Harry Potter Wiki
Register
Harry Potter Wiki
(US to British spelling)
Tags: Visual edit apiedit
(31 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Pottermoreold}}
 
{{Location infobox
 
{{Location infobox
 
|name=The Leaky Cauldron
 
|name=The Leaky Cauldron
Line 4: Line 5:
 
|bgcolor1=
 
|bgcolor1=
 
|bgcolor2=
 
|bgcolor2=
|location=[[London]], [[England]], [[Great Britain]]
+
|location=Charing Cross Road, [[London]], [[England]], [[Great Britain]]
 
|owner=*[[Daisy Dodderidge]]
 
|owner=*[[Daisy Dodderidge]]
 
*[[Tom]]
 
*[[Tom]]
Line 17: Line 18:
 
|cause=
 
|cause=
 
}}
 
}}
{{quote|This establishment of Diagon Alley the Leaky Cauldron is noted for its most excellent and delicious luncheon|A sign in the Leaky Cauldron.|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)}}
 
The '''Leaky Cauldron''' is a popular [[Wizarding world|wizarding]] pub in [[London]]. It is the entrance to [[Diagon Alley]], and, indirectly [[Knockturn Alley]]. For much of the end of the 20th century, [[Tom]] was the landlord. At some point, [[Hannah Abbott]] became the landlady, moving in with her husband, [[Neville Longbottom]].
 
   
 
{{quote|This establishment of Diagon Alley the Leaky Cauldron is noted for its most excellent and delicious luncheon|A sign in the Leaky Cauldron|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)}}
[[File:Leaky.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A [[Wizard in the Leaky Cauldron|customer]] at the Leaky Cauldron.]]
 
It was built by [[Daisy Dodderidge]], who was the first landlady. The Leaky Cauldron was built in [[1500s|1500]]. She said it was, "to serve as a gateway between the [[Muggle|non-wizarding]] world and Diagon Alley." It rented rooms, had a bar, several private parlour rooms, and a large dining room.
 
   
 
The '''Leaky Cauldron''' is a popular [[Wizarding world|wizarding]] pub and inn in [[London]]. It is the entrance to [[Diagon Alley]], and, indirectly [[Knockturn Alley]]. For much of the end of the 20th century, [[Tom]] was the landlord. At some point, [[Hannah Abbott]] became the landlady, moving in with her husband, [[Neville Longbottom]].
To Muggles, the pub appears to be a broken-down old shop front on [[Charing Cross Road]]. The rear of the pub, however, opens up onto a chilly courtyard and the entrance to Diagon Alley. To gain access, a witch or wizard tapped the bricks in the wall in a anti-clockwise order. A doorway to [[Diagon Alley]] then forms and rearranges itself back to the original wall after the person(s) walk through.
 
  +
 
It was built by [[Daisy Dodderidge]], the first landlady, in [[1500s|1500]]. She said that it was, "''to serve as a gateway between the [[Muggle|non-wizarding]] world and Diagon Alley.''" It rented rooms, had a bar, several private parlour rooms, and a large dining room.
  +
 
To Muggles, the pub appears to be a broken-down old shop front on [[Charing Cross Road]]. This, however, was not the case prior to the imposition of the [[Statute of Secrecy]] and, in fact, prior to this, Muggle visitors were neither turned away, nor made to feel unwelcome.<ref name="pottermorecauldron">[http://www.pottermore.com/en/book6/chapter6/moment1/the-leaky-cauldron New from J.K. Rowling - The Leaky Cauldron]</ref> The rear of the pub, however, opens up onto a chilly courtyard and the entrance to Diagon Alley. To gain access, a witch or wizard has to tap the bricks in the wall in an anti-clockwise order, causing a doorway to [[Diagon Alley]] to form and then rearrange itself back into the original wall after the person(s) walk through.
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
  +
===Early history {{Comment|1500-1692}}===
===1991===
 
