This is the IPA（India Pale Ale) and fish and chips meal Cameron treated Xi to at the pub. [Photo by Zhang Chunyan/China Daily]

Hollings said that they served Xi and Cameron with fish sticks, not the whole fish, as the Prime Minister's office staff advised them that Xi would have a formal dinner after the visit.

He revealed that Xi also sent an e-mail thanking him, and saying that he really enjoyed the meal and drink in the pub. The landlord did not display the e-mail.

"Xi joined in conversation with some of our customers and even shook hands with many of them.

Taking advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime, one regular stepped up and encouraged a friend to film him with his arm around Xi," Hollings said.

The landlord also disclosed that the customers on Thursday evening were all regulars and didn't know about the surprise visit. "They were very excited," he said.

It was a quite remarkable moment and will no doubt be the subject of conversation here for years to come, Hollings said.

The pub traces its history back to the 16th century when it was a staging post for London coaches.

Its website says the pub "is often host to some very famous patrons" and asks visitors to "remember, they are here for rest and relaxation too".