ONE of the world's most famous and influential physicists alive today dropped into the Coach and Horses for a spot of dinner on Saturday night.

Stephen Hawking was passing though Chepstow from a trip to Hereford Cathedral when he stopped off for a tour of the castle. He then visited the pub, recently named Gwent's best town pub for the fourth consecutive year by the campaign for real ale.

The author of 'A Brief History of Time' caught landlord Ian Meyrick by surprise as he appeared for lunch service: "I just looked up and saw him outside the window at around 3pm," he said.

"Apparently the staff at the castle had recommended us as somewhere to eat. He had rare steak with swede and potato mash and commented on the food after his meal.

"His party of carers were very nice people and my other customers were able to get some photos with him and talk a little."

Professor Hawking stayed at the pub until 5.30pm and was also seen in Tintern the following day.