Mad Hog Tavern (Mad Hog Phuket) — Restaurant in Talat Nuea

Mad Hog: Magical Escape for Dads and Young Wizards in Phuket Town ‍ Wandering through Phuket Town with our two young adventurers, we stumbled upon a curiosity even their full bellies couldn't resist: Mad Hog, a "Harry Potter"-themed cafe with a tilted door straight out of Diagon Alley. As a solo dad of two, @vanliferenegades, I know the power of unique experiences, and this one did not disappoint!

Theme Park for Potterheads:

Stepping inside was like stepping onto the Hogwarts Express. Dimly lit and brimming with attention to detail, the props and decor transported us to a world of magic. From potion bottles lining the shelves to Quidditch memorabilia adorning the walls, everything screamed "Hogwarts," sparking gasps of wonder from my kids.

Beyond Butterbeer:

While the "bewitching" themed drinks, both alcoholic and kid-friendly mocktails, were a hit, Mad Hog offered more than just wizarding beverages. The menu, accessible through iPads (cool factor points!), featured a variety of dishes that satisfied even our picky eaters. And for me, the extensive craft beer selection was a welcome reward after a day of exploring.

Family-Friendly Fun:

The staff were incredibly friendly, engaging with the kids and adding to the magical atmosphere. The dimly lit environment might not be ideal for naps, but the excitement kept my little ones wide-eyed and entertained. They even have an outdoor seating area for those seeking a change of scenery.

Bonus Perks for Vanlifers:

Free Wi-Fi was a welcome bonus for a remote-working dad like me. Plus, the location offered plenty of street parking, making it easy to park our van and explore the cafe.

Final Verdict:

While not ideal for a quiet lunch with toddlers, Mad Hog is a must-visit for any dad (or mom) traveling with Harry Potter fans. The unique theme, delicious food and drinks, and friendly atmosphere make it a magical experience that both you and your little wizards will remember long after your visit. Just be prepared for...

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that you have a truly wonderful establishment. The entrance immediately caught our attention as we were passing by, particularly as a Harry Potter fan, and we were excited to explore the venue with the intention of returning later for drinks after our dinner.

Unfortunately, our experience with the front of house staff left a very poor impression. Upon entering, we were abruptly shouted at by a young man demanding to know what we wanted to drink. We explained politely that we had been captivated by the entrance and simply wanted to look around and check the menu before deciding to return later. Despite this, we were rudely told that we could not walk further into the venue unless we were ordering immediately. To add to the unpleasantness, we were warned not to use the toilets — even though we had not asked to do so, making the remark completely uncalled for.

The interaction felt unnecessarily aggressive and unwelcoming. As a result, we chose not to return and instead visited a nearby cocktail bar, where the service and atmosphere were far more inviting.

You have a truly unique and special venue, but I would strongly encourage you to reconsider the approach and training of your front of house team. It seems like there many reviews pointing out the unpleasant interaction with the same staff. First impressions are critical, and unfortunately, this one was a...

Very nicely themed cafe, a lot of effort has been put in to the front of the building and the back courtyard. The food I had was good (Thai not pizza) and the mocktails were nice. Can’t say the cocktails really took my fancy and they were too expensive for me to try one for the gram.

The menu was a bit messy. They’d benefit from cutting it down to a couple of pages rather than the essay they currently have on the tablets.

It is dark in here, and it did feel more bar/clubby than cafe so there is a bit of a clash between theme and food. Wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years it went full hogs head and changed to a pub.

Had to rate down as they still use plastic straws. I get that it’s a drop in the ocean in comparison to 7/11s plastic bag fetish but it’s a simple change for a bar which adds up.

Also as I said the theme and use don’t quite work for me. Could do with more magic, felt a bit surface deep.

But hey it’s a good photo opportunity and it’s a unique venue. Worth...