Campaigners say Crooked House appeal makes 'mockery' of pub protection

Campaigners have said the reversal of an order to rebuild the Crooked House pub in Staffordshire would make a “complete mockery of pub protection” ahead of an appeal hearing.

The Crooked House, once known as “Britain’s wonkiest inn”, was destroyed in a blaze and subsequently demolished in August 2023, two weeks after it had been sold by Marston’s brewery.

In February last year South Staffordshire Council served an enforcement notice on the owners of the pub requiring it to be rebuilt in specified materials within three years.

The owners, ATE Farms Limited, have appealed the notice and a hearing is due to begin on 11 March.

Gary Timmins, CAMRA’s pub and club campaigns director, said the appeal was "expected but no less insulting".

"Accountability must be taken for the complete destruction of this iconic pub, and this hearing undermines South Staffordshire Council’s enforcement notice to rebuild it," said Timmins.

“The Crooked House in Himley was destroyed more than 18 months ago, and this appeal delays a much-needed outcome. The UK’s wonkiest pub needs to be rebuilt, back to what it was prior to the fire, as ordered by South Staffordshire Council. If this appeal leads to this decision being reversed, it would be a complete mockery of pub protection and campaigning efforts from the local community.

“The Crooked House saga lifted the lid on the wider scandal of potentially unlawful pub conversions and demolitions across the UK, and we continue to demand tighter, stronger planning policies and a requirement in law to rebuild pubs brick-by-brick.”

The Crooked House was built in the 18th century and became a tourist attraction after mining in the area caused the building to partially sink, allowing visitors to roll coins and marbles uphill along the bar.

ATE Farms is arguing the appeal should be delayed until after criminal investigations into the fire have been completed.

It is expected to raise issues around the cost of rebuilding the site to its former specifications and its viability as a pub business in that location. ATE Farms has proposed rebuilding the pub on another site it owns.

In its statement of case, ATE Farms said it would be unjust to hold an “entirely blameless owner” responsible for the fire.

The council has claimed the order stands in light of the “unlawful demolition of the building”.

Image: Shutterstock