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It follows warnings that the capital's nightlife has been struggling since the pandemic and Brexit, with rising rents, falling footfall, staff recruitment issues and cost of living pressures.

This will have a knock-on effect on prices, and recruitment, said Mark Slade, its managing director.

"In these particular circumstances, with the criteria in front of me, I did not believe an open recruitment process was needed or would have benefited anyone," said Connor.

Somerset and Essex once again led the way for the non-Test venue clubs last year and will have familiar line-ups this summer after what have been quiet winters on the recruitment front.

Some members have already decided to pause growth plans and recruitment.