London has an estimated 3,500 pubs, but there’s not many where you can drink pints and eat your meal while literally sitting in the River Thames.
The White Cross pub in Richmond-upon-Thames is one of only a few pubs that’s affected by the tides of the Thames, with high tide meaning that the beer garden at the front gets flooded – and the staff have to put their wellies on.
TikToker and food influencer Eating with Tod recently paid a visit to this unique establishment and shared a video showing off the flooded beer garden and the roast dinner he ate while in it.
He began his video by saying: “We visited the most unique pub in London. This is the pub that floods, and it’s quite an experience.
“The White Cross in Richmond is a normal functioning pub until the tide comes in and floods the beer garden outside the front of the pub.”
Quipping that once it starts to flood, visitors start to “panic”, Todd showed some pubgoers climbing tables and chairs to get back to the dry interior of the White Cross.
Once the water begins to rise, the pub’s staff and any regulars or in-the-know guests change into wellies.
During Tod’s visit, he shared that a group of paddleboarders arrived, bringing their boats right up to the beer garden, with pubgoers deciding to see if they could get some beers to them, although sadly, these smashed once placed on the paddleboards.
“It’s not just about the drinks,” Tod continued, “These guys are serving food too. On Sundays, you can get a roast dinner delivered in high tide. And if you drop your potato, I’m not sure you’re gonna want to play the three-second rule.”
Other fans of the pub have shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, with one writing: “We only visited for drinks so can’t comment on food. Good selection of beers and friendly efficient staff.
“Main attraction is position. Right on the river and almost in the river at high tide. Really worth checking tide times and try to get there about an hour before high tide. Its great fun watching things unfold from the benches at the front.”
While another added: “After a beautiful walk along the Thames we had lunch in the White Cross. Before we entered we checked high tide as you can get marrooned if the tide comes in.
“Not that that would be a problem as it’s a pub. The food was great and friendly service made it better. If you’re in Richmond definitely worth a visit.”
