Crooked and Bored
Latest walk from the "Best Pub Walks in the Black Country" takes me from unloved Gornal to unknown Kingswinford. The reason for a yomp through the deserted post-industrial landscape?
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| Lean in - From the Guide Book |
Ah - the Crooked House. The one time cause célèbre of pub closures, which was destroyed in the space of days, allegedly by ruthless land developers wanting to expand their scrap empire. For those that don't know of the place.
The Crooked House near Himley, originally built in 1765 as a farmhouse and later converted into a pub around 1830, became one of Britain’s most distinctive and beloved landmarks. Known for its dramatic tilt—caused by 19th-century mining subsidence that sank one end of the building by about four feet—it earned nicknames like "Siden House" and "Britain’s wonkiest pub." Inside, marbles appeared to roll uphill and furniture seemed off-kilter, drawing visitors from around the world who came to experience its quirky optical illusions. Despite its popularity and historical significance, the pub closed in 2023 and, just weeks later, was destroyed by a suspected arson attack. In a controversial move, the building was demolished without planning permission shortly after the fire, prompting public outcry and legal action.
In truth, it wasn't a great pub. I am glad that I visited it again relatively recently but the beer and service were dreadful and access was via a grim fly-tipped lane, rather reminiscent of today's walk.
Not long out of Gornal and I am picking up a disused Pensnett railway. Should I be scared? It certainly looked like a good place to dispose of a body. Other items had been disposed of.
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| Suzuki Jimny? |
If I hadn't have been earphone engrossed in a discussion on whether Anora was a worthy oscar winner or soft-core porn, I would have heard the machinations of the nearby scrap yards. According to the podcast, both. I am awaiting my son's return so he can explain to his mother why he recommended it for family viewing.
I have completed my research pre-walk and this proved worthwhile. Holbeche House can be included into the walk and this has some meaningful history.
Holbeche House, near Kingswinford, was the final refuge of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators after their plan to blow up Parliament in 1605 failed. As they fled London, the group, including ringleader Robert Catesby, took shelter there and tried to dry out damp gunpowder in front of the fire—causing an explosion that injured several. Days later, the house was surrounded, and a gunfight broke out in which Catesby and others were killed. Bullet holes from the battle can still be seen in the walls. The surviving plotters were captured, taken to London, and brutally executed for treason.
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| Former nursing home, all boarded up now. |
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| What happens when you dry gunpowder in front of the fire |
Kingswinford (Kings Pig Crossing?) reached at Wall heath and a little like Amblecote, a triangle of Good Beer Guide 2025 ticks await. Unlike Amblecote, the pubs are disappointing and the best, not included in the bible.
The Bridge a Black Country Ales take-over first licenced in 1845.
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| All smart enough |
I think I've shared my thoughts enough about the uniformity of BCA Pubs eough. Sat in front of the standardised TV Screen menu, I couldn't help but yawn at such a similar beer offering and again, ask myself why?
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| Golden, amber, golden, golden, blonde, golden, golden, golden, pale, stout, cider, tramp juice. |
The Cottage next. My research suggesting not to eat there. A recent reopening after environmental health found dead mice and fresh droppings in the kitchen and closed it down. I guess environmental health not too great at finding live mice.
I'm not here for the food (scracthings excepted), so felt safe but after the choice available at the BCA, I now get to moan about the sole cask on offer. Wye Valley HPA.
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| Star Taverns looking for new owners? |
A community local, I was greeted with a perfect Black Country "Hello My Mon!" on arrival and there was a lovely Chesterfield to enjoy the HPA in.
An odd choice for the Good Beer Guide, I thought. But certainly better than the Ale Hub.
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| Walked passed it twice without noticing it |
These are part of a chain springing up around the Midlands - usually in unloved corners of urbanisation, where they will be next to a Spar Local and a Chinese restaurant.
For me, converted shop Micros have to offer unusual beers to make the experience of drinking in a soulless space worthwhile. Ale Hub does not do this - and when my Oakham Bishops Farewell was a short measure, I properly disliked the brightly lit place before I had even sat down. Couldn't even be bothered to argue. I'll just moan on a blog.
I appreciate this has been a little downbeat on pubs and you could think I don't even like them. With 20 minutes (turned out to be 40) to wait for the 17 bus to take me back to Stourbridge, I couldn't resist waiting in the bus stop adjacent Cross Inn. A packed to point of bursting Wetherspoons, where cask Jaipur is just £2.29.
Pint of the day and pub of the day in a place deemed unspecial by the CAMRAs.
Walk Details
Distance - 4.5 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Best Pub Walks in The Black County, Walk 19
Geocaches - 0
