'P*** off and let us have a holiday': Crooked House owners deny responsibility for pub blaze

19 August 2023, 08:27 | Updated: 19 August 2023, 08:33

The burnt out remains of The Crooked House are pictured hours before its demolition
The burnt out remains of The Crooked House are pictured hours before its demolition. Picture: Alamy

By Adam Solomons

The owner of Britain's wonkiest pub urged critics to 'p*** off and let us have a holiday' as he denied any involvement in the fire that tore through the beloved 19th century boozer.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Challenged during a stay at a £20,000-a-week villa with his wife and kids on Corfu, Adam Taylor repeated his denial of any responsibility for the destruction of the recently bought Crooked House pub in Himley, Staffordshire.

The property was gutted in a fire that police are treating as arson and demolished without council permission 36 hours later.

There is no suggestion the Mr Taylor, 44, or his wife Carly, 34, are suspects or that they have committed any crimes.

Read more: Fresh hope for Crooked House as Historic England hints Britain’s wonkiest pub could be rebuilt

Read more: ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’: Firm that hired out demolition equipment to Crooked House owners denies involvement

It's thought the Taylors will address the pub's fire and demolition on their return from Corfu
It's thought the Taylors will address the pub's fire and demolition on their return from Corfu. Picture: Alamy

Questioned by a Sun reporter on the picturesque Greek island days after a separate trip to Dubai, Mr Taylor said: “There was nothing serious. I’m not getting into discussing it.

“We didn’t answer anything in the UK because of the police investigation so we’re not f***ing gonna answer anything here, are we?

“Just p*** off and let us have a holiday away from all the lies and bull***t in England."

Taylor added that the family will prepare a statement at the end of any police investigation.

It is understood they will stay there for a week then return to the UK to deal with the controversy.

Before: the West Midlands pub is pictured before its most recent troubles
Before: the West Midlands pub is pictured before its most recent troubles. Picture: Alamy

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, who has called for it to be rebuilt "brick by brick".

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."

Camra chairman speaks out over Crooked House fire

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The UK will unveil new sanctions to "turn the screws" on Russia as it marks three years since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

UK to ‘turn the screws’ on Russia with new sanctions on three-year anniversary of Ukraine war

Netanyahu says the prisoners that were meant to be released today won't be until the next group of hostages is handed over .

Release of 602 Palestinian prisoners delayed until next group of hostages released 'without humiliating ceremonies', Netanyahu says

The M4 and the M48 have both been closed this evening after multiple people reported seeing a body on the road.

Two major motorways closed after human remains found on the road as drivers stuck for hours

The heavy iron roof at the Real Plaza Trujillo shopping centre, in the La Libertad region, fell onto dozens of people who were at the site.

Six people killed and 78 injured as Peru shopping centre food court roof collapsed in horror incident

Two guards were killed when armed assailants helped Amra escape from a prison convoy in Normandy last May, prompting a high-profile search.

Fugitive French prisoner 'the Fly' who staged deadly escape and prompted international hunt arrested in Romania

Yellow weather warning issued in the UK

Yellow warning issued as UK set to be battered by wind and rain in ‘severe weather’ on Sunday

Pope Francis.

Pope in 'critical condition' after suffering respiratory crisis, the Vatican said

French firefighters (C) operate near the site of a bladed weapon attack where a man is suspected of killing one person and wounding two municipal police officers in Mulhouse, eastern France on February 22, 2025.

One killed and several police officers injured in suspected terror attack in France

A police officer who removed a monitored offender's tag so that she could have a secret relationship with him has been jailed.

Police officer jailed after removing burglar’s tag to have secret sexual relationship with him

Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell have called on the Government to rethink proposals to relax copyright rules in a bid to protect creative talent from artificial intelligence (AI).

Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell unite behind copyright campaign to protect creative talent from US AI firms

Scratchcard.

Thieves win half a million on lottery ticket bought with stolen credit card

A police officer guards at the cordoned off Holocaust memorial after a man was attacked at the memorial site in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Suspect in Berlin Holocaust Memorial stabbing wanted to kill Jewish people, police say

A prison guard..

Prisoners forced to give birth while handcuffed to male officers

Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony of Israeli hostages hand over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Release of 602 Palestinian prisoners delayed due to 'assaults' say Hamas, amid 'violations' of ceasefire agreement

Tears of joy as sixth Israeli hostage handed over by Hamas - as 602 Palestinians poised for release

Tears of joy: Sixth Israeli hostage handed over by Hamas - as 602 Palestinians poised for release

Girl, 3, dies after a tram and van collide in Manchester

Girl, 3, dies after a tram and van collide in Manchester