We all want to go to Hogwarts. Am I still sour about not getting my acceptance letter? Was my decision to go to university abroad largely driven by the fact that this Medieval town is Hogwarts-esque? Do I sometimes pretend that I am Hermione in order to get myself to do work? What? No, that would be weird….
The best that we muggles can do in the face of our far less exciting reality is bring the world of Harry Potter into our own. Here, then, is where I picture the witches and wizards of Hogwarts eating and drinking in the familiar three streets of St. Andrews:
Harry Potter: Whey Pat
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Harry was definitely a hard character to place in St. Andrews, but ultimately I think The Chosen One and would hang at this pub, both alone and with his squad. Almost always empty in the daytime, the Whey Pat would be the perfect locale for the trio to plot their mischievous antics and worry about the impending threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, all while sipping on some butter beer and munching on some nachos (who doesn’t love Whey Pat nachos???).
Ron Weasley: Tesco Meal Deal
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The obvious choice for any student on a budget, it is fair to say that the easily impressed Ronald Weasley would be more than satisfied with the dependable and affordable Tesco Meal Deal. It’s easy to imagine Ron donning his signature blank stare while contemplating the perfect combination of sandwich, crisps, and drink and then fumbling through the self-checkout.
Hermione Granger: The Old Union Diner
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The Old Union Diner’s proximity to the library makes this cozy cafe, complete with historic inscriptions, an ideal choice for Hermione. Engulfed by towers of books, Hermione would only break from studying to refill on cheap coffee and goodies.
Ginny Weasley: Zest to Go
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Okay, this one is just based on a personal bias of Ginny’s perceived basic-ness. I just feel like she would eat salad. #basic
Luna Lovegood: Taste
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This small cafe is the only place quirky enough for Loony Lovegood. And yes, there is most certainly pudding to tickle her eccentric fancies, such as lavender blondies and rosemary’s baby (a delightful combo of savory rosemary and sweet chocolate chip cake). Luna would definitely disregard the ever-growing queue behind her as she rambles on about nargles to the uninterested baristas.
Draco Malfoy: The Adamson
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I feel like the St. Andrews equivalent of Malfoy would flaunt his barbour coat and casually drop some serious cash at one of the fancier restaurants in St. Andrews. Draco would definitely be impressed by the showy and smokin’– and I mean literally smoking– hot cocktails, as well as some of the best steak in town.
Hagrid: The Keys
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I have no idea what goes on at the Keys. This pub, notoriously unfriendly to student shenanigans would definitely be this kind-hearted giants hangout spot for a cheeky pint. We can definitely see Hagrid engaging in all kinds sketchy behaviour here– buying dragon eggs off of cloaked strangers and what not.