Remembering the Crooked House: New group aims to keep the spirit of famous 'wonky pub' alive

Toast the Crooked House has been set up by Ian Sandall, a councillor for Sedgley, who is one of the campaigners aiming to get the famous Himley pub rebuilt after it was burned to the ground on August 5, 2023 and then bulldozed  just a day later.

Since then campaigners have been trying to get the pub rebuilt 'brick by brick' and have recently been putting pressure on the authorities to step up legal action against six people arrested over the destruction of the pub.

But Mr Sandall said the new group on Facebook is dedicated to celebrating, remembering and raising a glass to the Crooked House.

He said they are looking to share as many pictures of people toasting the pub on the group as they can in the lead-up to the second anniversary on Tuesday, and would have a presence at the Great British Beer Festival, the start of which coincides with the anniversary.

Mr Sandall said: "We are starting the week-long celebration on Monday of what was the Crooked House and what it can become again, we hope, but in the week of the two-year anniversary we are not going to get into controversy about potential court cases, rather we are going to get as many people on board in support of the pub as possible.

"I am aiming to break the internet with the Toast the Crooked House Facebook page.  

"Whether you drank there, wandered past or simply admired the legend – this is your space to share photos, memories, stories, and stand with the growing community determined to keep its spirit alive. 

"And we are encouraging as many people as possible, wherever they are, to send in selfies to us - we are in the process of drawing up categories but two we will have are 'the furthest away picture' and 'the most people in a picture' for example.

"It is the week of the Great British Beer Festival and we have the backing of our friends at CAMRA and will be visiting the event in Birmingham and a number of pubs throughout the week."

Meanwhile Mr Sandall welcomed moves by the owners of the Himley site to prevent fly-tippers from using it as a 'dumping ground'.

The Express & Star reported last year how campaigners had described the site as an 'environmental disaster' after dumping rubbish there.

Now a gate has been erected to prevent further dumping and Mr Sandall said: "We are pleased they have dealt with the issue by putting up the gate which will hopefully prevent further issues regarding the dumping of waste and rubbish."