Ex-landlord of the Crooked House pub speaks out after tragic 'arson'

10 August 2023 , 12:48

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Ex-landlord of the Crooked House pub speaks out after tragic 'arson'

The former landlord of the Crooked House pub has spoken out as police continue to investigate the blaze that destroyed the pub for as a suspected arson.

The iconic Black Country watering hole was renowned for its unique structure, sloping 16 degrees due to one side being four feet lower than the other. This was thanks to mining subsistence. But then over the weekend, the pub went up in flames, on Saturday 5 August, before it was bulldozed two days later against the instructions of the local council.

Now, the former manager of the boozer has spoken out, revealing how he and his staff slaved to try and keep the pub open before it ultimately shut. He also said that in his last few months he barely saw any punters come through the doors - meanwhile there are now widespread cries from locals in defence of the pub.

Lee Goodchild, ex landlord of Crooked House pub

Before Marston took the decision to sell it, the manager, who goes by Lee, said that he spent “tireless hours” through the “cold, wet days” of autumn and winter. But despite this, he said they saw “no more than a handful of people”.

Lee said they were looking at a five year plan to make the place a success but said that Marston had “other views”. He also shared his sadness at the fate of the pub after it was ravaged by fire and demolished.

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The Black Country pub as it burned down (BPM Media)

In a post issued on The Crooked House's Facebook page, Lee wrote: "So there seems to be a few people with different thoughts of what's happened. But let me make this absolutely clear myself and the team at the Crooked House knew nothing about it being actually sold until the day I was told I could not reopen after the break in.

"Not a decision I made as the business owner but an order I had to follow from Marstons. All we did since September was try and get the Crooked House back to being open and back on the map. We spent tireless hours day after day someday seeing no more than a handful of people in the dark cold wet days through the autumn and winter but continued to do so. Always seeing the friendly regulars and visitors from all parts of the world.

New pub owner Carly Taylor (Facebook)

"We wanted nothing more than to make this iconic place a success hence looking at a 5 year plan minimum. Unfortunately other people ie the landlords (Marstons) had other views. It is upsetting not only to see an amazing building like the Crooked House be closed burn down and be demolished in a very short time.

"But to see ten months of hard work laughter tears and the inevitable financial loss as well as our residential dog walkers and quack and quackers the 2 ducks I used to see chasing each other every morning is just not right. It's clear in today's world that ££ is way more valued than any heritage or meaningful buildings. Again I thank everyone for there support, messages, calls and custom over the time there and hope one day something good comes of all this. Lee".

Kieren Williams