Game is up for cricket pub

A Leicester licensee has been left with upset cricket-loving regulars after their view of the county ground was blocked due to a change in team sponsor.

The Cricketers, an Everards' tenancy, overlooks Leicestershire's famous Grace Road ground, and for more than 30 years drinkers have been enjoying match-day views from the pub's balcony - for free.

But Everards has called time on its sponsorship of the cricket ground. And now the club has decided it just isn't cricket to have up to 70 spectators enjoying the game without paying the £10 entrance fee.

A hoarding has been erected - which totally obscures the view from the balcony - advertising rival brewer Marston's ales, which are sold at the club's bar.

Ronnie Thomson, licensee at the Cricketers, said: "Everards has pulled its sponsorship and the club has put up this Marston's sign. My regulars are really upset.

"The balcony and the cricket matches helped us raise thousands of pounds for charity.

"I've taken in deliveries for the club when it's closed and the club has even held its meetings here in the past. It's going to leave a bitter taste."

But the cricket club appears unrepentant. Chief executive Chris Smith said he won't take down the hoarding unless the pub pays for the views.

"We've increased the signage, which has blocked the view from the Cricketers because I'm not having a balcony full of people watching for free when we could benefit from a commercial deal with the pub," he said.

"The Everards' contract has ended now and we want all spectators to spend their money on food and drink with us."