  +
{{Quote|Some people argue that the oldest pub in London is the White Hart on Drury Lane; others that it is the Angel on Bermondsey Wall, or the Lamb and Flag on Rose Street. All of these people are Muggles, and all of them are wrong. The oldest pub in London, as any wizard will tell you, is the Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road.|The pub is the oldest in London|Pottermore}}The Leaky Cauldron was built in the early sixteenth century by [[Daisy Dodderidge|Daisy Dodderidge.]] The Leaky Cauldron was there long before [[Charing Cross Road]] was even planned; its true address is number one, [[Diagon Alley]], and it is believed to have been built some time in the early 1500s, along with the rest of the wizarding street. Created some two centuries before the imposition of the [[International Statute of Secrecy]], the Leaky Cauldron was initially visible to [[Muggle]] eyes.<ref name="PM">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/book6/chapter6/moment1/the-leaky-cauldron New from J.K. Rowling: The Leaky Cauldron]</ref> While the pub was, from the first, a place for witches and wizards to congregate — whether Londoners or out-of-towners up for the day to shop for the latest magical ingredients or devices — Muggles were not turned away or made to feel unwelcome, even though some of the conversations, not to mention pets, caused many an unwary drinker to leave without finishing his or her mead.<ref name="PM" />
[[File:HP PRISONER OF AZKABAN DISC1-182.jpg|thumb|160px|[[Tom]], landlord until [[Hannah Abbott]] took over.]]
 
{{Quote|This is it &ndash; the Leaky Cauldron. It's a famous place.|[[Rubeus Hagrid]] in [[1991]]|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
   
  +
In 1692 with the imposition of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]], Minister [[Ulick Gamp]] permitted the pub to continue its existence as a safe haven and refuge for members of the magical community.<ref name="PM" /> Though insistent on numerous concealment spells and good behaviour from all who used the pub, Gamp was sympathetic to the need of wizards to let off steam during this difficult time, and further agreed to give the landlord permission to let people into Diagon Alley from his backyard, because the shops behind the Leaky Cauldron were now also in need of protection.<ref name="PM" /> Out of gratitude, the landlord created a new brand of beer, [[Gamp's Old Gregarious]], which tasted so disgusting that even with a one-hundred-[[Galleon]] incentive, nobody could finish a pint.<ref name="PM" />
In [[1991]], [[Harry Potter]] and [[Rubeus Hagrid]] passed through the pub on their way to [[Diagon Alley]]. [[Tom]], the innkeeper greeted Hagrid there like an old friend. This made it seem that Hagrid was something of a regular. Some other witches and wizards who were there at the time were [[Doris Crockford]], [[Dedalus Diggle]], and [[Quirinus Quirrell]].
 
   
  +
=== Recent history {{Comment|1900-present}} ===
===1992===
 
  +
{{Quote|This is it —; the Leaky Cauldron. It's a famous place.|[[Rubeus Hagrid]] introducing the Leakey Cauldron|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}One of the most difficult times for the Leaky Cauldron was the creation of [[Charing Cross Road]], which, had it gone the way it was initially planned to, would have flattened the pub.<ref name="PM" /> The Minister at that time, [[Faris Spavin]], was certain that this was the end of the pub, and that it could not be saved.<ref name="PM" /> By the time he finished his seven-hour speech declaring this, however, he received a note from his secretary revealing that wizards had rallied, and through the mass use of [[Memory Charm|Memory Charms ]]had altered the entire route of the new road, leaving the architects confused as to why there was a blank space on the design, and why said space did not appear to the naked eye.<ref name="PM" />
In [[1992]], [[Harry Potter]] and the [[Weasley family]] travelled to [[Diagon Alley]] by [[Floo Powder]]. [[Harry Potter]] mispronounced [[Diagon Alley|"Diagonally"]] and therefore travelled to [[Knockturn Alley]] instead. After doing their shopping [[Harry Potter|Harry]] and the [[Weasley family|Weasleys]] departed through the Leaky Cauldrons fireplace to the [[Burrow]].
 
  +
[[File:Harry-potter1-disneyscreencaps.com-2520.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|Harry Potter's first encounter with Quirrell in the Leaky Cauldron]]
 
In [[1991]], [[Harry Potter]] and Rubeus Hagrid passed through the pub on their way to [[Diagon Alley]]. Tom, the innkeeper, greeted Hagrid there like an old friend. This made it seem that Hagrid was something of a regular. Some other witches and wizards who were there at the time were [[Doris Crockford]], [[Dedalus Diggle]], and [[Quirinus Quirrell]] and they took a great interest in Harry, queuing to shake his hand. 
   
