BEFORE Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a Man Utd investor, the billionaire tycoon bought a pub.
The 71-year-old petrochemicals tycoon – who has bought 25 per cent of club for £1.3bn – enjoyed a regular tipple at the Grenadier in London’s Belgravia.
So enamoured by its history, he approached brewery Greene King to take it off their hands, and then named his foray into the SUV market by the same name.
The landmark boozer was built in 1720 and is a hidden gem in the capital – visited by Prince William and pop queen Madonna in recent times.
While it also hides a secret story that adds to its mystique.
According to folklore, the pub is the most haunted in the city.
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And, there’s a reason why…
Rich history
Found in a secluded street in Belgrave Square, the Grenadier served as an officers’ mess in the 18th century.
Meaning, it was used by military for meals, drinks and recreational activities.
Word has it, the pub was visited by King George IV during his reign between 1820-1830.
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However, there’s a more sinister story involving a brutal murder of a solider.
That’s the same soldier that’s said to haunt the premises.
Caught cheating
In 1818, a group of officers were enjoying a game of cards.
But the night turned ugly when one, called Cedric, was reportedly caught cheating.
He was taken outside by his comrades, who beat him to a pulp outside the doors.
The pub is named after Cedric, himself, who was a Grenadier guard.
Allegedly, the incident happened in a September.
That is the month when most paranormal activity is reported, with a ghostly figure apparently seen walking through the pub’s rooms.
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Fitting tribute
Because of tradition, punters who flock to the Grenadier, some tourists, have found a novel way of celebrating Cedric, who is featured in a painting behind the bar.
Plenty stick money to the ceiling to pay off his debts, with currency from all over the world plastered all over the pub.
Over 200 years later, and visitors are still making donations to the cause.
But, that hasn’t stopped Cedric from continuing to play pranks on staff and drinkers.
‘Tables and chairs rattle inexplicably’
Staff at the Grenadier have fed into the tale over the years.
Cedric’s ghostly presence is certainly felt when it comes to glasses breaking and the like.
A spokesperson previously told the Culture Trip: “Objects seem to either disappear or move without explanation. Tables and chairs rattle inexplicably, as well as an icy chill that befalls the pub that can last for days.
“Footsteps have been heard wandering around empty rooms, and every so often, low sighing moans are heard from the depths of the cellar.
“Famously, on one occasion, it was reported that whilst the Chief Superintendent from New Scotland Yard was enjoying a drink in the pub, smoke began to waft around him.
Ratcliffe’s obsession
“As he reached towards the smoke, it is said that an invisible cigarette burnt his hand.”
The Grenadier has been a haven for the wealthy locals of Knightsbridge through the years.
Ratcliffe, who boasts an estimated £30billion fortune, was a regular.
It was there where he came up with the idea of building a sturdy 4×4 seen as the successor to the Land Rover Defender.
Amusingly, he is believed to have scribbled down plans for the motor on a beer mat while drinking with a group of pals.
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He then decided to buy it in 2022.
As they say, the best ideas come in the pub.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
