The Ashes' winners pubs and brewers

Pubs are bracing themselves for a bumper weekend of takings as punters are expected to cram venues to the rafters to view the finale of the Ashes.

Pubs and brewers have already been major winners, regardless of the final result. Top of the batting order is Thwaites, driven by its sponsorship of England hero Andrew 'Freddie Flintoff.

Sales director Brian Jenkins has raised the anticipation of a first series victory since 1987 by offering thousands of free pints to pubs across the country.

'Any pub which ordered Freddie's Lancaster Bomber cask beer before the start of the fifth test will be eligible for a win bonus of free beer should England claim the Ashes they can hold their own party in the team's honour, he said.

Wolverhampton & Dudley have also cashed in through its Marston's Ashes Ales. In total, 950 barrels of Ashes Ale have been brewed since it launched two months ago four times the amount produced for a normal guest ale. Ashley Giles, who hit England's winning runs, was seen celebrating with a limited edition bottle of the ale.

Wolverhampton & Dudley pub brand Pitcher & Piano has also seen sales increase in venues where the game is showing. 'People are saying cricket is the new football and the numbers coming in show that, said Pitcher & Piano managing director Mike Dowell.

But Regent Inns will be running a promotional campaign in the Daily Mirror warning that 'the fat lady hasn't sung yet.