Future Uncertain for Britain's Iconic Crooked House Pub After Fire
Three years after Britain's most unique pub was gutted by fire, The Crooked House in Himley remains nothing more than a pile of rubble, with its future hanging in the balance. The historic 1800s boozer, famous for coins rolling uphill due to mining subsidence, was destroyed in a suspected arson attack on August 5, 2023.
Owner's Financial Position and Legal Delays
ATE Farms Limited, which purchased the pub just weeks before the blaze, now holds £1.7 million in equity. The building was demolished without permission two days after the fire, sparking outrage and legal complications. Staffordshire Police made six arrests and treated the incident as suspected arson, with the case file submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. However, the CPS has yet to announce whether criminal charges will be brought.
Council Enforcement and Campaigner Efforts
South Staffordshire Council issued an enforcement notice requiring ATE Farms to rebuild the pub to "what it was prior to the fire" within three years. The owners contested this, leading to a postponed inquiry pending potential court action. Campaigners continue fighting for the pub's restoration, with 37,400 people following the 'SAVE THE CROOKED HOUSE' Facebook page.
Gary Timmins, CAMRA pub and club campaigns director, stated: "The Crooked House saga continues to crawl at a glacial pace, with this summer marking three years since part of our national heritage was lost forever, and we are still no nearer to seeing any form of accountability." CAMRA remains determined to see the boozer rebuilt "brick by brick" and is demanding stronger planning enforcement powers to protect UK pubs.
The ongoing delays and financial details highlight the challenges in preserving cultural landmarks, as the community awaits decisive action to restore this beloved Black Country icon.
