LOCALS have reacted with sadness to the news The Crooked House pub at Himley has been sold and is “unlikely to open its doors again”.

Customers and visitors were informed in a Facebook post that the landmark boozer, dubbed ‘Britain’s wonkiest pub’, had shut its doors after being sold to a private buyer.

The post on The Crooked House 2022 page said: "The Crooked House has been sold. Unlikely to be open its doors again. Marstons have sold the site to a private buyer for alternative use.

“This is just to update the page so nobody makes wasted journeys to the site. Thanks all for your custom and support. Keep supporting the great other local pubs to make sure they stay as they should be.”

A spokesperson for Marston’s later confirmed the pub had been sold and said: “We’re pleased to confirm the sale of The Crooked House has now completed. At this stage we’re unable to disclose any details on the buyer or price.”

The beloved pub is one of 61 that Wolverhampton-based Marston’s has been looking to offload after carrying out a review of its UK estate.

The lopsided pub, which has attracted visitors from across the world to its uniqueness, got its unusual look through subsidence caused by mining in the 1800s. It was originally constructed as a farmhouse in 1765 but became a pub in the 1830s.

Locals reacted with sadness at the news that it may now be closed for good.

One Facebook poster said: “Sorry to hear this. Another piece of history going. Many good memories The Crooked House holds for me.”

Another said: “Absolutely shocking, should stay open to the public, it’s a local treasure and historic place to enjoy food and drink with family friends. Honestly gutted.”

Another commenter said: “Really hope whoever has bought it keeps it as it is! Would be such a shame if it was changed or demolished in any way.”

Another added: “It needs to go to The Black Country Museum I think, instead of being demolished and gone forever.”