A cherished 18th-century building that once held the title of “Britain’s wonkiest pub” has suffered a tragic fate as a fire completely gutted The Crooked House in Himley, near Dudley. The fire broke out on Saturday at around 10pm, and pictures from the scene captured the property engulfed in flames.

Previously owned by Marston’s, The Crooked House had been a beloved landmark in the West Midlands for decades after being transformed into a pub by Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries in the 1940s. The distinctive building, which drastically subsided in the 19th century due to mining activities in the area, lured visitors to witness the illusion of coins and marbles seemingly rolling uphill along the bar.

Tragically, last month, it was announced that the pub would undergo a significant change, as Marston’s confirmed its sale to a private buyer for “an alternative use.” Amidst the property’s transition, the fire occurred, prompting concern and heartbreak among locals who treasured the iconic structure.

The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly to the emergency, and fortunately, no one was believed to be inside the building at the time of the blaze, and no injuries have been reported. Authorities are now conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, with the cooperation of the Staffordshire Police.

Six fire crews tirelessly battled the flames throughout the night, managing to largely extinguish the fire by Sunday morning. The area surrounding the site has been cordoned off, from High Arcal Road to Brick Kiln Lane, as investigations continue.

Local residents have expressed their grief and shock on social media, sharing their memories and fondness for the iconic pub. The Conservative MP for Wolverhampton Northeast, Jane Stevenson, voiced her sadness over the loss of the historical landmark and expressed hope for its future reconstruction.

The Crooked House, with its unique history and charm, held a special place in the hearts of many, and the fire’s devastation has left a void in the Black Country’s cultural landscape. As the investigation proceeds and the community processes the loss, there remains a collective hope that the spirit of The Crooked House will endure and that the iconic building will one day rise again.