WINTER BREAK: The Leaky Cauldron

[kciR]

The Leaky Cauldron

Introduction

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.

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.

^{Source: Harry Potter Lexicon.}

The Build

I never build with a brick limit before. But it was harder then I expected. I kept under the limit by using big bricks for structural use. Parts that aren't that important to be very detailed, like the black wall (2x6x3) and I used a lot of 1x1x5 and 1x2x5 bricks. This gave me some air for detailing. I made it for more than half in LDD to check the brickcount and found out I used only around 800 bricks. I broke down some parts and rebuild it. I also added a floor.

And I have to say that I like it a lot more.

There are some excellent MOC's around, but I want to update mine to give myself a little more chance.

And here it is!

Hey, who do we got there, walking on Charing Cross Road? Ah, my sigfig! To bad that he's not a wizard and can only enter the small book shop next to The Leaky Cauldron.

A shot from Diagon Alley for all you wizards. That small court (with the young wizarding lady) is the only direct access, from the Muggle world to the Diagon Alley. Just tap the wall and it opens.

On the left is a small private parlor with a wizard performing his dark magic tricks and on the right side the kitchen / bar. (see link below for detailed shots)

Mr. Wizard just left his guest room. He's on to some real shopping in Diagon Alley.

The other rooms are empty - not rented.

Let's take of the roof and go inside!

Tom and the other guests are enjoying the day. Those two guys have a lot of fun drinking Firewhiskey, will the other guest is playing cards.

When you don't want to enter by door, you can always get here by the Floo network, using the fireplace.

Please check my photobucket account for some more pictures. I wish I could post them, because you probably won't click the link ;)

This was the trip through The Leaky Cauldron, I hope you enjoyed the show.

We're always open for a wizarding visit.

Good luck to all the participants! May the best bricker win!

kciR

Edited January 31, 2011 by kciR

[buddy]

Great entry! It is accurate and has a detailed interior. The minifigs used work well, I especially like the usage of your sig-fig as a muggle who can't enter The Leaky Cauldron. I also like the colours used for the exterior of the building, especially the regular Red and Dark Red roof, it makes the roof look more realistic.

Very well done.

~buddy~

[XimenaPaulina]

Very well done entry kciR! I really like the variation in red colors of the roof, as well as the textured walls of this structure, because like what buddy said, it looks more realistic. The interior details are quite nice too. Good job and best of luck in the contest!

[Maegnus]

I love how you made those popping out windows. I'm gonna remember that technique!

[MrLestrange]

its not a technique, its just a new piece.

Its a double window, its in the Burrow set.

Anyways, your leaky cauldron is lovely!!

[Sam Vimes]

Very Nice.. It is so cool seeing more and more Harry Potter MOCS on the forums again.

[kciR]

Thanks for all the positive feedback I appreciate it.

its not a technique, its just a new piece.

Its a double window, its in the Burrow set.

Anyways, your leaky cauldron is lovely!!

That double window is not really a new piece, I had it in my first LEGO System set around 20 years ago in yellow.

But this one is indeed from the Burrow set, to bad Lego changed the way the window-frame are attached, so it doesn't allow my old window-frames to fit in..

[kciR]

A last minute update.

I made some changes during the past days, I hope I make slightly more chance now.

[Matn]

Great building! Nice to see Harry's first encounter with the magical world in LEGO. I had seen your first version and I must say your new one is indeed better. It looks better smaller, more compact, with a tiled floor and a pavement. Although the overall style is simple, I really like it. The cauldron hanging on the front is a nice detail. I especially like the back of the building with the court to Diagon Alley, that angled window gives it a nice look. The interior is also very nice, good idea using those green bricks! Good luck in the contest!