The White Cross

Richmond's Riverside Favourite, With Dogs at Every Table

The White Cross is a Young's pub right on the Thames in Richmond, with a riverside terrace that is one of the most popular outdoor drinking spots in southwest London. It is a dog-friendly pub that draws walkers from the towpath, Richmond Park and the riverside meadows, and on sunny weekends the terrace is a sea of dogs, pints and contentment. For dog owners in Richmond, The White Cross is the default post-walk destination — and with good reason.

What Makes The White Cross Dog-Friendly?

Dogs are welcome in the bar area and on the large riverside terrace, where water bowls are provided and the atmosphere is entirely dog-friendly. The pub sees enormous numbers of dogs, particularly at weekends, and the staff are completely at ease with four-legged visitors. The bar has a fire and comfortable seating for cooler days. The upstairs dining area is dog-free. Be aware that at very high tides, the terrace and ground floor can flood — wellies are sometimes needed to enter the pub, which adds to its charm.

Food and Drink

The White Cross serves a standard Young's pub menu with reliable classics and seasonal additions. Sunday roasts are popular and suit the weekend crowd. Young's ales are the backbone, alongside a reasonable wine list. The food is consistent and satisfying without being the main reason to visit — the location and atmosphere are the real draw.

The Setting

The pub sits at the end of Water Lane where it meets the Thames, and the terrace extends right to the river's edge. Views upstream take in the bridge and the wooded riverbank; downstream the river curves toward Twickenham. Inside, the bar is a large, well-used space with a fire and the slightly battered character of a pub that gets constant use. The tidal flooding is a unique feature — the pub provides wellies for staff and regulars know to check tide times.

Nearby Dog Walks

The Thames towpath runs directly past, heading toward Twickenham and Ham House in one direction and Kew in the other. Richmond Park is a ten-minute walk uphill and offers 2,500 acres of parkland. Richmond Green is a short walk for a quick exercise.

Good to Know

Street parking in Richmond is limited. Richmond station is a five-minute walk. At very high tides, the terrace and ground floor flood — check tide times if visiting during spring tides. The pub is extremely busy on sunny weekends. Weekday visits are much quieter.