The Elephant House Coffee Shop in Edinburgh
Popular Writer's Haunt Where Author J K Rowling Wrote Harry Potter
Jun 1, 2009
The Elephant House is a cheery red glossy-fronted coffee shop at 21 George IV Bridge, a strange street in Edinburgh that crosses streets below it at 4th floor level. It was no doubt always a charming coffee shop with its emphasis on elephants and their protection and preservation. Its décor with hanging fans is pseudo-Indian. However, the Elephant House has become a popular tourist spot in Edinburgh for its association with Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling.
The Birthplace of Harry Potter
The Elephant House proudly proclaims itself to be ‘The Birthplace of Harry Potter’. The world is familiar with the rags-to riches story of the unemployed sole parent, Rowling, who would go to a coffee shop and scribble away at chapters of the book which, after being rejected by 50 publishers, became the best-selling phenomenon, the first in the Harry Potter series. This is that self-same coffee shop.’ Nevertheless, it seems that the honour should be shared with Nicholson’s in Nicholson Street, which is now a Chinese restaurant. This was also a favourite writing haunt.
J. K. Rowling’s Table
The shop indicates that Rowling’s preferred table was around one in the middle of the large, back room. It is interesting to seize the table and sit for a while, dreaming of writing a best-seller and taking in the ambiance that inspired J. K. Rowling. Unlike many coffee shops and restaurants in the old town portion of Edinburgh, the Elephant House back room has huge windows and is light and airy.
Perc hed high above the roofs of rows of shops in Grassmarket, the Elephant House has a view beyond the colorful variety of elephants arranged on the windowsills to solid, gloomy Edinburgh castle, perched on its rocky crag. Was this Rowling’s inspiration for her castle-like wizard school? The well-lit, attractive room with its suspended cloth lamp shades, fans, and elephant décor, combined with the excellent coffee and cakes served by the establishment, would make an excellent ‘office’ in which to work.
Other Authors Associated With the Elephant House
Two other famous British authors have frequented the Elephant House. Alexander McCall Smith, best known for his ‘No 1 Ladies Detective Agency’ series, has incorporated the Elephant House in scenes from one of his novels set in Edinburgh, ‘44 Scotland Street’. Popular crime writer Ian Rankin, who also sets stories in Edinburgh (for example, Flesh Market Close), has done a similar thing. It is either a sign of how popular and well-known the coffee shop is, or else a mark of personal affection for the place. Whatever the reason, however, it is wonderful advertising to receive a mention in books that reach millions of readers.
The Elephant House Today
Trade is brisk. Whether J.K. Rowling would now find her favourite table so quiet and work-ready when the busloads of chattering tourists arrive and mill around is debatable. It is said that she took a suite at the nearby hotel when writing subsequent novels.
Nevertheless, the Elephant House goes from strength to strength: it is possible to buy gift mugs labeled ‘Elephant House - Birthplace of Harry Potter’ as well as sweat shirts, T shirts and Hoodies. It is still one of the best places in Edinburgh to get a coffee and a slice of cake, and opens from 8 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. It is also possible to see the promotional merchandise online at www.elephanthouse.biz
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