White Cross

You're walking along Water Lane and suddenly there's the Thames in front of you, and the White Cross is right there—no pretension, just a solid pub doing the basics brilliantly. Inside, it's all exposed brick and wooden beams, the kind of space that feels lived-in rather than designed. Order a proper pint from their rotating ale selection, grab some decent pub grub (their fish and chips won't disappoint), and claim a spot by the window if you can. The riverside location is unbeatable, especially on those rare sunny afternoons when the whole place buzzes with people who've actually made the effort to get here rather than just wandering past.