Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the stories…

The Leaky Cauldron is the oldest pub in London

Despite what many Muggles think, the title of oldest pub in London goes to this well-loved wizarding establishment. Found on Charing Cross Road, the Leaky Cauldron was built in the 1500s – long before Charing Cross Road was even planned! Its true address is number one, Diagon Alley.

Muggles used to frequent the Leaky Cauldron

This wizarding institution wasn’t always a place that where only magical folk congregated. As it was built two centuries before the imposition of the International Statute of Secrecy, it was initially visible to Muggle eyes too. Muggles weren’t made to feel unwelcome or turned away. Having said that, thanks to the interesting conversations and even more interesting magical pets, many scarpered before finishing their mead.

Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott lived above the Leaky Cauldron

In a turn of events that we find extremely adorable, after leaving Hogwarts not only did Neville continue his passion for magical plants as Herbology professor, but he also married Hufflepuff, Hannah Abbott. The happy couple decided to make a home for themselves living above the one-and-only Leaky Cauldron.

A pub was the headquarters of a rebellion

Although we never learnt which one it was, according to Sites of Historical Sorcery, one of the wizarding pubs in Hogsmeade was said to have been the headquarters of the 1612 goblin rebellion. Could it have been the Hog’s Head Inn which was known for its dubious dealings and schemes? Or perhaps it was the cosiness of the Three Broomsticks that convinced the goblins to make it their base?

The Hog’s Head Inn was run by a Dumbledore

While Albus Dumbledore ran Hogwarts, just down the road his brother, Aberforth Dumbledore, ran the Hog’s Head Inn. Crochety and a big fan of goats, he and his brother didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Ultimately, they were both extremely good people and Aberforth even helped the resistance at Hogwarts after Albus’ death – thanks to a secret passage that connected the Room of Requirement to his pub.

Sybill Trelawney made her infamous prediction at the Hog’s Head Inn

The Hog’s Head Inn was the location of many crucial story moments from the founding of Dumbledore’s Army to Hagrid winning a dragon egg in a game of cards. However, there was one particular moment that changed the course of wizarding history forever. On a gloomy night, Albus Dumbledore went to interview Sybill Trelawney for the role of Divination teacher. He was thoroughly unimpressed until, among the ramshackle décor and sticky floor, she made her prediction about the boy destined to end Voldemort and rid the world of his evil!

Katie Bell was given the cursed opal necklace at The Three Broomsticks

Run by Madam Rosmerta, the Three Broomsticks was a warm and welcoming establishment in Hogsmeade. Yet Dark Magic still managed to worm its way in there in the form of the cursed opal necklace. Part of a clumsy attempt on Dumbledore’s life, Gryffindor Quidditch team member, Katie Bell, took the necklace from the pub while under the influence of the Imperius Curse and narrowly escaped its deadly power.

It wasn’t just witches and wizards who frequented the Three Broomsticks

Said to be as old as the only all-wizard village in Britain, the Three Broomsticks was a bit of a haven for all sorts of magical beings, such as hags, who couldn’t disguise themselves particularly well in the Muggle world. In fact, Ron and Hermione once thought they spotted an ogre!