Madonna and Guy Saving The Punch Bowl After All?

What do Prince Charles and Madonna have in common? Apart from the fact that they are both rich, you probably can’t imagine. But they are both fans of the traditional English pub and both celebrities are doing their bit to save this peculiarly English institution, which is becoming an endanger species, according to recent figures from the British Beer and Pub Association. Pubs have been closing at the rate of 27 a week and another 1,000 will close by the end of this year. Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the BBPA says “Pub closures at this rate are threatening an important hub of our social fabric and community history.”

Madonna and Guy Ritchie have bought in to a typical “olde worlde” pub in London’s classy Mayfair district, The Punch Bowl. Built in the 1750’s, it is cosy with dark wood panelling and low ceilings. Because the pub’s main customers are local office workers at lunchtime and after work, it is closed on Saturday evenings and on Sundays. Don’t go in the next two weeks either because it will be closed for a facelift organized by its new owners. When I called in last week the barman told me that the lady herself had been in the night before and he added that other celebrity clientele who have visited include Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean and Barbra Streisand.