Most people would be put off by the thought of getting drenched in the beer garden of their local pub - but for patrons of one London boozer, it appears to be standard procedure.
Food expert Tod (@eatingwithtod) regularly samples the tastiest cuisine in the capital and reports his findings on TikTok. However, his latest video took an unusual approach - focusing on the perils of the premises itself, rather than what can be found on the menu.
"We visited the most unique pub in London - this is the pub that floods and it was quite an experience," Tod began as she shared footage of a waitress delivering food with water up to her knees. That pub is the White Cross in Richmond, south-west London, which sits on the banks of the River Thames.
After showing one customer's desperate attempt to avoid a soaking by climbing over tables, Tod continued: "The White Cross in Richmond is a normal functioning pub - until the tide comes in and floods the beer garden." He then appeared knee-deep himself as he revealed "people start to panic" and "do all sorts of things to get to dry land".
WARNING: Video below contains explicit language...
Some customers could be seen mounting the furniture, whilst another made a dash for it to the safety of the concrete steps of the pub's entrance. "All the waiters get changed into wellies and deliver people pints of beer," Tod explained as paddleboarders sailed in for a pint.
It prompted Tod to turn waiter himself, taking a tray of six drinks over to one of the visitors before attempting to lay it smoothly on his board. Clearly not used to the job, he spilled all but half a pint, much to the amusement of onlooking staff.
"It's not just about the drinks though," Tod continued. "These guys are serving food too - on Sundays you can get a roast dinner delivered in high tide and if you drop your potato I'm not sure you'd want to play the three-second rule." Tucking into a roast dinner himself, followed by fish and chips, Tod concluded his clip standing beside several diners who, like himself, had heeded advice and donned their wellies for the occasion.
"It's giving Venice," quipped one TikTok user in response. "As a bartender I am never working there ever," another said. A third said: "That would be such a fun experience!" While a fourth agreed, penning: "Looks like a unique watery experience... let's put it on the bucket list."
The pub's website states that guests need not fear, for wellies are provided. It says: "When the famous high tide sweeps in and floods our pub, don’t fret about soggy footwear – we’ve got you covered. We understand and champion the allure of a flooded adventure, which is why we provide complimentary wellies for our guests.
"When the high tide rolls in (at 4.5 metres to be precise), it’s not just a 'should we brave it' decision, it’s THE quintessential Richmond experience, and timing your visit for when our pub floods is an absolute must for a Richmond adventure you’ll never forget."