Investigation launched after blaze destroys ‘Britain's wonkiest pub’

Police have launched an investigation after a fire gutted “Britain’s wonkiest pub” on Saturday evening.

Flames ripped through the 18th century Crooked House in Himley, Dudley, which had been sold by pub operator Marston’s a month earlier for “an alternative use”.

Emergency services were called to the building shortly after 10pm on Saturday. No one was injured in the fire, but pictures from the scene show that the roof of the building has been destroyed and its interiors completely gutted.

Staffordshire Police said: “We are now working with fire investigators to establish the cause of the fire. Fire investigators are inspecting the scene this morning and officers are making local enquiries to secure any information that might help the investigation.”

On Sunday West Midlands Mayor Andy Street tweeted: “A lot of questions surrounding the Crooked House fire that need answering, and I’m sure the authorities will get to the truth.

“Today all we can say is what a tragedy, and I sincerely hope this iconic Black Country landmark can be restored and preserved.”

Shaun Bailey, MP for West Bromwich West, posted to social media: “If you know anything, please come forward. It's vital that we get to the bottom of whatever happened here. Losing such a piece of our heritage is devastating, but we need to [know] what caused this.”

The Crooked House had been a popular attraction since it was made structurally safe and opened as a pub by Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries in the 1940s. Mining in the area had caused the building to sink in the early 19th century and one side of the pub was 1.2m lower than the other allowing visitors to roll coins and marbles uphill along the bar.

In March pub group Marstons listed the pub for sale with a guide price of £675,000. Despite thousands signing a petition for it to be kept as a pub it was confirmed last month that it had been sold for “alternative use”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101.

**Image: Google Maps **