Lots of pubs claim to be Thames-side, but there can't be that many that have their terrace flooded by the Thames when it's high, which is a claim to fame
the White Cross is able to make. To counter this, a lot of their outdoor seating is raised off the ground - so expect to feel a bit like you're a kid with your feet swinging under the table, but at least there's somewhere to sit in case of flooding.
Alternatively you could go inside – but if you're wearing wellies, bear in mind that you'll have to take them off first and hang them up on the hooks outside.
The White Cross has been taken over by Youngs, so serves similar fare to other Youngs pubs. The advantage of this is that some of their ales have won awards. The disadvantage of this is that the wines and food are fairly standard – good, but nothing that will thrill your socks off. But this pub is more about the atmosphere. It's great in the summer 'cause you're so close to the river, it's great in the winter 'cause they have heat lamps outside so you can still sit outside and watch the mist on the river and get rosy cheeks, and it's great in the other seasons as they're something in between. It's even great when it rains because the genial landlord gets the fire going and everyone hopes it will flood and they'll all have to stay. And the people who own it seem to be rather great too.
Don't worry, there is a side entrance if the idea of being flooded into a pub by the encroaching Thames isn't something that excites you.
