The White Cross, Richmond

The WHITE CROSS - is a decent pub. As described by others below, it is one of the TOP TEN pubs in Richmond (...it may even be in the Top 3...)! I'll let YOU decide. I've been coming to this pub, on&off for 45 years...!! That must tell you something. It's a pub that you have to go back to. And on a sunny day, you could travel the globe thousands of miles to find a better vista..! There's a challenge :o) I will actually point out, recently they have been serving "Meantime" brewery beers, and I thoroughly recommend that you try one! The Meantime Brewery is up the River Thames a bit, in Greenwich (by the GMT dateline, hence the name). I like these new "Meantime" beers & lagers. In particular, if you like lager, do try their "London Lager" which has a distinctive taste & lasting flavour. Very nice! The "London Pale Ale" is also recommended. People don't generally associate London with good ales or lagers, but 'Meantime' can compete with the best of them. An intriguing feature at the White Cross pub is it's fire-places under windows...!! Check that out :o) there's one in the main bar area, over-looking the river (excellent if you're a river-watcher, or a boat-fancier)! I will keep visiting this pub, I just can't stay away...for long! BE AWARE:- the river does overflow the towpath outside this pub, regularly! Do NOT park your car nearby, unless you are very sure of your Tide Tables...! You've been warned, white BMW driver...!! :o(

This is a pleasant Young’s pub with an attractive Thames-side location. The current pub was built in 1838, replacing a previous pub called the Waterman’s Arms. Approaching the building from the river, you pass through a sizable patio area with plenty of bench seating, which is an ideal spot in good weather, although it’s worth bearing in mind that this area becomes submerged at high tide. Steps take you up to the main bar, but any hopes of being stranded as you wait for the water to recede are dashed by a side door which offers a dry route from the pub. There is an island servery made from dark wood with some nice glass panes inserted. The bar area has exposed floorboards and a surprising amount of seating for an area of its size. This right hand side of the pub is the best place to enjoy a drink as the left hand side has been set up as the dining room, with a deli counter at the rear from which you can order your food. Steps lead up to a small room which had a large drop down screen showing the cycling road race from the Olympics – an event that was due to pass through Richmond later in the day. There is a good deal more seating up here and a balcony looks out over the river making it an attractive place to grab a seat. Three Young’s ales – Ordinary, Special and Wells Bombardier – were supplemented by a guest in the shape of Liberation Ale, which turned out to be a very nice pint to enjoy in the sunshine outside. We had a bite to eat as well and the food was tasty and portions were generous. This pub’s main asset is its enviable location and it certainly enhances the enjoyment of drinking here. It’s well worth calling in if you’re walking the Thames Path and remains one of Richmond’s top pubs.