Move to dissolve company that owns Crooked House has been dropped after accounts submitted, showing assets of £1.7m
Moves to dissolve the company which owns the site of the former Crooked House pub have been dropped after it finally submitted its accounts.
A T E Farms, which caused uproar when it demolished the world-famous pub near Dudley following a suspected arson attack in August 2023, had been made the subject of a compulsory strike-off order on January 27.
The company had not filed any accounts since November 2024, and also failed to issue a confirmation statement, declaring that all its activities were within the law.
The pub, in Coppice Mill Lane, Himley, was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack nine days after A T E Farms bought it from former owner Marston's. Two days later it was unlawfully demolished on the instruction of the new owner.
The building, which dated back to 1765, was originally a house, but was later converted into a pub to take advantage of trade from the Earl of Dudley's mineworkings. However, mining subsidence caused it to sink, leading to it being known as 'Britain's wonkiest pub', famed for apparent optical illusions such as marbles rolling uphill.
South Staffordshire Council issued an enforcement notice in February 2024 ordering that the building, known as 'Britain's wonkiest pub', should be rebuilt in its original location. The order was made against the company and against husband and wife Adam and Carly Taylor, who have been identified as connected to the building.
The striking-off order meant that the company would have been dissolved by March 27, but it was suspended two days later following an objection.
It has now submitted full accounts and a confirmation statement, and the action has been lifted.
A statement by Companies House said: "Cause has been shown why the above company should not be struck off the register and accordingly the registrar is taking no further action under section 1000 of the Companies Act 2006 pursuant to the notice dated 19/03/2026."
Experts estimate the cost of rebuilding the pub could run to £3 million, and take three years to complete.
The new accounts show that the company has net assets of just under £1.7 million.
The order to rebuild the pub was suspended after an appeal was lodged with the planning inspectorate. A public inquiry was due to have commenced on March 11 last year, but was postponed following a High Court challenge by the owners.
A judge ruled that the inquiry could not take place until a criminal inquiry into the alleged arson attack had been completed. Staffordshire Police made a total of six arrests, five men and one woman, but to date no charges have been brought.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.