There was once a crooked man...

Is it possible to appear legless in a pub without drinking one drop of ale? Well, it's a safe bet that it's happened once or twice since the 1800s at...

Is it possible to appear legless in a pub without drinking one drop of ale? Well, it's a safe bet that it's happened once or twice since the 1800s at the Crooked House, which has just come on to the market in the West Midlands.

'It's one of the most amazing pubs I've ever been to,' revealed its selling agent Andy Tudor of Fleurets.

And potential buyers would have to agree as the pub in Himley, near Dudley in Staffordshire really does live up to its name.

'Visitors to the pub are guaranteed not to be drinking alone, as it is said it is also haunted by a serving wench called Polly,' said Tudor, of the company's Birmingham office.

He added: 'Over and above the slant and the spirits, most leave the pub amazed at the optical illusion that sees bottles and marbles roll uphill.'

Originally built as a farmhouse in 1765, the building was converted to a pub known as the Glynne Arms. It was named after Sir Stephen Glynne (on whose estate the pub originally stood and who was brother-in-law to former prime minister William Gladstone).

During the mid 1800s it was thought the pub took a turn for the worse as shafts dug underneath subsequently collapsed, leaving it 4ft lower on one side than the other.

Supporting girders and reinforced buttresses now help to maintain its almost upright position.

'Condemned in the 1940s Banks's brewery then bought the pub and turned its physical misfortune into a feature that makes it such a famous pub.'

The property is set over three main trading areas, including the original bar, lounge bar and 54-cover restaurant.

The private accommodation features two double bedrooms, living room, domestic kitchen and bathroom.

Tudor said: 'Our clients have operated the Crooked House since early 2003 which has seen them establish a popular and successful business with average net sales of over £10,000 per week. They are now looking to concentrate their efforts on another existing business.'

Fleurets has set an asking price of £185,000 for its leasehold.