The inn was probably used by the hordes of people who used to patronise the annual Burslem Wakes which, in their ancient format, continued well into the 19th century. The many colourful side-shows were secondary to the many bloodsports of the day. On Wakes Sunday, bulls were paraded through the town by the bull-ward, followed by the dog-owners with their bull terriers, in preparation for the following day's dreadful combat. Another attraction was the bear pit in St. John's Square. The pubs were open all night and crammed with people in drunken discord. The larger establishments like "The Leopard" would probably have had a clubroom where a singer of some repute would entertain the guests.

In a more sober mood, the ceremony of cutting the first sod for the new Loop Line was performed by the Chief Bailiff, Mr. John Watkins, on Thursday, July 21st, 1870, on the site that, until recently, was known as Burslem Station. After the formality was over, the party adjourned to "The Leopard" where, by the generosity of the contractor, "Success to the Potteries Loop Line" was heartily drunk in sparkling "bumpers." Refreshment and conversation can still be enjoyed in surroundings that reflect that certain character belonging to Burslem."