UK's 'wonkiest pub' with optical illusion for sale as locals fear it could close
Britain’s ‘wonkiest pub’ is up for sale - but punters fear their local boozer could shut for good.
The Crooked House, in Himley, West Midlands, has attracted visitors from all over the world due to its bizarre leaning structure and crooked bar inside.
But despite its popularity, the 18th century watering hole faces an uncertain future after being put up for sale, just a few months after it underwent a major makeover.
Pubgoers are often left amazed as the entire building is slanted to the left, and it comes with wonky doorways and uneven windows.
Even the interior isn't straight and bartenders trick those who have had a few too many by seemingly rolling coins and marbles uphill along the bar.
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Locals entering the pub are often left feeling like they've had one too many (SWNS)
Even inside the pub is wonky with doors, windows and decorations all uneven (SWNS)The bizarre structure is kept standing as a result of it being propped up by buttresses made of bricks and metal bars.
The building was first constructed in 1765 as a farmhouse and became a pub in the 1830s.
People flocked to it to ogle at how one side of the 192-year-old building is over a metre lower than the other.
Owners Marston have decided to flog the pub as one of 61 separate venues that are to be sold off, but locals are worried the popular pub could be closed unless a suitable buyer is found.
One side of the pub is over a metre lower than the other (SWNS)Derrick McConell, 64, of Dudley, who has drank in the pub for more than 20 years, said the venue had struggled to get back on its feet following the pandemic.
He said: "It's a brilliant pub but it's had its issues like most despite it being such a unique place. I know they struggled following Covid and then had to fork out money on renovations.
"Because these old buildings require a lot of upkeep, I know a lot of the regulars are worried it won't get taken on. We genuinely fear for its future now.
"It would be a shame to lose it because there's no place like it elsewhere."
Punters have raised concerns for the future of the pub (SWNS)Originally called ‘The Siden House’ - meaning crooked in Black Country dialect – the pub got its bizarre effect through subsidence caused by mining in the 1800s.
People from as far as America, Australia, Japan, China, New Zealand have travelled to have a pint at the Black Country boozer over the years.
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Another regular, Jim Knowlson, 54, was more optimistic about a potential takeover. He said: "For me, it's a great chance for somebody to breathe new life into it.
"We're concerned for its future as we've seen so many pubs around here close for good. But this place is very special, it has to be saved for future generations.
The pub ranks as one of the country's most unique boozers (SWNS)"This is a chance to own what has been called Britain's wonkiest pub and Britain's drunkest pub. Surely there's some appeal there. It's a piece of history."
Judith Rafique, head of estates at Marston’s, said: “Following a routine review of our estate we have taken the decision to offer to market a varied range of property types.
"This enables us to focus on our strategic objectives and maximise returns from our core estate."
Noel Moffitt, senior director at Christie & Co, the business property advisers managing the sale, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and multiple operators to acquire established successful public houses across England and Wales.
"The pub sector has been very resilient over the last few years and has adapted well to the challenges and despite interest in the sector there is a lack of properties on the market.
"This portfolio offers new entrants and existing operators a wonderful opportunity to acquire investments or operate their own businesses.”
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