapped at him loudly. When I turned back to look at him, he turned back to look at me too. Minutes later when I was at the stall with Cass and her grandaunt to look at Harry Potter snitches, the same man walked back to my direction and looked at me suspiciously. I glared at him and pointed at him, quickly put my gold chain inside my blouse and warned the seller about the man. We left Concubine Lane quickly for our next makan destination.
Platform 9 ½ Cafe is located next to My Home One along Concubine Lane.
Opening Hours: 9am -5pm everyday
Directions: Google Maps
Social Media: Facebook Instagram
2 comments:
What a lovely shot of Sher at the Harry Potter cafe. Ashley can't wait to check it out too as she is a fan :) I still have no idea where this cafe is located at Concubine Lane. I have seen many souvenir shops and also shops selling pastries and clothes.
Hi Barb, it's just inside Concubine Lane on the right side if I can remember correctly, towards the end of the lane. It's better to eat something first before going to the cafe as no food is served. And you have to order their drinks in order to go up the cafe :)
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