As excitement surrounding this year’s festive season gains fresh impetus, UK confectionery fans of Harry Potter’s magical world received a boost with the franchise’s new store in Oxford Street, writes Neill Barston.

Prior to the store’s opening last week, a giant chocolate frog sculpture courtesy of the much-loved movie series’ original prop maker, Pierre Bohanna,  was unveiled, along with familiar characters from the movie alerting shoppers to the hottest retail ticket in town.

Among the exclusive confectionery offerings for the store is an Oxford Street Harry Potter Funko Pop, as well as Butterbeer label collections – with the series’ famous drink now also existing in sweet form thanks to Jelly Belly’s special edition beans that have remained a fan favourite.

The store, which is reportedly some 21,000 square foot across two floors, aims to conjure the spirit of the series, which shows no signs of diminishing in popularity well over two decades on from its creation.

As the Harry Potter store explained, its retail experience has been designed to offer a true taste of the movies, with visitors instantly surrounded by the bustling sights of Diagon Alley.

Some of its key features include The Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon, featuring in the the Gringotts area, the iconic dragon is a major centrepiece, watching over visitors just as it does over the vaults at Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

As the store noted, another significant feature is its  Leaky Cauldron: If you fancy a break with a Butterbeer pull up a chair for a themed food and beverage experience – which includes the chance to sample Butterbeer Ice Cream.