The world’s most famous physicist visited a Brighton pub.

Gobsmacked customers could not believe internationally renowned physicist and super-brain Stephen Hawking was at the Royal Sovereign in Preston Street, off Western Road, Brighton.

Punters at the watering hole on Thursday afternoon and evening said Hawking smiled, was friendly and even laughed.

He even posed for a picture with bar staff Michelle Butler.

Mr Hawking, who has been at the forefront of theories on black holes, theoretical cosmology and quantum gravity, was in the city at the funeral for a close friend.

His friend’s wake was held at the pub and he was one of about 40 guests and well as usual punters.

Manager Tom Dabin said: “It was absolutely crazy when he came in.

“He was here for a wake.

“His best friend, or a close friend, had died and he came along.

“We are not even that disability-friendly so his carers carried him in and staff took in his wheelchair.

“He was absolutely fine though. He was here a good two or three hours and although he didn’t talk much he laughed a few times.

“He pressed a button on his chair which said ‘haha’.

“Nobody believes me that he was here and I have been telling everyone.”

Mr Darbin said that the pub’s famous punter would be welcome back at anytime.