Crooked House Pub To Be Rebuilt
Owners of Crooked House, Britain's wonkiest pub, have been ordered to rebuild it after it was controversially destroyed last year.
The pub caught fire on 5 August 2023 in a suspected arson attack - it was demolished two days later.
Staffordshire Police said five men and one women were arrested in connection with the blaze.
An enforcement notice has been issued against the owners for its unlawful demolition.
They have 30 days to appeal and the notice must be complied with within three years.
The notice was published by South Staffordshire Council - and it also specifies the building materials they must use.
Leader of South Staffordshire Council Roger Lees said: "A huge amount of time and resources have been put into investigating the unauthorised demolition of the Crooked House.
"We have had great support from the local community, our MPs and the Mayor of the West Midlands, and from the campaign group whose aim is to see the Crooked House back to its former glory which is the key objective of the enforcement notice."
If they do not appeal and fail to rebuild the pub, the council can prosecute for failure to comply.
The iconic building, dating from the 18th century, started to sink into the ground as a result of mining subsidence in the area - it was later become known as the 'wonky pub.'
It became a well-loved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a memorable and quirky pub experience.
In a Facebook post the day after the fire last year, The Crooked House wrote "So after 10 months of hard work very long hours and constant obstacles it's quiet annoying to see your place of business end up like this.
"Time effort gone ,money gone ,and one of the greatest buildings / oldest pub and heritage gone. All for the sake of money.
"I'll let everyone else make their own conclusions on the recent events. Again, thanks for the messages of concern and support."
Reacting to the news on social media, someone said: “Now for people to actually use it, make it a thriving pub.
”No good these people moaning an unused building was knocked down then not backing it up and not just when it re-opens.”
Another person added: “Fantastic news. This is exactly how this sort of vandalism should be dealt with. Force the owners to put everything back to how it should be.”
The distinctive pub had been owned by Marston's PLC, but was put up for sale as part of a nationwide review by the Wolverhampton-based company.
It was sold in July 2023 to ATE Farms Limited.
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