 
In [[1992]], Harry Potter and the [[Weasley family]] travelled to [[Diagon Alley]] by [[Floo Powder]]. Harry mispronounced "Diagonally", and therefore travelled to [[Knockturn Alley]] instead. After doing their shopping, Harry and the Weasleys departed through the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace to the[[the Burrow| Burrow]].
===1993===
 
  +
[[File:Harry-potter4-movie-screencaps.com-1983.jpg|thumb|249x249px|Molly greeting Harry Potter in the Leaky Cauldron]]
In [[1993]], as well as stopping there for drinks, [[Harry Potter]] stayed at the inn for a time, having accidentally blown up his [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]]. He also met [[Cornelius Fudge]] in a private room for the first time.
+
In [[1993]], as well as stopping there for drinks, Harry Potter stayed at the inn for a time, having accidentally blown up his [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]]. He also met [[Cornelius Fudge]] in a private room for the first time.
   
 
While the Leaky Cauldron was a favourite hangout for the magical community, its patronage took a turn for the worse in the summer of [[1996]], during the beginning of the [[Second Wizarding War]]. With [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and the [[Death Eaters]] moving in the open, many witches and wizards avoided public places as much as possible, including the Leaky Cauldron. When Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid, and the Weasley family passed through the Leaky Cauldron that summer on his way to [[Diagon Alley]], they noticed that the bar was empty with the exception of [[Tom]].
===1996===
 
While the Leaky Cauldron was a favourite hangout for the magical community, its patronage took a turn for the worse in the summer of [[1996]], during the beginning of the [[Second Wizarding War]]. With [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and the [[Death Eaters]] moving in the open, many witches and wizards avoided public places as much as possible, including the Leaky Cauldron. When [[Harry Potter]], [[Rubeus Hagrid]], and the [[Weasley family]] passed through the Leaky Cauldron that summer on his way to [[Diagon Alley]], they noticed that the bar was empty with the exception of [[Tom]].
 
   
 
On [[1 May]] [[1998]], at the height of the war, Harry Potter, [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]], with the assistance of [[Griphook]] the [[goblin]], staged a [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in]] of [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]. While passing through the Leaky Cauldron on the way to the bank, they noted that it was nearly empty. Tom bowed in fear at the sight of Hermione, who was disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] at the time.
===1998===
 
On [[1 May]] [[1998]], at the height of the war, [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]], with the assistance of [[Griphook]] the [[goblin]], staged a [[Break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank (1998)|break-in]] on [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]]. While passing through the Leaky Cauldron on the way to the bank, they noted that it was nearly empty. [[Tom]] bowed in fear at the sight of Hermione, who was disguised as [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] at the time.
 
 
===After 1998===
 
   
 
At some point after the [[Battle of Hogwarts|end of the Second Wizarding War]], Tom either retired or passed away. [[Hannah Abbott]] then became the new landlady.
 
At some point after the [[Battle of Hogwarts|end of the Second Wizarding War]], Tom either retired or passed away. [[Hannah Abbott]] then became the new landlady.
   
 
==Structure==
 
==Structure==
 
{{Quote|For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old barman, who was quite bald and looked like a gummy walnut|The Leaky Cauldron in [[1991]]|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}[[File:Wikia DARP - The Leaky Cauldron 01.png|thumb|Interior of the pub|left|251x251px]]
   
 
Located at 1 Diagon Alley,<ref name="pottermorecauldron" /> The Leaky Cauldron was nested between a [[Muggle]] bookshop and a record store. Inside the pub, it was dark and shabby, with a bar and a number of tables in the shadows of the corners. In stark contrast to the grubby downstairs of the pub, there were some unexpectedly pleasant rooms upstairs where passing [[Wizards|wizards and witches]] could stay for the night. These rooms were reached by way of a handsome wooden staircase, and contained comfortable beds, highly polished oak furniture, a crackling fire which was always burning in the grate to welcome the visitor to their lodgings, and, in Harry's case, a talking mirror.[[File:Bedroom-leaky cauldron1.jpg|thumb|Bedroom in the Leaky Cauldron|225x225px]]
{{Quote|For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old barman, who was quite bald and looked like a gummy walnut|The Leaky Cauldron in [[1991]]|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
 
