The Potions Cauldron Ltd, a themed drinks and mini golf brand, has collapsed into administration, with creditors claiming they are owed more than £2 million. The company, founded in 2018, offered potion-making experiences and mini golf, along with retail and wholesale of drinks and licensed products.
Company Background
The York-based company operated 11 locations across northern England and Scotland under names such as The Potions Cauldron, Hole In Wand, The Potions Academy, and The Potions Express. It employed over 70 staff and generated £3.25 million in revenue in the year to March 2025, with profits of £266,000. The business was expanding, opening an average of two sites per year.
Reasons for Collapse
A report from administrators Asher Miller and Stephen Katz of BTG's London office, appointed on April 10, 2026, blamed a combination of factors. These included underperforming locations, the government's recycling charge on glass bottles, a flood at the Hole in Wand site in Chester in January 2025, and local policy changes that reduced footfall in York and Blackpool. The increase in Employer's National Insurance contributions also contributed.
While the wholesale business and some themed locations were profitable, other sites traded poorly on opening, creating a drag on the business. The company sought an equity partner in 2025 but failed to secure investment for a restructure.
Administration and Sale
In 2026, the company was referred to administrators BTG Begbies Traynor. A pre-packaged sale out of administration took place in April 2026, with The Potions Cauldron Ltd's assets sold to The Potions Group Ltd for £300,000. The sole director of the new company is Robin Fry, father of co-founder Ben Fry. Stuart Jarman, former managing director, is a minority shareholder.
Sites in York, Leeds, Chester, Blackpool, and Seaham were sold. The Edinburgh store closed, with four employees made redundant. The remaining 72 staff transferred to the new owners.
Creditor Details
A surplus of £47,963 was available to preferential creditors, less £2,932 owed to staff. First ranking secured creditor Nucleus, owed £164,000, will receive £50,000. Other secured creditors are expected to get nothing. HMRC, owed £142,000 as a secondary preferential creditor, is unlikely to see payment. Unsecured creditors total about £2.24 million, but the report anticipates no dividend will be paid.
