Former Egerton Park cricketer and England star Stuart Broad launches new pub company with colleague and friend

Broad, along with fellow Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and England colleague Harry Gurney and their friend and award-winning publican Dan Cramp have set up The Cat & Wickets Pub Company.

The trio have rented the Three Crowns pub in Wymeswold from another pub company, Punch Taverns, with their new-look village local opening for drinks for the first time on Monday.

Ahead of the launch of their new venture Broad said: “It’s a village that’s quite near to Loughborough, it’s 10 miles from Leicester and 10 miles from Nottingham so there’s quite a good hub of people around there.

“The locals support it really well already but we’re just looking to take it to that next step.

“The pub is a real social hub of the village or suburb you’re in. I have an interest in wine, which naturally leads into an interest in a pub.

“I feel like it’s where you go to speak to your neighbours, friends and family, have a nice meal, enjoy some of your favourite drinks and get out of the house to socialise.”

A full menu is set to be launched at the revamped pub soon.

Harry Gurney tweeted on Tuesday: “Awesome night. Booked our spot at finals day (Notts CCC in T20 Blast Finals Day) and @catandwickets first opening went very smoothly!”

And @catandwickets tweeted on Tuesday: “Thank you to #Wymeswold for enjoying your new local last night. As good a start as we could have wished for.”

Despite only just taking on their first pub, Cat & Wickets has already set its sights on growing a small portfolio of venues in the long-term.