the leaky cauldron

Built by Daisy Dodderidge around 1500 "to serve as a gateway between the non-wizarding world and Diagon Alley the Leaky Cauldron has remained a famous and popular place for five hundred years . Located not in Diagon Alley proper but on the outside, on Charing Cross Road in the heart of London the pub is "tiny" and "grubby-looking," sandwhiched between a book shop and a record shop where passing Muggles don't seem to be able to see it . Today, the shop is owned and run by a toothless old man named Tom (PA3), and also employs a dishwasher and possibly a maid.

The tavern sees quite a lot of traffic and is frequently crowded. While this can be partly attributed to its reputation as a welcoming place , it also seems to largely be due to it location as a hub for Diagon Alley. For example, Muggle-born wizards arriving by foot or by underground must pass through the Leaky Cauldron to reach Diagon Alley ; fireplaces here serve as the Floo connection between Diagon Alley and the rest of the wizarding world ; and when the Knight Bus drops Harry off for Diagon Alley, it is at the Leaky Cauldron's front door . To reach Diagon Alley from the pub, wizards enter a small walled courtyard behind the building and tap the brick wall, which then opens up to allow them to pass through .