'A great shame' as Crooked House pub set to be redeveloped for 'other use'
Landmark Black Country pub The Crooked House has been sold for alternative use and is unlikely to open its doors to drinkers again.
According to a post on the Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA page by the current landlord, the building in Himley, which has been there since 1765 has been sold by owners Marston's.
The quirky building, which suffered mining subsidence but was made structurally safe in the 1940s, was once dubbed 'Britain's wonkiest pub' and in its heyday attracted drinkers from across the globe. It stands in an isolated location, close to Himley just off the B4176 and is reached down a long gravel track.
It was famed for being the place where coins and marbles seemingly rolled uphill along the bar but the iconic former farmhouse was listed for sale earlier this year, with a guide price of £675,000, one of 61 pubs being sold off by the Marston's group.
In recent years The Crooked House has struggled to attract the amount of custom it once did and in recent years it's location has become a target for fly-tippers, repairs also need doing to the access road approaching it and it is believed Marstons were reluctant to keep it open for those reasons.
In July it was forced to close its doors when tens of thousands of pounds of damage was caused during a break-in.
CAMRA members and pub enthusiasts took to the Facebook page to express their sorrow at the loss of the famous venue as a pub.
Sue Sach said: "Such a great shame to let a good pub go to some 'other use'.
Philip Watkin said: "What a dreadful decision from this dreadful company."
A Marston's spokesman said: "“We are pleased to confirm the sale of The Crooked House has now completed. At this stage we’re unable to disclose any details on the buyer or price.”
