How long does the Harry Potter Studio Tour take?

The tour is self-guided, and most visitors spend around three to four hours inside. Add time for the café and the shop if you plan to use them.

What time should I book dinner after the Studio Tour?

Take your tour start time, add about four hours, then add 30 minutes for the shuttle back to Watford Junction and the short walk to Nana's. Our kitchen takes food orders until 10pm, Monday to Saturday.

Is there somewhere to eat near Watford Junction for a big group?

Yes. Nana's hosts groups in the dining room and the lounge, 3 minutes' walk from Watford Junction. Call 01923 440055 to book a large table.

Dinner after the Harry Potter Studio Tour: how to plan your evening in Watford

The Studio Tour is self-guided, which is part of its charm: you can stand in front of the Hogwarts model for as long as you like. It also makes the end of the day hard to predict. This is our local’s guide to planning dinner around your visit.

Step 1: work out when you will leave the tour

Most visitors spend three to four hours inside. Fans and families with young children often take longer, especially if they stop for Butterbeer or spend time in the shop. A useful rule:

Tour start time + 4 hours = when you will realistically be ready for the shuttle.

So a 1pm tour means leaving around 5pm, and a 3:30pm tour means leaving around 7:30pm.

Step 2: allow for the shuttle back

The official shuttle bus runs between the Studio Tour and Watford Junction station. The journey takes around 15 minutes, and buses run frequently through the day. Show your tour booking confirmation when you board. Allow up to half an hour in total for the queue and the ride.

From Watford Junction, Nana’s is a 3 minute walk along St Albans Road.

Step 3: book your table

Now you have a time. If your 1pm tour ends around 5pm, a table for 5:30pm is comfortable. Call 01923 440055 and tell us you are coming from the Studio Tour. If you run late, ring ahead and we will do our best to hold the table.

A few things worth knowing:

We are open Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm. We are closed on Sundays, so if your tour is on a Sunday, come to us the day before.
Friday and Saturday evenings are our busiest nights, with belly dancing in the lounge from 8:30pm. Book early.
We are BYOB. Bring a bottle to toast the day.

What to order after a long day on your feet

Start with the mixed mezze to share while everyone decides: hommous, falafel, halloumi and warm bread arrive quickly. Then move on to the grills: shish taouk, lamb chops or a mixed meshwi to split. For children, or anyone who wants something simple, there are burgers, wraps, chips and nuggets. Finish with knafeh or a waffle.

See the full menu.

If your train is late in the evening

Plenty of visitors come from London or further afield and have time before their train. The shisha lounge stays open until midnight, Monday to Saturday, and the lounge is a relaxed place to wait rather than sitting on a platform. Shisha is for adults only.

Staying overnight in Watford?

If you are making a weekend of it, you can eat with us the evening before an early tour. We open at 12pm, which also works well for a late lunch before an afternoon slot.

For everything about getting there, read Watford Junction to Warner Bros. Studio Tour: shuttle, parking and where to eat.

Nana’s is an independent restaurant and is not affiliated with Warner Bros. Tour timings and shuttle details can change, so check the official Studio Tour website before you travel.