‘What everyone wanted’: Crooked house pub landlord reacts to owners rebuild order

The last landlord of The Crooked House has welcomed the decision to rebuild Britain's wonkiest pub - and spoke of his hopes of it reopening as a popular boozer.

Lee Goodchild, 46, ran the iconic watering hole in Himley, in Staffordshire, from September 2022 until it shut down for good in June 2023. Just two months later, the historic building was destroyed in a suspected arson attack on August 5 before being demolished two days later.

It emerged yesterday (Tuesday, February 27) that South Staffordshire Council has served an enforcement notice ordering the owners to rebuild the pub following its 'unlawful demolition'.

Lee said: "I think it's excellent news - it is what everybody wanted to happen, for it to be rebuilt, and now that looks like it's going to happen. Whether it will ever open as a trading pub remains to be seen but at least people are going to get to see The Crooked House rise again.

"I would love it to become a pub again, it deserves to be a pub, but whether that can be enforced as part of the action, who knows. It is still technically their land and building so can they force them to? But once its rebuilt it is certainly going to look like a pub.

"I imagine it's going to cost millions of pounds. The place was very unique and recreating that isn't going to be easy. Those people who have made models or rebuilt it out of Lego have found how challenging it is on a small scale using tiny toy bricks.

"I just hope now that all the MPs, local politicians and community groups can now push forward to make sure this happens in a timely fashion. Because unless it is part of the enforcement action, I cannot see it being done anytime soon.

"I think it was clear the new owners didn't want it as a pub but I think it should be. If it had been a listing building I think it would have more protection. They might have it as some form of museum but whatever happens, I hope the public get to see The Crooked House restored to its former glory. A lot of people have been fighting for this day and it certainly looks like a step in the right direction. We'll see what happens from here."

Lee took on the pub at the beginning of September 2022 after working in pubs for over 25 years. He added: "When we had the place, it was challenging but was certainly turning a corner. We were bringing back live music and food.

"We said it would be a five year project but the brewery didn't agree and terminated the lease. When discussing with Marston's before taking over, I was informed that if it was ever sold, it would remain a pub and nothing could be done to the building or land.

"This played a massive part in me agreeing to take over, as my view was that even if it was sold, it would remain a pub and there would be a chance that I could stay on.

"Not one person has been to view the pub to purchase it, and so to then be told it had been sold, and be completely kept out of the loop came as a huge shock to myself. I loved running this pub, it was such an iconic building. It is awful to see what happened. Seeing the scenes of the fire and the bulldozing were upsetting."

A statement from South Staffordshire Council said: "The council understands and empathises with the concern and interest following the demolition of The Crooked House, Himley in 2023.

"We are continuing to work with the police and other partners, including Health and Safety Executive (HSE), building control and Historic England, and our focus is on our own investigation regarding the planning and building control breaches with the aim of reaching a positive outcome.

"This remains our priority, and it is very important that whilst the council is still investigating the incident and considering our legal options and next steps, we do not comment on any element of the ongoing investigation, so that we do not potentially prejudice our enforcement action.

"We continue to urge everyone to stay off the site, not to breach the fencing, nor remove any materials as it may hamper ongoing investigations being carried out by multiple agencies. "

The leader of the council, Councillor Roger Lees BEM 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 restored back to its former glory.

"We have not taken this action lightly but we believe it is right to bring the owners, who demolished the building without consent, to account and we are committed to do what we can to get the Crooked House rebuilt." Five men and one woman were arrested in connection with the fire and remain on bail.