THE LEOPARD INN
The Leopard Inn is one of Stoke-on-Trent's hidden gems. A listed building in Burslem, it is steeped in history and the recent discovery of tunnels has brought it centre-stage again.
The owner Neil Crisp has also re-opened part of the hotel which closed down in the 1950s. There are over 50 rooms which he hopes to bring back to their former glory.
Exclusive: Gallery of The Leopard's hidden rooms and tunnels >
The Leopard Inn is famous as the place where Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley met to discuss building the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1765.
Local historian Fred Hughes said the meeting between Mr Wedgwood and Mr Brindley was "very important to the development of the Industrial Revolution".
He said: "History was made here in this pub and there's no doubt about that."
Serving since at least 1765
In his own words, Fred Hughes sheds more light on the history of The Leopard Inn:
"For those who like to know these things, the Leopard Hotel in Burslem has been a public house in continuous use since at least 1765. This information comes directly from the pen of the great potter Josiah Wedgwood whose correspondence mentions he'd dined here with the canal engineer James Brindley in March of that year. A framed facsimile of his letter currently graces the wall of the room the celebrated duo used.
The Wedgwoods were prominent potters in Burslem throughout the 18th century, fathers and sons, uncles and cousins all began their ceramic careers in this important town of the Industrial Revolution. Josiah was born in 1730 at the Churchyard Works a short distance from the town centre. As a young man he entered into partnership with Thomas Whieldon, (1719-1795) returning to Burslem to manufacture at the Ivy House pottery directly opposite the Leopard then owned by a relative, Ellen Wedgwood.