A popular pub in Richmond has revealed its plans for reopening.

The White Cross, on the Richmond riverfront, will reopen on Monday, July 20 after the Government gave the hospitality industry the green light to do so.

However, things will be different from before.

The pub, which has been closed since March 20, is owned by London-based Young’s.

Patrick Dardis, chief executive of the pub company, said Young’s pubs would only be able to serve up to 70 per cent of their capacity.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Young’s said it will put thorough cleaning and sanitisation measures in place and will initially take orders from customers’ tables.

Posting on Facebook, bosses revealed customers need to book ahead and download the On Tap app to order and pay.

The post read: “We’re excited to be getting our pub ready to re-open responsibly from Monday 20th July and looking forward to welcoming you back when you’re ready.

“Things may need to be a little different, but we’ll still be your much loved local pub.”

The pub has been greeted with several messages of support and best wishes.

One customer wrote: “Look forward to enjoying my favourite pub again.”

Another said: “I always say this is my most favourite pub in the world - and I have been to a few.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

And a third added: “Coming back for ribs, just as soon as you re-open. Keep safe and well White-Cross'ers!”

Mr Dardis firmly rejected suggestions that pubs and customer habits will change permanently after the lockdown lifts.

“It’s absolute nonsense,” he said.

“There is talk about a ‘new normal’ and new types of pubs, but I don’t think customers want that.

“It’s obvious that people are clamouring to get back to pubs, and I think that, with one metre distancing, we’ll be able to safely serve that demand.

“At the minute, there have been people serving customers takeaway pints and they’ve been drinking outside, but that can cause its own problems.

“They can’t use the pub toilets so they go wherever they can, they drink in the parks and then that can take up police time unnecessarily.

"We feel it makes more sense to be patient.”