A man who allegedly stabbed to death a relative of Sir Ranulph Fiennes at a Mortlake pub has denied murder.

Nicholas Hunter, 36, from Clapham, appeared at the Old Bailey this morning via video link.

Wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt and light blue tie, he spoke only to confirm his name and enter pleas for two charges.

Mr Hunter is accused of murdering James Fiennes, 49, at the Tapestry pub, Lower Richmond Road, last year.

Mr Fiennes was stabbed with a pair of scissors at the pub shortly before 9pm on April 22, 2014, and died in hospital in the early hours of the next morning.

As the charge of murder was put to him, Mr Hunter pleaded not guilty.

He also faces a second charge of making threats to kill Thomas Olsen on April 22, 2014, to which he also pleaded not guilty.

A trial date was set for March 16 and is expected to last for seven days.

Mr Hunter was remanded in custody by Judge Joseph.

She said: "Mr Hunter, your trial will take place on March 16 of this year. You will be kept in custody until then.

"You will be brought back to court on that date where your trial will start.

"I expect those who are looking after your legal problems will come and see you to help you prepare for the trial in the mean time."