Inside the British pub that attracts thousands of tourists for ‘mad’ reason – but not all are convinced by it
A British pub attracts thousands of tourists a year for a ‘mad’ reason – but not everyone is convinced by it.
The White Cross Pub in Richmond calls itself a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ for one reason that makes it stand out from the crowd.
The pub’s beer garden floods twice a month at high tide, meaning customers put on wellies to enjoy their pints.
Far from being a deterrent, the high water acts as an incentive for thousands to visit the London-based pub each month.
Not everyone is convinced however, with some saying padding in the Thames while downing pints is their ‘idea of hell’.
The White Cross Pub in Richmond (pictured) calls itself a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ for one reason that makes it stand out from the crowd
People online were amazed at the very unique feature of the pub that attracts thousands of tourists
During high tides, people happily sit knee deep in the Thames water to have drinks and food, while some are forced to sit on the tables themselves.
If the water rises above 4.5 metres, the beer garden can be expected to flood.
Staff must wade through the water to hand people their drinks, while some guests even paddleboard to and from the pub to access it.
The pub provides wellies for customers who have come unprepared, but also lists when high tides can be expected on their website.
Brave customers can soak up the atmosphere – and roll up their trousers – to walk next to swimming swans.
Many loved the concept and wrote on social media: ‘They turned a problem into a tourist attraction, genius’;
The pub’s beer garden floods twice a month at high tide, meaning some access it by dinghy and paddleboard
Staff have to wade through the water to hand people their drinks
Far from being a deterrent, many people travel miles to visit the pub – and specifically choose to visit at high tide
During high tides, people happily sit knee deep in the Thames water to have drinks and food
Even dogs will attend the pub at high tide – seemingly not bothered about standing in Thames water
People stand on the flooded steps of the White Cross Pub on the River Thames at high tide in Richmond earlier this month
The pub provides wellies for customers who have come unprepared, but also lists when high tides can be expected
A woman speaks to barmen in the flooded courtyard of the White Cross Pub
Far from being a deterrent, the high water acts as an incentive for thousands to visit the London-based pub each month
‘Omg this is why I love British people ❤️’;
‘This is so brilliant.’
But others were more sceptical, saying: ‘You could not pay me to sit in that putrid water loool’;
‘Idk. I thunk I’d rather accidently touch lava than the water in the Thames lol’;
‘This is my idea of HELL!!!!’;
‘Mom can we go to Venice? No we have Venice at home.’
A recent video posted on Instagram by @loulouexplores gained 44 million views, with many intrigued by the pub’s unique concept.
While some said the concept was ‘brilliant’, other said it was their idea of ‘hell’
‘Did you know that there’s a pub in London that floods?,’ Lou said, while filming the flooded pub.
‘At high tide, the water slowly creeps across the pathway before completely submerging the beer garden.
‘At this point, the staff change into wellies and at this point it basically becomes a game of the floor is lava. This is probably the most unique pub I have ever seen.’
The White Cross says on its website: ‘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.’
