The White Cross
Off Water Lane Riverside Richmond TW9 1TH
The White Cross is by far the best-known and best-liked pub in Richmond and mainly because of its location right by the river. In summer, with its outside seating and dining facilities, it can get packed, but it is worth scrapping for a table as the view overlooking Richmond Bridge is hard to beat. Built in 1748, this grand old pub is a Young's establishment and serves their ales along with good food – burgers, roasts and salads that are decent enough but are not going to win any prizes for originality. It's great fun when there's a high river tide, which literally comes up to the pub's doorstep - they hand out wellies if this happens, and the terrace is full of happy drinkers wading through the water. It's handy for the rugby at Twickenham too, though if there is a big game on and you're not going, you might want to avoid it altogether – there is almost literally a the scrum at the bar. At any other time, if you have walked or cycled along the riverside path and you like the buzz of a good pub filled with lots of happy people, the White Cross in Richmond won't disappoint.
