Madge and Guy's pub facing probe over 'tourist rip-off'

It is one of a series of alleged breaches which, at worst, could see the 18th century pub lose its licence six months after it was bought by the couple.

Ritchie and Madonna spent a reported £2.5 million on The Punchbowl, in Farm Street, in February this year, buying it from their friend Greg Foreman, son of gangster Freddie Foreman.

Hollywood favourite: Madonna and Ritchie bought The Punchbowl in Mayfair, right

It is a favourite of Hollywood stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Barbra Streisand and situated around the corner from the couple's London home.

But the pub is now set to be investigated by Westminster council after an investigation by the Evening Standard revealed that tariffs have not been displayed to customers  -  a legal requirement  -  and bar staff have allegedly offered reduced prices to locals but increased the cost of a pint to tourists.

Customers said the difference was as much as 40p a pint.  Brian Richardson, 52, said that when he complained about being charged £3.90 for a pint instead of the usual £3.50, a member of staff told him they charged more to people they didn't recognise. Despite having used the pub for 12 years, he apparently was charged the 'tourist' rate.

He said: 'On Monday I paid £3.50 for a pint, now all of a sudden it's £3.90. I was shocked. I complained to staff. They have got two prices  -  regulars prices and non-regulars prices. There is no price list on the wall. I don't mind paying more but it is completely arbitrary. It is not the money, it is the price hike. It is outrageous.'

His friend Andy Kneller, 47, said: 'When Brian realised how much he was paying he disputed it. There are no signs anywhere. We know the governor. He did say we have prices for regulars and prices for people who don't come here very often. He dropped himself in it.'

Sue Jones, head of trading standards at Westminster council, said that by law tariffs had to be displayed and selling drinks at different prices could constitute 'unfair trading' under new legislation.

She said the council would now launch an investigation. 'In light of these allegations we will be seeking to make contact with the landlord. This may well constitute unfair trading procedures and this is something the council would look into.'

As well as apparent drinks irregularities, the pub does not appear to display the name of the licensee above its door.

Assistant manager Henry Heaton denied there was a policy to offer drinks at different prices but apologised for the errors.

He said: 'That should not be the case and it won't be the case. As far as I am aware there is no change (in price). There is no difference. There is the old way of doing things and the new way of doing things. Everyone should be paying the same.'

Ritchie and Madonna are said to be regulars at the pub in which Ritchie is understood to have a 20 per cent stake.

The couple are reportedly looking at plans to turn The Punchbowl into a gastro pub or private members' club.