David Beckham and Guy Ritchie buy London pub

Ex-footballer David Beckham and film director Guy Ritchie have teamed up to buy a London pub.

The pair have paid £3m for the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill, close to the former England captain's home in Holland Park and marking his first foray into the on trade.

The pair are reportedly seeking to give the historic venue, which dates back to 1845, a "Soho House-style makeover".

Ritchie already owns the Lukin public house in Fitzrovia, which he bought earlier this year.

The Sherlock Holmes director entered into a joint venture with pub company Mitchells & Butlers with plans to relaunch the venue as a pub and fine-dining venue named the Lore of the Land. He also runs the Gritchie Brewing Company from his farm in Wiltshire.

Ritchie previously bought the Punchbowl pub in Mayfair with ex-wife Madonna for £2.5m in 2008. The pub was sold to Cirrus Inns in 2013.

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