Another unexpected tick off the list - I must go out with Marivi and Rob more often! After what turned into a rather long drive to get the 3km from Twickenham (and hot off the heels of getting a tick by visiting Eel Pie Island) to Richmond (we were rather daft to not realise that 82,000 mad rugby fans were on their way to watch England play Ireland in a Rugby 6 Nations match at Twickenham Stadium), we finally met up with Silvia (who had by all accounts, had her own dilemmas. in arriving). Mission accomplished. Can I write without (brackets)? Obs not.
First up, lunch and then for a wander along the Thames. I had already mentioned to the others the possibility of a visit to the pub that floods and as we headed there, I got rather excited when I realised the tide was definitely rising and the water was up near path level. As we got closer, the anticipation rose - was this going to be a 2 tick day?
In we went, Rob still desperate for a pint of Guinness - easily suggestable after seeing 100's of Guinness drinking Irish all getting into the atmosphere of the upcoming match (they won). Beer ordered, we went out to the beer garden and sure enough, the water was already lapping the bottom steps and the magic was happening! A quick, photo before I need a rowboat or a long pair of wellies. Mission accomplished I waded back inside - boots slightly damp, none of this trying to parkour my way back up the stairs.
Once safely back inside the warm and dry pub, Rob had managed to grab a table and we settled in. And by settling in, I meant that for the forceable future we were now trapped by the Thames. I guess there are worse places to be trapped. We were joined by 2 Aussies who turned out to be Qantas pilots who kindly shared their bottle of red with me and a fun couple of hours was had by all.
Eventually the water levels did start to go down and as our table had been reserved and the rightful reservees turned up, we decided it was time to make a move. So was it a worthwhile experience? Certainly was!
The White Cross is the only pub in London where you can order a drink and accidentally become part of a wildlife documentary. One minute you’re sipping a pint, the next you’re making meaningful eye contact with a swan who clearly thinks he booked that table. It’s also the only pub where “I’ll just nip outside for some fresh air” can turn into "looks like I'll be spending the night” because the Thames has quietly crept up and cut off the exit. The river doesn’t care about your plans - nor it should. It was here first and it decides when it's time to go. The hotel does kindly provide a welly boot service and this is one pub where wearing shoes is optional. We saw a few determined folks coming in with shoes in hand and pants rolled up. Nice in summer, not so nice on a cold February day.
The White Cross is also very dog friendly. I can just imagine my Lucas being here - he would have loved it. Every dog in Richmond seems to have a loyalty card here and you're not sure if they're here with their owner or have just swam in, ordered a pack of crisps and blended in with the crowd. The distinct aroma of wet dog, beer and feet just adds to the charm of the place.
Our night did not end there. We eventually ended up at the Cricketers (no, not the Southampton one) - another lovely pub in Richmond before beginning the long drive home. Fab day had by all.
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