Sunday 26th March will see all-time rivals, Oxford and Cambridge University, go head-to-head in the annual Boat Race along the River Thames.
With the championship course winding from Putney to Mortlake, soak up the action in one of these riverside pubs and restaurants, complete with gastronomic feasts, your favourite tipples and unrivalled views.
Rick Stein, Barnes
Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High St, SW14 8SW
www.rickstein.com/book-a-table/barnes
Enjoy a taste of Cornwall at Rick Stein Barnes with a limited-edition Boat Race Celebration menu, available from 3pm – 6pm. Situated on the banks of the River Thames at the last half mile of the race, diners will enjoy three courses of Stein’s signature seafood dishes including grilled scallops with Serrano ham; lobster risotto; and passionfruit crème brûlée for dessert, alongside a glass of French sparkling wine. Priced at £95pp, cheer on the teams in beautiful surroundings with one of the best vantage points along the river.
White Hart Barnes
The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 0NR
Make this boat race day one to remember at the White Hart as the pub gets set to host a four-course banquet in its picturesque Morley Room. Curated by the talented chef team, tuck into a menu of seasonal British delights, priced at £90 per person, and bagsy the best seat in the house on the room’s private balcony for an OAR-some view of the race.
The Bull’s Head
373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9PY
Located in Barnes, Young’s pub, The Bull’s Head, is offering diners the chance to watch the race from its own private Melrose Room with a canapé and fizz celebration. Get the best seat in the house and watch the boats row to the finish while enjoying unlimited canapés with a glass of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine! Available from 2pm-4pm, tickets start from £50 per person.
The Duke’s Head
8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN
Open all day and long into the night, The Duke’s Head is race-ready to welcome spectators to eat and drink their way through Boat Race Day. Arguably Putney’s most famous pub, this grand Victorian Grade II listed building has watched over the River Thames in Putney for over 150 years. Eat and drink with a riverside view and give the crews that much-needed cheering on right at the start line.
The Boathouse
32 Brewhouse Lane, Putney, SW15 2JX
With a first-class view of the race’s starting point, head to the waterfront and watch it kick-off on the large deck terrace overlooking Putney Bridge. Cheer from the side-lines with a pint of Young’s in hand, before tucking into a cracking Sunday roast with all the trimmings – there is no better location to get the best view of the action.
The Old Ship
25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD
Cross the river to bustling Hammersmith to soak up the racing atmosphere at the historic Old Ship. Come rain or shine, you’ll be able to see all the action on the river from the covered terrace with a front-row seat to cheer on your favourite team. When the rowing is done, kick back with a drool-worthy burger from the Burger Shack or enjoy a quintessentially British Sunday roast and refreshing pint.
