ONE of the world's greatest minds enjoyed the champagne lifestyle at a Hereford wine bar.

Stephen Hawking, author of A Brief History of Time, popped into Saxtys to enjoy a champagne tasting event – and also sampled the Widemarsh Street bar’s cocktails.

As well as having a couple of glasses of the fizzy stuff, the 72-year-old also had a Bloody Mary - a concoction that includes vodka and tomato juice – last Friday night.

Mr Hawking's visit was part of a long stay in the county that saw him take in the city's cathedral the previous day.

"We had a phone call saying that Stephen and his people were going to come in on Friday," said Edward Symonds, owner of Saxtys.

"We couldn't believe it at first, but we were told that he was staying locally and that he wanted to attend.

"He asked for a Bloody Mary and had a couple of glasses of champagne.

"He took part in what was going on and stayed for about two-and-a-half hours."