An historic 18th century boozer dubbed Britain's wonkiest pub has been 'closed forever' after being sold to a private buyer.
Locals have been left devastated after landlords of The Crooked House, in Himley, West Mids., revealed it was unlikely to ever open again after 192 years of trading.
Customers were informed in a Facebook post last week that the iconic pub had been flogged by a brewery to a 'private buyer for alternative use'.
The quirky building had attracted visitors from across the world due to its unique leaning effect which causes several illusions.
It was famed for being the place where coins and marbles seemingly rolled uphill along the bar.
The building was constructed in 1765 as a farmhouse but became a pub in the 1830s with people flocking to see how one side is 4ft (1.2m) lower than the other.
But earlier this year, the unlikely tourist attraction was put up for sale with a guide price of £675,000 leaving punters fearing for its future.
Brewery Marston's has now confirmed the lopsided pub has been sold for an undisclosed price.
The pub said in a Facebook post: "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.”
Locals reacted with sadness after learning the landmark pub was likely to remain closed forever.
Derrick McConell, 65, of Dudley, who has drank in the pub for more than 20 years, said: "It's a sad day, it's a brilliant pub and there's no place like it elsewhere.
"We feared nobody would take it on due to the cost of the upkeep but you'd think somebody would want to save a piece of history.
"Its a sign of the times unfortunately - you hear of local pubs closing all the time and it appears not even a unique place like this can survive in the current climate.
"It sounds cheesy but this place was like a second home, all the regulars are lovely people and became like family to me. I am devastated."
Others reacted on social media with one web user writing on Facebook: “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.”
Originally called ‘The Siden House’, meaning crooked in Black Country dialect – the pub got its bizarre effect through subsidence caused by mining in the 1800s.
Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries bought it, made it structurally safe in the 1940s and renamed it the Crooked House due to its appearance.
People from as far as America, Australia, Japan, China, New Zealand have travelled to have a pint at the Black Country boozer over the years.
The slanted structure is kept standing as a result of being propped up by buttresses made of bricks and metal bars.
In July it was forced to close its doors when tens of thousands of pounds of damage was caused during a break-in.
A spokesperson for Marston’s 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.”
