Tom is the bald, toothless innkeeper and landlord of the Leaky Cauldron in London during Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts. He serves as the keeper of the gateway between the Muggle world and Diagon Alley. Though a minor character, Tom is one of the first members of the Wizarding World that Harry Potter meets and is a familiar, welcoming presence at the inn, particularly during Harry's extended stay before his third year.
Tom was the proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron in the 1990s. In 1991, he personally greeted Rubeus Hagrid and Harry Potter upon their arrival, expressing his delight at meeting the famous Harry. The pub's patrons, including Doris Crockford and Dedalus Diggle, fell silent and rushed to shake Harry's hand, an event Tom witnessed from behind the bar. Tom's most significant interaction with Harry occurred in the summer of 1993. After Harry accidentally inflated his Aunt Marge and fled from Number Four, Privet Drive, he was met by the Knight Bus and subsequently by the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, at the Leaky Cauldron. Tom provided Harry with a room (Number Eleven) where Harry stayed for the final two weeks of his summer holiday. During this time, Tom was an attentive host, waking Harry each morning with a cup of tea and taking his breakfast orders. He operated his establishment with professionalism and discretion, even while the Minister for Magic made daily visits to check on Harry. He is also present in subsequent years when characters pass through the Leaky Cauldron, such as when the Weasley family, Harry, and Hermione Granger stayed at the inn before travelling to the Quidditch World Cup in 1994. By the start of the Second Wizarding War, the Leaky Cauldron became far emptier as wizards grew fearful, a change that would have directly impacted Tom's business.
Tom is described in the novels as a gummy, bald man who “looked like a toothless walnut.” His personality is generally welcoming, professional, and obliging. He runs the Leaky Cauldron efficiently and seems to know his regular patrons well. He treats Harry Potter with a mixture of awe and simple hospitality, ensuring his stay is comfortable without being overly intrusive. He is a reliable and constant figure at the threshold of the Wizarding World in London.
Tom is a wizard, though he is never seen performing any specific spells. His primary skills lie in Innkeeping and Hospitality. As the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, he is responsible for maintaining the magical gateway to Diagon Alley and ensuring the inn remains hidden from Muggle eyes, a task which he performs successfully for many years.
The name “Tom” is a very common English name, a diminutive of Thomas, which is derived from Aramaic for “twin.” Its commonness may be intended to portray him as an ordinary, “everyman” figure within the Wizarding World. His simple name provides a stark contrast to the other significant “Tom” in the series, Tom Marvolo Riddle.
In the film adaptations, the character of Tom is portrayed inconsistently.