This Pub is Closed Long Term
UPDATE 30 JANUARY 2022 - The pub part of the building had not happened since the last update in March 2021, and no building work had been started. However, police discovered a cannabis factory on 17 January 2021 in the building and then sadly much of the building was destroyed by a fire on 21 January 2022. Future of the buidling is now uncertain.
UPDATE 1 MARCH 2021 - Building now bought by a property developer (Daneers Investments Ltd who paid circa £220k) who plan to turn the old hotel and back part into luxury apartments. The pub will remain and a new licencee is in talks. Hoping to reopen later in 2021.
UPDATE - Liceencees of 11 years decided to move out during the Covid19 Pandemic. Building now up for sale by the Pub Company. Local PPPG group looking to get a ACV on the building due to historical importance.
The Leopard was once known as the 'Savoy of the Midlands' and records of its existence as a public house date back to 1765 when Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley famously met there to discuss the opening of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Regular Ghost Hunts are held in The Leopard, and the upstairs corridors are said to be haunted.
Historic Interest
The pub was built circa 1765 and has hosted many famous people. Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley famously met there to discuss the building of the Trent and Mersey Canal which was a major transportation system of the local pottery trade.
Originally dates from mid C18 and re-fronted c1830 with half of the old pub building now occupied by a haberdashery premises. The Leopard is worth a visit to see a number of early 20th century fittings. From the mosaic floored entrance there is a passageway to the rear which has more floor mosaic and a mahogany partition with stained and leaded windows. The counter in the front bar may be original but the one in the passageway is not in its original position. In the rear lounge/dining room the wood panelling and mirrors looks modern, but the fixed seating could be at least 40 years old.
A visit downstairs is recommended to see the leaded glass partition wall of the gents' and, if you can, the ancient Adamant urinals. The Leopard has a 'Tardis-like' interior including 53 bedrooms not used since 1951!. They run tours at 2pm on a Sat if you would like to see these and find out more about the pubs history.
Originally dates from mid C18 and re-fronted c1830 with half of the old pub building now occupied by a haberdashery premises. The Leopard is worth a visit to see a number of early 20th century fittings. From the mosaic floored entrance there is a passageway to the rear which has more floor mosaic and a mahogany partition with stained and leaded windows. The counter in the front bar may be original but the one in the passageway is not in its original position. In the rear lounge/dining room the wood panelling and mirrors looks modern, but the fixed seating could be at least 40 years old.
A visit downstairs is recommended to see the leaded glass partition wall of the gents' and, if you can, the ancient Adamant urinals. The Leopard has a 'Tardis-like' interior including 53 bedrooms not used since 1951!. They run tours at 2pm on a Sat if you would like to see these and find out more about the pubs history.
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