Beneath the stairs leading to the second floor, was a second set of stairs leading to the [[Leaky Cauldron's Basement|basement]]. The latter come out on the right wall where two sitting areas containing red couch and chairs were nestled in each corner on this side. The front wall had a stage with red curtains in front of a lowered viewing area. The back wall was blank, but the left wall had another red sitting area, and a bar. However, the basement, it seems, had been locked off for no apparent reason.
 
The Leaky Cauldron was nested between a [[Muggle]] bookshop and a record store. Inside the pub, it was dark and shabby, with a bar and a number of tables in the shadows of the corners. In stark contrast to the grubby downstairs of the pub, there were some unexpectedly pleasant rooms upstairs where passing [[Wizards|wizards and witches]] could stay for the night. These rooms were reached by way of a handsome wooden staircase, and contained comfortable beds, highly polished oak furniture, a crackling fire which was always burning in the grate to welcome the visitor to their lodgings, and, in Harry's case, a talking mirror.[[File:Bedroom-leaky_cauldron1.jpg|thumb|Bedroom in the Leaky Cauldron]][[File:Wikia_DARP_-_The_Leaky_Cauldron_01.png|thumb|Interior of the pub]]
 
 
Beneath the stairs leading to the second floor, was a second set of stairs leading to the [[Leaky Cauldron's Basement|basement]]. The stairs come out on the right wall where two sitting areas containing red couch and chairs were nestled in each corner on this side. The front wall had a stage with red curtains in front of a lowered viewing area. The back wall was blank, but the left wall had another red sitting area, and a bar. However, the basement, it seems, had been locked off for no apparent reason.
 
   
 
===Known rooms===
 
===Known rooms===
Line 65: Line 63:
   
 
====Room 11====
 
====Room 11====
This was a room at the first-floor which had a bed in the middle, a fireplace, and a window. In 1993 Harry Potter and his owl [[Hedwig]] stayed in the room after Harry ran away from [[Privet Drive]] and was picked up by the [[Knight Bus]].<ref name="PoA" />
+
This was a room at the first-floor which had a bed in the middle, a fireplace, a [[talking mirror]], and a window. In 1993 Harry Potter and his owl [[Hedwig]] stayed in the room after Harry ran away from [[Privet Drive]] and was picked up by the [[Knight Bus]].<ref name="PoA" />
   
 
==Dishes==
 
==Dishes==
 
Dishes served at the Leaky Cauldron included:
 
Dishes served at the Leaky Cauldron included:
   
[[File:Leaky Cauldron's Luncheon meal.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A pricelist for Luncheon meal displayed in 1991.]]
+
[[File:Leaky Cauldron's Luncheon meal.jpg|thumb|225x225px|A price list for Luncheon meal displayed in 1992]]
   
*[[House, House Soup]]<br />
+
*[[House, House Soup]]
 
*[[House Leaky Soup]]
 
*[[House Leaky Soup]]
 
*[[House Soup Leaky]]
 
*[[House Soup Leaky]]
Line 78: Line 76:
 
*[[Leaky, Leaky Soup]]
 
*[[Leaky, Leaky Soup]]
 
*[[Leaky Soup House]]
 
*[[Leaky Soup House]]
*[[Pea soup]]
 
 
*[[Soup House Leaky]]
 
*[[Soup House Leaky]]
 
*[[Soup Leaky House]]
 
*[[Soup Leaky House]]
 
*[[Soup Leaky, Leaky]]
 
*[[Soup Leaky, Leaky]]
 
*[[Soup, Soup Soup]]
 
*[[Soup, Soup Soup]]
 
*[[Pea soup]]
  +
*[[Pickled eel]]
  +
*[[Roast hog]]
  +
*[[Steak and kidney pie]]
  +
*[[Game pie]]
   
 
==Beverages==
 
==Beverages==
Line 88: Line 90:
   
