Former Crooked House Inn in Staffordshire to be Rebuilt at New Location After Arson Attack

The former Crooked House pub, famously known as ‘Britain’s wonkiest inn,’ is set to be rebuilt at a new location after being demolished following a suspected arson attack. ATE Farms Ltd, the company that owned the iconic pub, has proposed a plan to reconstruct the Crooked House on alternative land it owns near Dudley in Himley, Staffordshire.

South Staffordshire Council had previously issued an enforcement notice mandating the reconstruction of the pub to its original state. However, ATE Farms Ltd argued that the current site was not conducive for a sustainable community facility, leading them to propose the new location for the pub’s revival. The appeal against the council’s order is scheduled to be heard in July.

The Crooked House, originally built in 1765 as a farmhouse, gained notoriety due to its unique structure caused by gradual sinking resulting from mining activities in the early 19th Century in the Black Country region. Following a suspected arson attack in August 2023, the pub was quickly demolished by authorities, leading to the subsequent rebuilding discussions.

ATE Farms Ltd emphasized that the former location of the pub was not viable for continued use as a pub, citing lack of footfall and sustained community interest. The owners stressed their commitment to revitalizing the Crooked House as a community asset, highlighting plans for additional developments to increase foot traffic and ensure its success.

Moreover, the owners distanced themselves from any responsibility for the fire incident that led to the pub’s destruction. They recounted council agreements for partial demolition of the remaining structure due to safety concerns, which inadvertently rendered the rest of the building unstable. Although the Crooked House was not a listed building, the owners acknowledged the public sentiment attached to its historical significance.

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