The Tilted Barrel: Reviving the History of Britain’s Quirkiest Pub
In a small town in Tipton, just five miles away from its demolished counterpart, stands The Tilted Barrel, Britain’s wonkiest pub. This 200-year-old establishment has risen from the ashes after a suspected arson attack, preserving the rich history of the Black Country.
The uniqueness of The Tilted Barrel not only stems from its slanted premises but also from its mining subsidence. Despite the wonky door frames and tilted floors, this pub holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Unlike its iconic predecessor, The Crooked House, The Tilted Barrel is protected as a Grade II listed site, ensuring its future survival.
Haych Mann, a 38-year-old landlady and a local herself, took over The Tilted Barrel in February. She describes it as a bitter sweet moment to be known as the potential new Britain’s wonkiest pub. With great passion, Haych has spent several months refurbishing the run-down premises, breathing new life into this historic establishment.
The unique features of The Tilted Barrel provide an unforgettable experience for its patrons. From crooked doors to uneven floors, this pub truly stands out. For instance, the team had to relocate the pool table due to the challenges of playing in a lopsided room where balls seemingly roll uphill, much like in The Crooked House. However, the dartboard remains in its original place, as the slanted oche gives the pub’s darts team an advantage over visiting players.
Haych reflects on the significance of The Crooked House’s legacy and the impact of its loss. She acknowledges the bitter-sweetness of potentially claiming the title of Britain’s wonkiest pub, as it comes at the cost of losing an iconic landmark and a piece of Black Country history. Nonetheless, Haych remains proud of the path she has taken, working tirelessly to preserve the heritage of The Tilted Barrel.
This 1820-built pub captivated Haych with its unique charm, despite its dilapidated condition. Investing in refurbishment, she has successfully revived business by attracting online attention and drawing in new customers. Two years have passed since Haych took the pub on a 15-year lease, and she can confidently say that it was a decision driven by her love for the extraordinary and captivating features of The Tilted Barrel.
One might wonder how the dart teams cope with the slanted floors. Carl Falconer, a 46-year-old plasterer and a regular at the pub for 40 years, affirms the advantage they possess. Even though the floor has been partially leveled to accommodate away teams, the slope remains, making it quite the challenge for opposing players. The quirky features of the pub, including the wonky gents toilet tiles, have become a source of fascination for visitors.
The journey to restoring The Tilted Barrel continues. While Haych and her team have achieved remarkable progress, they acknowledge the need to address the slanted floors in the back room, which presents a unique challenge. Nevertheless, they remain optimistic about the future of this historic, crooked pub, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
The Tilted Barrel stands as a symbol of resilience and preservation, captivating locals and visitors alike with its crooked charm. As it rises from the ashes, this pub not only revives Black Country history but also embraces the spirit of a resilient community.