 
*[[Exploding lemonade]]
 
*[[Exploding lemonade]]
*[[Tea]]
+
*[[Tea]]<ref name="PoA" />
  +
*[[Brandy]]<ref name="PoA" />
  +
*[[Beer]]<ref name="PoA" />
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
[[File:Diagon alley entrance.jpg|thumb|right|Leaky Cauldron backyard leading to [[Diagon Alley]]]]
 
[[File:Diagon alley entrance.jpg|thumb|right|Leaky Cauldron backyard leading to [[Diagon Alley]]]]
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', as Hagrid and Harry approach the front door, the sign for the Leaky Cauldron clears from a blank, black cut-out to a stylised design with a [[cauldron]] in the background. In the film adaptation of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', a different doorway, with a different sign is shown. It is never shown whether this is supposed to be an alternate doorway or a "new" main entrance. Also, Tom the landlord was recast for the the third film. In the [[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', the Leaky Cauldron is shown to be located between 48 Charing Cross Road ([[Quinto Bookshop & Francis Edward|Quinto Bookshop]]) and 12 Great Newport Street (Ashley Associates Chartered Surveyors), London. In real life, there is no building in between 48 Charing Cross Road and 12 Great Newport Street, which can be seen in the following image. It is possible that as they were all three different door-ways, that the Leaky Cauldron had a door-way for every single part of [[London]].[[nl:Lekke Ketel|[[File:Leaky.png|thumb|Entrance to the Leaky Cauldron]]]][[File:Leaky-Cauldron.jpg|thumb]]
+
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'', as Hagrid and Harry approach the front door, the sign for the Leaky Cauldron clears from a blank, black cut-out to a stylised design with a [[cauldron]] in the background. In the film adaptation of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', a different doorway, with a different sign is shown. It is never shown whether this is supposed to be an alternate doorway or a "new" main entrance. Also, Tom the landlord was recast for the third film. In the [[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', the Leaky Cauldron is shown to be located between 48 Charing Cross Road ([[Quinto Bookshop & Francis Edward|Quinto Bookshop]]) and 12 Great Newport Street (Ashley Associates Chartered Surveyors), London. In real life, there is no building in between 48 Charing Cross Road and 12 Great Newport Street, which can be seen in the following image, but possibly because in the real world it is "concealed". It is possible that as they were all three different door-ways, that the Leaky Cauldron had a door-way for every single part of [[London]].[[File:Leaky.png|thumb|Entrance to the Leaky Cauldron]][[File:Leaky-Cauldron.jpg|thumb]]
 
*Chapter Four of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' is titled "The Leaky Cauldron".
 
*Chapter Four of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' is titled "The Leaky Cauldron".
 
*In ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]'', the Leaky Cauldron has a basement, notice board, cinema room, and a back door.
 
*In ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]'', the Leaky Cauldron has a basement, notice board, cinema room, and a back door.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
 
 
 
{{Imagecat|Images of The Leaky Cauldron}}
 
{{Imagecat|Images of The Leaky Cauldron}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
Line 106: Line 108:
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
  +
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' {{Mention}}
 
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' {{Mention}}
Line 115: Line 118:
 
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
 
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter Trading Card Game]]''
 
*''[[Harry Potter Trading Card Game]]''
  +
*''[[The Wizarding World of Harry Potter]] - [[Diagon Alley]]''
  +
*''[[Pottermore]]''
   
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
   
{{Diagon Alley}}
+
{{Diagon Alley}}{{WWoHP}}[[es:El Caldero Chorreante]]
 
 
[[fr:Le Chaudron Baveur]]
 
[[fr:Le Chaudron Baveur]]
 
[[ru:Дырявый котёл]]
 
[[ru:Дырявый котёл]]
 
[[fi:Vuotava noidankattila]]
 
[[fi:Vuotava noidankattila]]
 
[[nl:Lekke Ketel]]
 
[[nl:Lekke Ketel]]
  +
[[pl:Dziurawy Kocioł]]
 
[[Category:Diagon Alley]]
 
[[Category:Diagon Alley]]
 
[[Category:London]]
 
[[Category:London]]

Revision as of 13:37, 27 January 2016

"This establishment of Diagon Alley the Leaky Cauldron is noted for its most excellent and delicious luncheon"
— A sign in the Leaky Cauldron[src]

The Leaky Cauldron is a popular wizarding pub and inn in London. It is the entrance to Diagon Alley, and, indirectly Knockturn Alley. For much of the end of the 20th century, Tom was the landlord. At some point, Hannah Abbott became the landlady, moving in with her husband, Neville Longbottom.

