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David Beckham, who has donned the role of sporting idol, pin-up, doting dad, Olympics ambassador, has now turned into a tourist guide. The footballer has drawn up his top ten hot spots for visitors’ heading to Britain for the London 2012 games, including locations he enjoys visiting with wife Victoria and their children. The former England soccer captain recommends a visit to his preferred pie and mash shop, which offers a basic meal for as little as 3.50 pounds. Beckham, who grew up in Essex but whose family members had previously lived in the East End, recommends the traditional Cockney grub as ‘an insider’s tip for a real East London food experience’ and exhorts one and all ‘you’ve got to try pie and mash.’ He singles out Tony Lane ’s pie and mash shop in Waltham Abbey, Essex, as ‘a favourite’. Despite being based in Los Angeles since 2007 when he moved there to play for LA Galaxy, Beckham has remained a frequent visitor to that particular shop. “He’s been a regular for eight years. Pie and mash is pretty simple but it’s good filling food and the best of British,” the Daily Mail quoted the family run business’ boss Tony Lane as saying. Talking about Britain ’s other attractions to tourists he has recommended theme parks. “Kids can’t get enough of theme parks as I know being a father of four,” he said. “You’re never far away from one in Britain , Alton Towers is close to Stoke’ and Thorpe Park ‘just outside London ,” he said. Beckham’s top ten hotspots: 1. Take a tour of Buckingham Palace 2. Experience some real East London food at Tony Lane ’s Pie & Mash shop 3. Go on a stadium tour of Old Trafford and the new Wembley 4. Grab some fresh air at one of the Royal Parks like Hyde, The Regent’s or Richmond 5. Play a round of golf at St Andrews 6. Go shopping at Manchester ’s Northern Quarter, or markets like Camden , Portobello or Spitalfields 7. Take the kids to Thorpe Park or on the Harry Potter tour 8. Don’t miss London ’s theatre scene and plays like War Horse or Jersey Boys 9. Eat at Ceconnis or NOPI in London 10. Go for a walk in the countryside and stop off at a pub along the way Elsewhere in the guide for the national tourism agency VisitBritain, the 37-year-old, notes that ‘ Britain is famous for its countryside’ and suggests a ‘bracing walk’ followed by a rest next to a log fire in a country pub. Families can also ‘get out in the fresh air at one of London ’s Royal Parks.’ The father of four admits to being a fan of the Royal Family and recommends a visit to Buckingham Palace . “Buckingham Palace is in the heart of London and it’s been the scene of so many great moments in British history - none of us will ever forget the amazing wedding last year,” he said, alluding to the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. “Best of all, it’s open for visitors during the summer so you can have a look around the state apartments,” he said. Sport, inevitably, is firmly in his thoughts. He suggests going to a Premier League soccer match if you can as ‘you can’t beat the atmosphere’ or a guided tour around a stadium like Old Trafford, his old stamping ground from his Manchester United days. Alternatively, you could play a round of golf at St Andrews in Scotland ‘where the game was invented’. Suggestions perhaps more likely to appeal to Victoria include shopping in designer stores or at London markets like Camden, Portobello and Spitalfields, and eating out at exclusive restaurants like the Ivy or Nobu on a ‘special night’. In the list, compiled for a smartphone ‘app’, Beckham also describes London ’s theatre land as the ‘one thing you can’t miss’ when you are in the capital. “I love going out with the family to a show,” he said, insightfully recommending the Lion King as something “young and old will love”.

Becks draws up top 10 hotspots for tourists to visit during London Olympics