The Potions Cauldron Group, a York-based company known for its enchanting drinks and magical mini-golf experiences, is celebrating a spellbinding triple award win.
Founded in 2018 by Ben Fry and Phil Pinder, the business has grown from its York roots to include locations in Blackpool, Edinburgh, Chester, and Durham. This year, three prestigious industry awards recognised their achievements.
At The Great British Entrepreneur Awards in London, the founders were crowned Retail Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East, Yorkshire, and The Humber, an accolade described by Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett as the “Oscars for entrepreneurs.”
The group also secured the title of Fastest Growing Food and Drink Firm in the North at the UK Fast Growth Awards, and their York mini-golf attraction, The Hole in Wand, won the Kid’s First Award at The Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards.
Adding to the excitement, the company is shortlisted for two awards at the Visit York Awards in March 2025, where they aim to retain their title as Retailer of the Year and secure Independent Business of the Year.
Ben Fry, Co-Founder and Chief Enchantment Officer, said, “The awards are a huge team celebration. Our team of wizards bring magic to everything they do, and we welcome thousands of visitors each week across our venues and shops.”
Phil Pinder, Director of Wizardry, reflected on the company’s journey: “2018 feels like a lifetime ago. With over 70 staff and nine venues, it’s amazing to see our achievements recognised locally and nationally.”
The Potions Cauldron Group operates enchanting outlets across the UK, including York’s iconic Shambles, and supplies drinks to retailers like HMV and Hamleys, as well as magical stores in the US and Middle East.
This year, the group opened new mini-golf attractions in Chester and Dalton Park and unveiled The Potions Academy in York, adding to its lineup of immersive magical experiences. With these milestones and award wins, the Potions Cauldron Group continues to prove that their brand of magic is thriving.
