A sports bar in Great Yarmouth that has seen locals face off against some of snooker's greatest legends is celebrating 10 years in business.

Spencer's Sports Bar, on Regent Road, opened in December, 2013 - a proud moment for owner and international pool player Spencer Jones.

The 43-year-old, who lives in Caister and runs the bar with fiancée Tiffany Davies and friend Joe Parker, said it had always been his dream to open a such a venue.

The bar has pool tables - the best in Norfolk, according to Mr Jones - as well as a darts lounge, big screen sports and gaming machines.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spencer Jones, an international pool player, said it had always been his dream to open a sports bar. Spencer Jones, an international pool player, said it had always been his dream to open a sports bar. (Image: Spencer Jones)

READ MORE: Snooker star O’Sullivan reveals how he copes with stress to stay at top of game

"I have played pool all my life and I wanted to bring it to the town. I had a dream and I was looking for the right place," he said. 

The premises, above McDonalds on Regent Road, was empty for ten years before he took over and was once a snooker hall. 

For the first seven years, business was thriving - with pool tournaments bringing in the crowds and a function room hosting birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations - but then Covid hit.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spencer's Sports Bar hosts pool tournaments and snooker exhibition nights. Spencer's Sports Bar hosts pool tournaments and snooker exhibition nights. (Image: Spencer Jones)

"Since then it has been more of a struggle," Mr Jones said. "Covid has killed the functions. And with energy rises now, it's a battle to stay open."

The bar is the home venue for county Norfolk pool while weeknight tournaments help keep the place going, he said. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: 'The best pool tables in Norfolk' - Spencer's Sports Bar in Great Yarmouth. 'The best pool tables in Norfolk' - Spencer's Sports Bar in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Spencer Jones)

The bar also hosts big snooker exhibition nights attended by legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, Steve Davis and Jimmy White who play frames against local challengers, with spectators getting a close up view of the action.

"The best part is the people enjoying it, people enjoying the tables," Mr Jones said. 

A ten year anniversary party, open to everyone and promising a night of 1980s themed fun, will be held in the bar on November 4.