Pubs reap benefits of the Ashes factor
There was no sticky wicket for pub sales in Birmingham as thousands of cricket fans descended on the city for the Ashes Test match. Licensees benefited from the feelgood factor as the pub trade's blues were hit for six after the recent bomb scare and tornado which have hit the city.
Pubs reaped the benefits on the Sunday as Michael Vaughan's men narrowly beat the Aussies before lunch - helped by the heroics of Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff.
The Sports Café on Broad Street did brisk business on the day, taking around £11,000.
"Doing that on a Sunday is unheard of really," said licensee Martin Murphy. "We saw a massive rise in business over all four days, although it started on the Wednesday night as we had people in who were staying at hotels nearby.
"We get the locals in anyway during the day and then everyone came in after play had finished each day. It was a really great atmosphere the whole time."
Nearer the ground at the Selly Park Tavern, trade was also boosted. The pub's Collette Quinn said: "We were very, very, busy for all four days. It was chock-a-block for most of the time and we opened our doors early most days. The crowds were a lot bigger than other test matches and I think the weather helped."
It was estimated takings were up at least 50 per cent at the pub.
At the Brasshouse on Broad Street the pub's restaurant was particularly busy after play finished each day. "It's normally a quiet time of year, but we were really rushed off our feet," said Peter Ritchie, from the pub. "We were a lot busier than other Test matches."
Pubs were last week gearing up for the start of the new Premiership football season.
Manchester United's trip to Everton and Middlesbrough versus Liverpool were due to be shown on Sky on Saturday and Arsenal against Newcastle and champions Chelsea's trip to Wigan were also due to be screened on Sunday.
Pictured: England's Edgbaston hero, Andrew Flintoff, is currently fronting a promotional campaign for Thwaites' Lancaster Bomber cask ale.
