2015-03-25



The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race is the perfect excuse to get a group of friends together for some beer, sun (hopefully) and good old-fashioned cheering. Here is The Resident’s pick of where to watch the Boat Race on April 11.

Note: Although the races start at 4.50pm, be sure to get in early to bag a good viewing spot

BARNES & MORTLAKE



The Bulls Head, Barnes

1The Bulls Head, Barnes

Barnes is popular destination on Boat Race day. Plan a visit to The Bulls Head, a historical pub that’s been given a modern-day makeover. The Bulls Head is a famous jazz pub and will be playing live music until the start of the race.

373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes SW13 9PY; geronimo-inns.co.uk



Get a clear view of the race from The White Hart, Barnes

2The White Hart, Barnes

Another Boat Race staple, The White Hart will be teeming with people come Boat Race day – but there’s a good reason why. This trusty traditional pub is a superb location for watching the blues and the, er, light blues battle it out with their oars for the last mile. Again, get there in advance to secure a top spot.

The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes SW13 0NR; whitehartbarnes.co.uk

3The Ship, Mortlake

Celebrate the winning team at the finish line – or head to The Ship Mortlake, which has a view of the finish line and sells a host of refreshing beverages too. Once on Boat Race day, there was a Radio Jackie disco at The Ship too. I wonder what 2015 will bring?

10 Thames Bank, London, SW14 7QR;  taylor-walker.co.uk

Putney

A dramatic view from the Duke’s Head in Putney

4Dukes Head, Putney

At the start of the annual race is the Dukes Head, a grand grade-II listed boozer that has sat in this prime Putney spot for 150 years, having been a hotspot of the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race for over a century.

8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney SW15 1JN; dukesheadputney.com

5Star & Garter, Putney

Also at the start line is The Star & Garter, an ideal spot if you want to watch the rowers warm up and cheer the teams as they set off. This popular riverside watering hole will be very busy so arrive early to reserve your spot.

4 Lower Richmond Road, Putney SW15 1JN;  thestarandgarter.com

Hammersmith

6Old Ship W6, Hammersmith

Always a popular spot for the Boat Race, this year Old Ship W6 is holding its first ever Boat Race Festival. There will be live music and beers to accompany excellent views of the race from this pub that has been providing drinks and riverside views since 1722.

25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TD; oldshipw6.co.uk

The Dove in Hammersmith has one of the best views on the river

7The Dove, Hammersmith

It may have a Guinness World Record for the smallest bar room in the world to its name, but rest assured that there will be space from which to watch the race at this historic pub – as long as you get in early. The riverside terrace is an excellent viewing spot for the Hammersmith to Chiswick Eyot stretch, and a great place for a pint and a meal too.

19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA; dovehammersmith.co.uk

8The Rutland Arms, Hammersmith

The Rutland has been seen as one of the best places to watch the race for a while now, and this year it comes accompanied with their very own pale ale, 1730. Classic pub meals like fish and chips, pies and mash and burgers will feed the spectators, and the cask ales featuring the best in British beer will be flowing.

15 Lower Mall, London, W6 9DJ; taylor-walker.co.uk

Riverside Studios has a clear view of Hammersmith Bridge

9The Riverside Studios restaurant and bars, Hammersmith

For something other than a historic pub on race day the arts and media centre The Riverside Studios is putting on a BBQ from 11am and a great view of Hammersmith Bridge, often one of the most exciting moments of the race.

65 Aspenlea Road Hammersmith, London, W6 8LH; riversidestudios.co.uk

The Blue Anchor will be packed on 11 April

10The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith

Claiming to have sold beer since before George I was King of England, Captain Cook had discovered Australia and the French revolution had begun, this family run pub is another race day classic. Naturally, the upstairs function room will be booked out and the downstairs packed with spectators. Close to Hammersmith Bridge, this is another great view point for that crucial stretch.

13 Lower Mall Hammersmith, London, W6 9DJ; blueanchorlondon.com

Fulham

Fulham’s Bishops Park is a great spot to watch The Boat Race

11The Boat Race in the Park, Fulham and Hammersmith

Bishop’s Park in Fulham and Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith are two spots to choose for the atmosphere on race day, with simultaneous free festivals being held at each. Music will be provided by Radio Jackie and the BBC live coverage of the race will be shown on large screens so viewers can follow the event after the rowers have passed. Bishop’s Park will have children’s rides and sports activities, and both will have food and beer tents.

Bishops Park, Fulham, SW6/Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith, W6; theboatraces.org

12The Temperance, Fulham

After seeing the rowers off at Putney Bridge, rush back to the Middlesex Bank and grab a spot at The Temperance to watch the rest on screen. From here you can enjoy the cocktails, beers, food and atmosphere.

90 Fulham High Street, Fulham, SW6 3LF; thetemperancefulham.co.uk

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