Author J.K. Rowling has dispelled claims that Gandy Street and The Old Firehouse influenced the creation of two Harry Potter locations.
Until recently, students and locals in Exeter have believed that some locations in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series have been based on places in the city.
Rowling is one of Exeter’s best-known alumni and Harry Potter fans at the University and elsewhere have bought into the myth that Gandy Street inspired Diagon Alley and The Old Firehouse inspired The Leaky Cauldron. However, Rowling confirmed on Twitter that neither of these rumours are true and has even said she has never visited The Old Firehouse, which is loved by many students and locals for their pizzas and cider.
Now the dream is shattered and the magic is gone; unless, of course, you would like to pretend you are strolling down Diagon Alley when walking along Gandy Street or that you are sitting in the infamous Harry Potter pub, The Leaky Cauldron, when you are in The Old Firehouse with your pizza. In which case, go for it.
Editor: Emily Im
