Daily Times

The concept of themed cafes and restaurants is relatively new in Pakistan and so far only a handful have opened in the main cities.

However, the number is slowly rising and these cafes are definitely worth visiting at least once. Islamabad is home to three of the best themed cafes in the country and they are a perfect destination for any fantasy or Shakespeare fan.

THE SMOKEY CAULDRON — fans of ‘Harry Potter’ will absolutely love this café that transports any visitors into the magical wizarding world. The décor perfectly complements the theme and allows you to feel as if you have truly passed through the barrier at Platform nine and three quarters. The fact that there is an actual trolley wedged into a make-believe platform 9.3/4 that you can take pictures with is a bonus. Moreover, visitors can take pictures with other props such as wands and robes as well. Plastic spectacles, wizards’ hats and an array of potion bottles also make for perfect photo aesthetics. Another wonderful quality about the café is that they allow guests to write short messages on post-its and then put them up around the area which makes the place feel homey and comfortable. The Nimbus Two Thousand, Harry Potter’s broomstick is also available to look at and take pictures with, and the roof is adorned with a perfect candle chandelier and glittering stars. The menu is perfectly tailored to any Potterhead’s dreams as well because you will find things like “Hagrid’s Rock Cake” and “Devil’s Snare”, both of which are popular wizarding jargon. Drinks like “Exploding Lemonade” and “Butterbeer” will also win your heart. The Smokey Cauldron’s “Stamp of Approval” makes you eligible for a 10% discount upon your next visit after which you are eligible for a further 15% reduction in your bill. The café is located in F-6, Islamabad.

SHAKESPEARE’S LOUNGE — true to its name, this café is a dream come true for every late poet and playwright William Shakespeare fan. They have placed books on Shakespeare and his plays around the place and the backdrop is perfect for pictures since it exudes a very Shakespearian vibe as well. Little quirks like bringing the bill and menus in a booklet inspired by the famous playwright also add to the overall mood of the café. The space is small but does not feel so at all, and the outdoor area is perfect for cold winter nights or warm summer evenings. Their dishes are named after famous plays as well and the “As You Like It” platter is considered to be quite popular. The café offers a welcome reprieve from all modern-day problems, into a warm eighteenth century era tavern. The cafe is located in F-7, Islamabad.

KING’S LANDING, CAFÉ & GRILL — this beautifully decorated café is a paradise for every fan of the ever-popular Game of Thrones series as it offers a perfect dining experience paired with excellent photo opportunities. Started by a group of fresh university graduates, it offers unique dishes such as “Little Fingers” and “Valar Spaghetti Pasta” that would make anyone’s mouth water. The quality of the food is very good and the prices have been set keeping the café’s student customers in mind. The Mighty Mountain Challenge is a unique challenge that requires the contestant to finish the mighty beef burger within a given time limit, and then if they are successful, get a 50% discount, and their name on the café’s Wall of Fame. The contestant also keeps getting a 10% discount on any future bills until their name is knocked off the list. The presence of the Iron Throne as well as several swords is enough to make any true fan fall in love with the place. The café is located in Phase 6, Bahria Town, Islamabad.

Shakespeare’s Lounge — true to its name, this café is a dream come true for every late poet and playwright William Shakespeare fan. They have placed books on him and his plays around the place and the backdrop is perfect for pictures since it exudes a very Shakespearian vibe as well

HEISENBERG’S CAFÉ — this café will make any fan of Breaking Bad swoon with its perfect décor and ambiance. The founders are a pair of fresh university graduates who decided to combine their love for chemistry, food and of course, Breaking Bad itself. The café serves mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices as well drinks that are concocted at the bar. An interesting fact about the café is that their chef actually resembles Jesse Pinkman. The café is located in Phase 4, Bahria Town, Islamabad.

CAFÉ CROSSBONES — this café is the perfect spot for any horror movie fans. Skulls, bats and ravens around the area as well as a skull-shaped chandelier give the place the perfect spooky vibe and paired with thrilling karaoke, it makes for the perfect place to go with family and friends. Other things such as edible eyeballs on brownies and a make-your-own-pizza option add to the different quirks of the place. Spooky trees as well as textured walls also add to the overall theme as does the way they serve their food. In addition to the top-notch food and good photo aesthetics, you will find the café to be quite casual and comfortable as well. The café is located on PWD Road, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi.

CHAYE THAANA — if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have tea in a jail cell, this place is for you. The interior has been decorated kept the setting of a jail in mind and the barbed wire and bars on windows add to the overall effect. You will be greeted by a hawaldar and your bill will be brought to you as an FIR. Perfect for hanging out with friends and family with affordable tea, this place will transport you into a completely different world. The café is located in Defence, Lahore.

THE CENTRAL PERK — based on the ever-popular 90’s sitcom, this café promises to transport you to a world where your problems disappear and you are greeted with warm memories and good food. Cardboard cut-outs of the shows main leads are placed around the area as well as framed photographs on the walls. The red wall is perfect for memorable pictures as well. The whole décor has been inspired by Central Perk and as you sit on one of the soft couches or tables, you truly feel as if you have travelled to the 90’s and your childhood. The café offers good food and affordable rates. The fact that they have dishes that are named after the characters is an added bonus. The café is located in Johar Town, Lahore.

ONCE UPON A TIME CAFÉ & BASEMENT — this café transports the visitors into the magical world of fairy tales, especially Alice in Wonderland. The décor of the place will make you feel as if you are truly dining with the Mad Hatter or Alice herself. The colourful pictures on the walls, comfortable chairs and top hates will also help make your visit memorable and fun. Pair that with mouth-watering food and you will never want to eat anywhere else! The café also provides a platform to budding comedic and musicians through open mics that are hosted in its basement. The café is located in DHA, Karachi.

THE CRICKET CLUB CAFÉ — this café is the perfect spot for cricket fans and offers discounts during national and international cricket events. They have creatively named their dishes after renowned cricket terms and this is a bonus for cricket fans. Items like the Full-toss burger and Lara’s Smokey Meat of the Bat will surely win your heart as will the casual and comfortable décor. The café is located in DHA, Karachi.

BASE ROCK CAFÉ — this is yet another café that offers a platform to young, aspiring artists. Open mic nights encourage various professional and amateur artists to showcase their talent and engage with their audience as well. The café also offers training courses in various forms of art and is a fun place to enjoy; live art performances as well as good food and beverages. Base Rock Café is also one of Karachi’s more popular recording studios. The café is located in DHA, Karachi.

The writer is a marketing student and can be reached at minaalmohsin@hotmail.com