It was built by Daisy Dodderidge, the first landlady, in 1500. She said that it was, "to serve as a gateway between the non-wizarding world and Diagon Alley." It rented rooms, had a bar, several private parlour rooms, and a large dining room.

To Muggles, the pub appears to be a broken-down old shop front on Charing Cross Road. This, however, was not the case prior to the imposition of the Statute of Secrecy and, in fact, prior to this, Muggle visitors were neither turned away, nor made to feel unwelcome.[1] The rear of the pub, however, opens up onto a chilly courtyard and the entrance to Diagon Alley. To gain access, a witch or wizard has to tap the bricks in the wall in an anti-clockwise order, causing a doorway to Diagon Alley to form and then rearrange itself back into the original wall after the person(s) walk through.

History

Early history (1500-1692)

"Some people argue that the oldest pub in London is the White Hart on Drury Lane; others that it is the Angel on Bermondsey Wall, or the Lamb and Flag on Rose Street. All of these people are Muggles, and all of them are wrong. The oldest pub in London, as any wizard will tell you, is the Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road."
— The pub is the oldest in London[src]

The Leaky Cauldron was built in the early sixteenth century by Daisy Dodderidge. The Leaky Cauldron was there long before Charing Cross Road was even planned; its true address is number one, Diagon Alley, and it is believed to have been built some time in the early 1500s, along with the rest of the wizarding street. Created some two centuries before the imposition of the International Statute of Secrecy, the Leaky Cauldron was initially visible to Muggle eyes.[2] While the pub was, from the first, a place for witches and wizards to congregate — whether Londoners or out-of-towners up for the day to shop for the latest magical ingredients or devices — Muggles were not turned away or made to feel unwelcome, even though some of the conversations, not to mention pets, caused many an unwary drinker to leave without finishing his or her mead.[2]

In 1692 with the imposition of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, Minister Ulick Gamp permitted the pub to continue its existence as a safe haven and refuge for members of the magical community.[2] Though insistent on numerous concealment spells and good behaviour from all who used the pub, Gamp was sympathetic to the need of wizards to let off steam during this difficult time, and further agreed to give the landlord permission to let people into Diagon Alley from his backyard, because the shops behind the Leaky Cauldron were now also in need of protection.[2] Out of gratitude, the landlord created a new brand of beer, Gamp's Old Gregarious, which tasted so disgusting that even with a one-hundred-Galleon incentive, nobody could finish a pint.[2]

Recent history (1900-present)

"This is it —; the Leaky Cauldron. It's a famous place."
Rubeus Hagrid introducing the Leakey Cauldron[src]

One of the most difficult times for the Leaky Cauldron was the creation of Charing Cross Road, which, had it gone the way it was initially planned to, would have flattened the pub.[2] The Minister at that time, Faris Spavin, was certain that this was the end of the pub, and that it could not be saved.[2] By the time he finished his seven-hour speech declaring this, however, he received a note from his secretary revealing that wizards had rallied, and through the mass use of Memory Charms had altered the entire route of the new road, leaving the architects confused as to why there was a blank space on the design, and why said space did not appear to the naked eye.[2]

Harry-potter1-disneyscreencaps

Harry Potter's first encounter with Quirrell in the Leaky Cauldron

In 1991, Harry Potter and Rubeus Hagrid passed through the pub on their way to Diagon Alley. Tom, the innkeeper, greeted Hagrid there like an old friend. This made it seem that Hagrid was something of a regular. Some other witches and wizards who were there at the time were Doris Crockford, Dedalus Diggle, and Quirinus Quirrell and they took a great interest in Harry, queuing to shake his hand. 

