Madonna buys London pub

Rex Features

Madonna has purchased a pub in London's Mayfair with her husband Guy Ritchie.

The couple have decided to start a new business venture by snapping up The Punchbowl, which was once owned by gangster Freddie Foreman.

A number of celebrities, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Barbra Streisand and EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor, have visited the pub over the years.

A source told the News of the World: "The sale of the pub went through and the previous owners were offered a huge sum of money for the freehold.

"It has everything Madge and Guy want - A-lister regulars and a tough edge with the Foreman connection."

Madonna's new album Hard Candy will be released on April 28 in the UK.