The ‘cutest pub dog in Britain’ has been revealed and he lives in a watering hole in our very own Richmond.

Rudi, a show-type cocker spaniel, lives with his owners Chris and Gillian French and their 10-year-old daughter Mia in the Mitre in St Mary's Grove.

He was given the title in the recently published Great British Pub Dogs, put together after authors Abbie Lucas and Paul Fleckney scoured the UK in search of much-loved canines living in pubs.

He was one of the only dogs nominated twice- Rudi was also in the running for ‘top pub dog’ in the UK.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Chris and Rudi

Chris, 40, who got Rudi nearly 18 months ago, said he was an “instant hit” in the pub.

He said: “He’s a great pub dog, he’s got bags of personality and gets along with everyone from children who love playing with him to our regulars.

“His tail never stops wagging- he’s the welcome committee.

“He’s also really great with other dogs, which is good because a lot come into the pub.”

Rudi has a best friend called Owain, a four year old black lab and they play whenever he comes to visit.

He is not really afraid of anything, except for an aversion to the mop and vacuum cleaner which he strictly avoids, but could be a little too fearless.

Rudi has had a couple of ‘Fenton’ incidents in Richmond Park after causing two deer stampedes.

Chris said: “We’ve had to ban him from the park before someone else did.

“We mainly walk in Marble Hill Gardens now.”

When they went to pick Rudi up for the first time from Sutton, Mia’s parents decided to keep it as a surprise for her.

Chris said: “We told Mia we were going to the supermarket and came back with a puppy.

“She couldn’t believe it.

“It’s been great for her.

“She’s not afraid of other dogs anymore, she’s very confident and goes straight up to them in the street.”

The best thing for Chris is the companionship Rudi brings him.

He said: “For me he’s a companion.

“We started the pub two years ago and built it up from scratch.

“I spent a lot of time by myself for a long time before we hired anyone else.

“The times when you can get a bit down you just look at his face and can’t help but cheer up.

“Every time I look at him it melts my heart.

“He is as much a part of the family and the pub as any human.”