A LANDLADY has declared her pub a football free zone this summer, casting aside World Cup fever in the hope of attracting customers looking to avoid the tournament. Melanie Richardson, 34, who runs The Black Bull in Godmanchester, has declared her pub a W

A LANDLADY has declared her pub a football free zone this summer, casting aside World Cup fever in the hope of attracting customers looking to avoid the tournament.

Melanie Richardson, 34, who runs The Black Bull in Godmanchester, has declared her pub a World Cup-free zone throughout the entire competition.

She hopes to get more customers by refusing to screen England's football matches and a large sign has been placed outside the pub to deter sports fans hoping to catch the game on a big screen.

She said: "We are a food-led pub and hope to attract people who don't like football and want to enjoy a meal in peace.

"A lot of our customers have already said it's a good idea and we were full last weekend during the England and Jamaica friendly.

"I expect we will mainly get families and older people who want a meal without the noise."

Melanie, who has been running the pub for two years, said the World Cup in Germany was the first major international football tournament since she had taken over.

She added: "We're also a hotel so anyone who wants to watch football can always go to their room.