The Crooked House, an 18th-century pub renowned for its unique leaning effect, has closed its doors forever after 192 years of operation.
Locals in Himley, West Midlands, were left heartbroken when the pub’s landlords revealed that it was unlikely to reopen after being sold to a private buyer.
The pub’s distinctive charm attracted visitors from all over the world, as it featured several intriguing illusions, such as coins and marbles seemingly rolling uphill along the bar.
This historic establishment, which was initially a farmhouse in 1765 before transforming into a beloved pub in the 1830s, became a treasured landmark in the region.
The End of an Iconic Era:
In a Facebook post, customers were informed that the Crooked House had been sold by a brewery to a private buyer for an unspecified alternative use.
This announcement came earlier this year, following the pub being put up for sale with a guide price of £675,000.
Despite concerns about its future, the pub’s fate was sealed as Brewery Marston’s confirmed the sale without disclosing the final price.
Locals reacted with deep sadness upon learning that this iconic establishment, which had been a part of their lives for generations, would remain closed indefinitely.
A Unique and Beloved Attraction:
The Crooked House earned its fame due to the intriguing leaning effect that resulted from subsidence caused by mining in the 1800s.
Initially known as ‘The Siden House’ in the Black Country dialect, the pub’s slanted structure captured the imagination of people worldwide.
Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries later acquired the property and ensured its structural safety in the 1940s, renaming it The Crooked House to reflect its appearance.
Tourists from far-flung places like America, Australia, Japan, China, and New Zealand visited this cherished Black Country boozer, making it an integral part of the local history and culture.
Devastation and Memories:
The closure of The Crooked House sparked profound sadness among patrons who had frequented the pub for years.
One longtime customer, Derrick McConell, expressed his sorrow, highlighting the pub’s uniqueness and its irreplaceable role as a second home.
Social media also became a platform for sharing sentiments of loss and nostalgia, with individuals reminiscing about the cherished memories created within the walls of the pub.
The closure serves as a poignant reminder of the challenging times faced by local pubs in the current economic climate.
Uncertain Future:
With the sale now completed, details regarding the buyer and the price remain undisclosed.
The pub’s fate hangs in the balance as locals wonder about the future of the cherished establishment.
As The Crooked House becomes a memory of the past, the community’s hope is that other local pubs will continue to thrive, preserving the spirit of camaraderie and history that made this iconic pub truly special.
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