In 1992, Harry Potter and the Weasley family travelled to Diagon Alley by Floo Powder. Harry mispronounced "Diagonally", and therefore travelled to Knockturn Alley instead. After doing their shopping, Harry and the Weasleys departed through the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace to the Burrow.

Harry-potter4-movie-screencaps

Molly greeting Harry Potter in the Leaky Cauldron

In 1993, as well as stopping there for drinks, Harry Potter stayed at the inn for a time, having accidentally blown up his Aunt Marge. He also met Cornelius Fudge in a private room for the first time.

While the Leaky Cauldron was a favourite hangout for the magical community, its patronage took a turn for the worse in the summer of 1996, during the beginning of the Second Wizarding War. With Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters moving in the open, many witches and wizards avoided public places as much as possible, including the Leaky Cauldron. When Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid, and the Weasley family passed through the Leaky Cauldron that summer on his way to Diagon Alley, they noticed that the bar was empty with the exception of Tom.

On 1 May 1998, at the height of the war, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, with the assistance of Griphook the goblin, staged a break-in of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. While passing through the Leaky Cauldron on the way to the bank, they noted that it was nearly empty. Tom bowed in fear at the sight of Hermione, who was disguised as Bellatrix Lestrange at the time.

At some point after the end of the Second Wizarding War, Tom either retired or passed away. Hannah Abbott then became the new landlady.

Structure

"For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old barman, who was quite bald and looked like a gummy walnut"
— The Leaky Cauldron in 1991[src]
Wikia DARP - The Leaky Cauldron 01

Interior of the pub

Located at 1 Diagon Alley,[1] The Leaky Cauldron was nested between a Muggle bookshop and a record store. Inside the pub, it was dark and shabby, with a bar and a number of tables in the shadows of the corners. In stark contrast to the grubby downstairs of the pub, there were some unexpectedly pleasant rooms upstairs where passing wizards and witches could stay for the night. These rooms were reached by way of a handsome wooden staircase, and contained comfortable beds, highly polished oak furniture, a crackling fire which was always burning in the grate to welcome the visitor to their lodgings, and, in Harry's case, a talking mirror.

Bedroom-leaky cauldron1

Bedroom in the Leaky Cauldron

Beneath the stairs leading to the second floor, was a second set of stairs leading to the basement. The latter come out on the right wall where two sitting areas containing red couch and chairs were nestled in each corner on this side. The front wall had a stage with red curtains in front of a lowered viewing area. The back wall was blank, but the left wall had another red sitting area, and a bar. However, the basement, it seems, had been locked off for no apparent reason.

Known rooms

This article or section is a stub. You can help by expanding it.

Private parlour

This was a room located behind the bar at the ground-floor. It had a desk, a window and a little table and two somewhat uncomfortable chairs. In 1993 Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge borrowed the room so he could talk to Harry Potter about his safety and that he didn't have to worry about Sirius Black (who was thought to be a mass-murderer). He also told Harry that two men from the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad were sent out to puncture Marjorie Dursley and modify her memory after Harry lost control in Vernon Dursley's home, and that running away was irresponsible.[3]

Room 10

This was a room at the first-floor. In 1993, the day maid was about to clean the room when its owner roared at her and closed the door.[4]

Room 11

This was a room at the first-floor which had a bed in the middle, a fireplace, a talking mirror, and a window. In 1993 Harry Potter and his owl Hedwig stayed in the room after Harry ran away from Privet Drive and was picked up by the Knight Bus.[3]

Dishes

Dishes served at the Leaky Cauldron included:

Leaky Cauldron's Luncheon meal

A price list for Luncheon meal displayed in 1992

Beverages

Beverages served included:

Behind the scenes

Diagon alley entrance

Leaky Cauldron backyard leading to Diagon Alley

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 0 images related to Leaky Cauldron.

