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. The main room on the ground floor has a bar and quite a few tables, and down the narrow hall from here is a private parlor, also with a fireplace . From the ground floor, a handsome wooden staircase leads up to the many guest rooms. The rooms have brass numbers on the doors and contain comfortable beds, polished oak furniture, and a fireplace. From the windows, both Charing Cross Road (on the Muggle side) and Diagon Alley (on the wizarding side) can be heard.