Crooked House owners fly to Corfu and £20,000 a week villa - and 'plan to address pub controversy on return'
18 August 2023, 05:50 | Updated: 19 August 2023, 00:56
The owners of the Crooked House have jetted off for holiday in Corfu.
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Adam and Carly Taylor flew to the Greek island on Wednesday amid fury at the destruction of their recently bought pub in Himley, Staffordshire.
Known as Britain's wonkiest boozer due to mining-linked subsidence, it was gutted in a fire that police are treating as arson before being rapidly demolished.
There is no suggestion the pair are suspects or have committed any crimes.
Marston's Brewery sold the pub to ATE Farms Ltd, run by 34-year-old Carly, while her husband has a stake in Himley Environmental Ltd, which operates a landfill next door to the pub
Police said they will be speaking to the owners about the fire, which left the pub gutted.
A petition has since been launched, demanding a public inquiry into the fire.
Local were furious when a digger arrived two days later and destroyed the local landmark, leading to council officers to investigate what happened amid calls for it to be rebuilt brick by brick.
The Sun said Adam was heard complaining on the phone about media coverage of the fire while the pair were at the airport en route to Corfu.
They are staying in a £20,000-a-week villa near Corfu Town.
Read more: Fresh hope for Crooked House as Historic England hints Britain’s wonkiest pub could be rebuilt
It is understood they will stay there for a week then return to the UK to deal with the controversy.
The rubble has been fenced off after mourners gathered at the site. South Staffordshire Council, which is investigating the demolition over potential breaches of the Town and Country Planning Act, said it was for health and safety reasons.
Hopes of seeing the Crooked House rebuilt have been backed by West Midlands mayor Andy Street.
Historic England said it was keen to "consider all possible avenues" with the local council to see the pub reconstructed.
"We offered our support to South Staffordshire Council last week and have been in regular contact with the council since to provide specialist advice as needed," said a spokesman.
"We are also happy to engage with the local community."
No final decisions have been made as there were two applications prior to the destruction.
