BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay received an unexpected surprise during his morning show when discussing what was once known as Britain's wonkiest pub. The broadcaster was completely unaware of the recent fate that had befallen the iconic Midlands establishment, leading to a poignant on-air moment that captivated listeners.
The Crooked House Pub's Unfortunate Demise
The Crooked House pub, located near Dudley in the West Midlands, gained national fame for its distinctive leaning structure that created an optical illusion for visitors. Built over an old coalmine, one end of the building had subsided, causing the entire pub to tilt dramatically. This unique architectural quirk made it a beloved landmark and tourist attraction for decades.
A Tragic End to a Beloved Landmark
In 2023, the much-loved pub suffered a devastating blow when a suspected arson attack resulted in flames ripping through the historic building. The situation worsened just three days later when the structure was bulldozed without proper planning permission, sparking outrage among preservationists and local residents alike.
A public inquiry was subsequently launched to determine whether The Crooked House should be rebuilt, though this process has faced significant delays, leaving the pub's future uncertain. The loss represents more than just the destruction of a building—it marks the disappearance of a piece of regional heritage that had captured the imagination of generations.
Vernon Kay's On-Air Discovery
During his Thursday morning programme, Vernon Kay played listeners a nostalgic news clip from 1974 featuring Nationwide reporter John Swinfield visiting The Crooked House. In the vintage recording, Swinfield marvelled at the pub's extraordinary architecture, describing it as "the most extraordinarily incredible pub to get drunk in" and noting how the skewed structure made visitors feel like they were "on a ship in a heavy sea."
The Presenter's Innocent Question
After sharing the charming historical footage, Vernon Kay admitted to his audience: "We don't know whether it still exists." He encouraged listeners to text the show with information about the pub's current status and even dedicated Paula Abdul's hit song "Straight Up" to the famously crooked establishment.
Moments after the song began playing, Vernon received a text from listener Paul, a painter from Shropshire, who delivered the sobering news about the pub's destruction. Speaking over the music's introduction, Vernon announced to his audience: "It's not there any more apparently, it burnt down."
The Cultural Significance of The Crooked House
The pub's unique design created memorable experiences for visitors, with many reporting that the building's pronounced tilt could make even teetotallers feel tipsy. John Swinfield's original 1974 report captured this phenomenon perfectly, noting how being inside made "legs go to jelly" due to the disorienting angles and sloping floors.
This architectural curiosity made The Crooked House more than just a drinking establishment—it became a destination in its own right, attracting visitors from across the country who wanted to experience its peculiar charms firsthand. The pub's destruction represents a significant loss to the region's cultural landscape and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving unique historical buildings.
Ongoing Questions About Reconstruction
The delayed public inquiry continues to leave important questions unanswered about whether The Crooked House might one day be rebuilt. Preservation advocates argue that reconstructing the pub would restore an important piece of Midlands heritage, while practical considerations about feasibility and cost remain significant hurdles.
Vernon Kay's accidental discovery of the pub's fate during his radio show highlights how even national broadcasters can be unaware of significant local developments, particularly when those developments involve cherished community landmarks that have met with unfortunate ends.