Notes and references


London's wizarding quarter
England, Great Britain
Carkitt Market - Diagon Alley - Horizont Alley - Knockturn Alley
Diagon Alley
Shops

2nd Hand Brooms · Amanuensis Quills · Badeea Ali's uncle's tea shop · Bats! Bats! Bats! · Belcher's Bottled Beers · Bernie Balls Fireworks · Blinkhorn's workshop · Boogermongers · Boot and Shoemaker for Witches and Wizards · Brigg's Brooms · Bufo's · Broomstix · Broom Brakes Service · Broom Shop · Caput Mortuum · Cauldron Workshop · Cranville Quincey's Magical Junkshop · Creepy Scrawlers Stationers · Crispa Culpepper's Drugs & Preparations · Diagon Alley Arts Club · Diagon Alley cafés · The Diagon Dispensary · Eeylops Owl Emporium · Fine Enchanting Cauldrons · Flail & Hyde Furriers · Floo-Pow · Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour · Florist's stall · Flourish and Blotts · Gaberlunzie Garments · Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop · Grandma Gramercy's Grandiloquent Gramophones · The Harpy's Bazaar · Healer Shop · Herbert's Sherbets · J. Pippin's Potions · Janus Galloglass · Jimmy Kiddell's Wonderful Wands · The Junk Shop · Krakens · Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions · Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions · The Magic Lantern · Magical Menagerie · Mandrake Mufflers · Marcus Minucius Myomancer · Mourning & Starr Armourers · Mr Milvus Grizedale, Kitemaker · Mr Mulpepper's Apothecary · Mr Trismus, Mouth Magician · Mulligrubs Materia Medica · Nell's Bells · Nollikins for Scrolls & Skins · Noltie's Botanical Novelties · Obscurus Books · Oldknowe Books · Ollivanders · Owl Post Office · Pettichaps · Potage's Cauldron Shop · Praedico Predico · Quality Quidditch Supplies · Rosa Lee Teabag · S. Starling · Scribbulus Writing Implements · Second-Hand Bookshop · Second-Hand Robes · Shrew & Scold's Bridal Wear · Slug & Jiggers Apothecary · Spindlewarps Wool Shop · Sugarplum's Sweets Shop · Surgical and Dental Operator · Tangle & Noils Wigmakers & Perruquiers · Tatoo Artist · The Three Sheets · Trading Card Shop · Tut's Nuts · Twilfitt and Tattings · Twinkle's Telescopes · Unidentified shop · Vietch's Leeches · Wand Showroom · Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes · What Larks! Songbird Specialists · Whizz Hard Books · Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment · Wynch & Tugg Movers · ZA Coffee

Other services

Brews and Stews · Daily Prophet's main office · Diagon Alley stalls · GalleLoans · Gold Pole · Gringotts Wizarding Bank · The Ministry Press · Ollivanders Wand Repair and Re-Tooling · Peter Boat · TerrorTours

Locations

1 Diagon Alley · 129b Diagon Alley · 18a Diagon Alley · 275 Diagon Alley · 343 Diagon Alley South · 521 Diagon Alley · 59 Diagon Alley · 92 Diagon Alley · 93 Diagon Alley · 94 Diagon Alley · Penny Haywood's flat

Known residents and shop employees

Archibald Bennett · Broom Shop shopkeeper · Badeea Ali · Badeea Ali's uncle · Clutterbuck Crispe · Cranville Quincey · Daily Prophet personnel · Edwin Avarus · Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour attendant · Fred Weasley · Garrick Ollivander · George Weasley · Healer · Jimmy Kiddell · J. Pippin · Penny Haywood · Penny Haywood's flatmate · Madam Primpernelle · Manager of Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop · Mulpepper · Podric Batworthy · Ronald Weasley · Shimmy Hardoteer · Sugarplum · Unidentified florist in Diagon Alley · Verity · Villanelle

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
WWoHP-Logo
Attractions:

Dragon ChallengeFlight of the HippogriffHarry Potter and the Escape From GringottsHarry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyHagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike AdventureHogsmeade StationOllivander's Wand Shop

Shops:

Borgin and BurkesDervish and BangesFilch's Emporium of Confiscated GoodsHoneydukesMadam Malkin's Robes for All OccasionsMagical MenagerieOllivander'sOwl PostQuality Quidditch SuppliesWands by GregorovitchWeasleys' Wizard WheezesWiseacre's Wizarding EquipmentZonko's Joke Shop

Restaurants:

Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream ParlourLeaky CauldronThe Fountain of Fair FortuneThree Broomsticks Inn