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The Young’s website stiffly bills this place as a ‘Traditional Historic Riverside Pub’. The use of initial caps is clumsy, but it’s oddly appropriate for this grande dame of Thameside boozers.
In many regards, the White Cross is a by-the-book Young’s operation: solid if unspectacular ales (plus a guest), uncomplicated pub grub, friendly and competent staff, decor that doesn’t leave much of an impression either way.
But most by-the-book Young’s operations aren’t right on the river like this one, to the point where the White Cross is often cut off by high tides in spring. Your company on the terrace or at the bar will be provided by a variety of longtime locals and just-arrived tourists, with assorted rugger buggers thrown into the mix on Twickenham match days.
If you haven’t got tickets, worry not: major games are screened in the pub.