Britain's new 'wonkiest pub' sells at auction months after Crooked House blaze

Britain’s newly crowned ‘wonkiest pub’ has sold at auction for more than £170,000 – three months after the Crooked House fire.

The Tilted Barrel in Tipton, West Mids., took the title from its demolished counterpart just five miles away after it burnt down in a suspected arson attack in August.

The slanted Grade II listed boozer is wonky due to mining subsidence in the 1800s and also boasts the illusion of pool balls seemingly rolling uphill.

It was taken on by new landlady Haych Mann in February this year and she spent months refurbishing the inside of the 200-year-old building.

However, the pub's future was thrown into doubt after it was suddenly listed for sale last month by Birmingham-based auctioneers Cottons.

It has now sold at auction for between £170,000 to £178,000, although the exact sale price has not been revealed.

The agents description had read: “An opportunity to purchase a famous Black Country Public House, known as The Tilted Barrel comprising of a Grade II Listed two storey detached premises of brick construction surmounted by a pitched slate clad roof, prominently situated at the junction of High Street and Parkes Lane.

“The property was constructed circa mid 1800's and was affected by mining subsidence at an early stage, resulting in the pubs recognisable crooked appearance and it is well documented in the media that since the recent demise of The Crooked House pub at Himley, the Tilted Barrel is regarded as the most crooked public house in the UK.”

Landlady Haych, 38, who took over The Tilted Barrel in February, previously admitted there had been teething problems with her new venture.

Speaking after the Tilted Barrel took over the moniker of ‘Britain’s wonkiest pub’ following the Crooked House fire on August 5, she said: “It’s a bitter sweet moment.

"Most of our regulars drank in the Crooked House too. I'm a local girl so I knew the pub well and we have lost an iconic pub in the Crooked House.

"So I'm both sad and proud at the same time to learn we might now have that title.

"It's certainly not something I'm celebrating as the Crooked House was a landmark and a piece of Black Country history.”

Due to the Grade II listing status on the Tilted Barrel, it is unlikely any new owner will be allowed to alter the building’s appearance.

The pub was sold as Freehold and boasts 1,315 square foot of space inside which includes two beer cellars and three store rooms.