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To the dismay of thousands of students who have studied in the city, JK Rowling has just dispelled a longstanding Exeter urban legend.

The Harry Potter author said she has never even visited The Old Fire House in her life, the pub which held a long-standing urban myth among students and Exonians that it was the inspiration for The Leaky Cauldron.

Her rebuttal was shared to her 14 million Twitter followers, who span the globe.

Her tweet was in direct response to a Devonlive.com article on the sale of the atmospheric city venue wildly popular with University of Exeter students.

It's not all bad news for city Potter fans, she did reveal the city pubs she did frequent.

Two of the four, The Red Cow and The Artillery Inn, have long since been demolished.

But the picturesque Mill On the Exe on Bonhay Road and The Black Horse on Longbrook Street are still going strong.

The news came as blow to many Harry Potter fans who studied at the University of Exeter, with the Uni's Harry Potter society even using it for their social events.

One Twitter user, @TheDanCash, now questions whether another long-standing rumour about Gandy Street.

Exeter folklore tells of it serving as inspiration for the cramped streets of Diagon Alley.

The Old Firehouse has been bought by London-based City Pub Group PLC, owned by the father of Made In Chelsea's Lucy and Tiff Watson.

And sources suggest the amount paid could be as much as £4 million.

The confidential transaction was handled by Devon-based business sales advisors Charles Darrow on behalf of Flamequire Limited and after a brief, confidential marketing campaign.

The atmospheric Old Fire House has traditionally benefited from crowds of student drinkers and proudly embraced its Devon identity, with a large selection of local ciders and beers on barrel.

It also hosts a successful quiz night and regular live bands.

Jon Clyne, Director at Charles Darrow commented: “Having known the Directors for many years, a confidential disposal was the only way in which we could preserve the quality of the operation and we were delighted to agree terms to City Pub Group in quick fashion.

"Having completed the transaction late last year, the business continues to trade in the same vein as in past years, with no major changes planned.

"Quality freeholds such as the Old Fire House are few and far between and whilst the sale price is undisclosed, we believe it is the highest value sale of a freehold public house without letting accommodation, ever sold in Devon.”

The Old Fire House is the only City Pub Group purchase in Devon so far, joined in the Westcountry by Bath Brew House and Bristol's King Street Brew House and Prince Street Social.

Update:

Jon Clyne of Charles Darrow said: "We would like to clarify that it was not marketed or purchased based on a connection with Harry Potter despite the links the city has."