What could become of site where Britain's wonkiest pub stood after fire
The Crooked House pub attracted punters from all over the world, eager to see its unique wonky structure.
The watering hole in Himley, West Midlands, was four foot lower one end, leading to the entire building being lopsided and optical illusions like coins or marbles seemingly rolling uphill along the bar. However, the pub was recently sold, reportedly to businesswoman Carly Taylor, 34, only for it to soon catch fire and go up in flames.
Swiftly afterwards, the remains were bulldozed - even as the council said this was against their explicit instructions. Now, as police investigate the fire for arson, many will wonder what could become of the site where iconic Black Country pub once stood.
Rebuilt, brick-for-brick
The burnt out remains of The Crooked House pub before it was demolished completely - against council instructions (PA)There’s something close to a precedent for this, and it certainly seems to be the hope for many locals. A Facebook group called ‘SAVE THE CROOKED HOUSE (LETS GET IT RE-BUILT)’ has almost 13,000 members and growing. Rebuilding the entire pub would be a radical solution, and come as a costly one to whoever foots the bill.
But, two years prior, the Carlton Tavern was rebuilt brick for brick. Its owner applied for the building to be converted into ten flats, but was rejected. Then, just two days before Historic England was due to recommend it be granted Grade-II listed status they ordered it demolished anyway.
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Regulars to the Carlton Tavern were not willing to stand by as another cash flush company ran roughshod over their community and years and years of campaigning led to the owners, CTLX, being ordered to rebuild it, brick by brick. This included everything from the distinctive red bricks to the Tavern's wooden doors and fittings.
New pub owner Carly Taylor
The remains of The Crooked House pub which has been demolished two days after it was gutted by a fire (PA)Whilst the cases aren’t exactly the same, there may be a precedent because the council were left shocked after the sudden bull dozing of the Crooked House after they instructed for something else entirely. Roger Lees, leader of South Staffordshire council, said: "The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only. This was only to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling. At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary.
"This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers." The council are investigating and if the bulldozing is found to be illegal, there could be a case in which The Crooked House is rebuilt, just as crooked as before.
Property development
What’s most definitely the least popular option amongst locals, but a possibility nonetheless. The UK is undergoing a housing crisis where rents in the capital are unsustainably spiking, and young people are no longer able to get onto the property ladder as they once were.
With this in mind there’s an ever growing demand for new homes - especially affordable ones. If the council finds nothing untoward in their investigation, and the arson investigations are wrapped up, the site could be used for some flats or a new home.
A park
The Crooked House before the fire and demolition (PA)If, as above, no illegal activity took place during the untimely demise of the popular pub, then the former pub site, tucked away near a small stream, could be turned into a park or a green space. Whilst pleasing no one, the pub site is surrounded by forest so could quite easily be converted to a publicly accessible area.
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