English riverside pub drinkers flock to – because it floods twice a month
A PUB in the UK has won over drinkers for its unusual feature – which is that it floods all the time.
The White Cross calls itself Richmond’s “best riverside pub” – but the beer garden floods every month due to the proximity.
About twice a month, the Thames rises so much that it fills the beer garden with river water, leaving the customers splashing around.
However, rather than fleeing from the pub, plenty of people plan their trips there to coincide with the flooding, as a fun and different way of enjoying a drink.
What’s more, the pub encourages people to visit when it floods for a special experience they can’t find elsewhere.
Its website reads: “Picture this: you’re stuck in the pub because of a high tide, but hey, who’s complaining? With a cold drink in hand, the Thames lapping at your feet, it’s like nature’s own little party trick!
“As the water rises, so does the banter among your pals, and no need to fight it out who’s brave enough to wade to the bar for the next round, we’ll hand deliver it you when you order via our On Tap app.”
As well as bringing drinks to customers on wetter days, the pub also provides complimentary wellies for those happy enough to continue their drinking as the river rises around them.
People can time their visits to coincide with the flooding, with a link on the pub’s website showing when they can expect high tide to come around.
Anything 4.5 metres and above means that the beer garden is likely to be flooded.
Guests are advised to book those visits in advance however, with most people choosing to go exactly then in order to enjoy the strange experience, meaning it can get busy.
As the pub’s website continues: “It’s THE quintessential Richmond experience, and timing your visit for when our pub floods is an absolute must for a Richmond adventure you’ll never forget.”
The flooding pub has become popular on social media, with visitors like Loulou Explores showing it off to her followers.
She shared a video via Instagram and said: “Did you know in London there’s a pub that floods.
“The pub is situated next to the River Thames. During high tide, the water slowly creeps across the pathway before completely submerging the beer garden.
“This is probably the most unique pub I have ever seen.”
Serving pints in its flooded beer garden isn’t the only way the White Cross has embraced its position next to the river.
The pub also offers paddle boarding classes for visitors looking to work up an appetite with some water sports.
After that, they can go straight to the bar for refreshments, as well as a hearty meal, with seafood, burgers and sharing platters among the food on offer.
It also serves oysters every Saturday and Sunday and roast dinners on Sundays.
Expert opinion on London's best pubs
Sun Travel’s Ryan Gray reveals the best pubs to visit in the capital
The Southampton Arms
The best pub in London in my opinion is the Southampton Arms in Kentish town.
It serves loads of different locally sourced beers, as well as amazing pub snacks, like homemade scotch eggs and pies, while a joint of roast pork sits on the bar for anyone who wants a sandwich.
Their cheese and chutney rolls are their best offering in my opinion, however, along with their amazing selection of drinks.
On a winter’s day, with the fire roaring, it’s the perfect place to warm up with a few pints.
The Angel
The Angel in Rotherhithe is a Samuel Smith’s pub that overlooks the Thames from the south.
Its massive beer garden is the perfect place to gaze out over the sights of London while enjoying an affordable Alpine Lager or one of the other delicious beers from the Sam Smith’s range.
The Queen’s Head
A surprisingly affordable place to go for a drink near King’s Cross is the Queen’s Head.
The small traditional pub offers a regularly changing beer menu, British food and live entertainment.
It was opened following a crowdfunding campaign and proudly displays a sign declaring it to be “the best pub in London” which could well be true.
The Coach and Horses
This Soho boozer is where I take visitors from overseas when they want a “proper” British pub experience.
It’s right at the heart of London, but is so much better than most of the chain pubs and overpriced boozers in the city centre.
On certain nights, pianists will sit at the small upright piano propped against the wall and lead punters in singalongs, providing a very unique experience.
Meanwhile, this 800-year-old pub is built into the side of a castle.
And these are the UK’s most beautiful pubs.