The annual rowing contest between crews from Oxford and Cambridge University is one of the oldest sporting events in the world. After a two-year hiatus from the Thames, the great river race returns this month! BBQs will be fired up and the drinks will be flowing - here are some of the best spots to watch all the action unfold.
The Boat Race takes place on Sunday 3 April 2022. For all the timings and for more info visit theboatrace.org.
Here are some of the best spots to watch the action unfold live on the river:
Thai Square
2-4, Lower Richmond Rd, London SW15 1JN
This slick and modern Thai restaurant boasts an enviable location right by the start line. Enjoy fine dining in the smart second-floor restaurant with live broadcasts of the action, or snack on some Thai Square favourites, such as chicken satay and spring rolls, being served outside the restaurant. Plus, there will be live music and DJs rocking the ground floor bar until late.
The Duke’s Head
8 Lower Richmond Rd, London SW15 1JN
This grand Victorian GradeII listed pub is right by the start line and is a great place to enjoy the pre-race atmosphere. There are notable bookings, so get there early to tuck into a Sunday roast before things heat up.
Sam's Riverside
1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
The fizz will be flowing at Sam's glamourous riverside restaurant, which will be operating as normal for its delicious Sunday lunch. This year there will also be a big take-away offering – think oysters, burgers, seafood, treats, beer, Gusbournesparkling wine, and more.
Bishop's Park
Bishop's Ave, Fulham, London SW6 6EA
On the opposite side of the river and with more great views of the start line is one of the two official fan parks in Bishop’s Park, offering up fun for all the family. Open from midday, there will be a big screen to watch the live coverage, street food traders, and official Boat Race merchandise on sale, and you can treat yourself to a glass of English fizz at the Chapel Down bar!
The Crabtree
Rainville Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 9HA
This popular Fulham pub hosts a brilliant Boat Race festival every year, in its large, pretty garden overlooking the Thames, with lengthy views of the race in both directions. Expect plenty of pop-up bars, street food, and live music all day from 12.30 pm, finishing with a DJ to keep you dancing ‘til late.
Brasserie Blanc
Goldhurst House, Parr's Way, Fulham Reach, London W6 9AN
Raymond Blanc’s riverside restaurant in Fulham Reach is hosting a day full of food, drink, and spectatorship, so if you want to soak up the sun (finger crossed) and race day atmosphere then reserve a space on their outdoor terrace to watch the action on the waterfront. There will be post-race 2-4-1 cocktails and live music from 4 pm.
The Blue Boat
Thames Path, Hammersmith, London W6 9GD
Expect a festival atmosphere on the large river-facing terrace of this bustling pub by Hammersmith Bridge. There’s a special four-course menu served inside with a BBQ and street food outside, along with several pop-up bars serving up G&Ts, beer, slushies, and bubbles. All this plus a large outdoor screen and live music after the race.
The Blue Anchor
13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ
Past Hammersmith Bridge is around the midway point, and the next pub on the racecourse is The Blue Anchor, which is always incredibly fun and incredibly busy. They’re putting on an outside bar and barbecue as well as indoor screens in case of rain. Some good real ales on tap too.
The Rutland Arms
15 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ
Next along the busy Hammersmith stretch is The Rutland Arms, which offers a bit more room than the cosy Blue Anchor next door. Open from early there’s always a party atmosphere here, as well as extra TV screens and classic pub grub.
52a Rutland Grove, Hammersmith, London W6 9DG
The riverside Furnivall Gardens is hosting the second fan park, hosted by Wainwright - the official beer partner of The Boat Race. Open to the public from midday until 6 pm, expect a pub atmosphere, entertainment, hot food, and various stalls, as well as a big screen showing coverage of the Race.
The Dove
19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TA
Filled with historic charm, The Dove boasts two small, but well-positioned terraces with views of the Hammersmith to Chiswick Eyot stretch. The pub will be serving nibbles all day (burgers, nachos, etc), but you’ll need to get there early for a table with a good view.
The Bull’s Head
373 Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9PY
Around the Barnes bend is the famous jazz pub The Bull’s Head; expect good pub grub and plenty of screens showing the action. From here you can dash across Londsdale Road with your pint in hand to watch the crews race past.
The White Hart
The Terrace, London SW13 0NR
Nearing the finish line is my local by Barnes Bridge. It has a big terrace as well as plenty of tables down by the water’s edge, and a great panoramic view of the river bend.
Rick Stein, Barnes
Tideway Yard, 125, Mortlake High St, London SW14 8SN
Vast floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the wonderful river views from Rick’s. Enjoy top-notch seafood, terrific fish and chips, cocktails, and more, whilst watching the crews race by. There’s usually a special Boat Race Day menu, just be sure to book in advance.
The Ship
10 Thames Bank, Mortlake, SW14 7QR
Nestled by the historic brewery at Mortlake, The Ship boasts an excellent view of the finish line. This traditional pub is usually a tranquil spot, but it will be busy on race day without door pop-up bars, a BBQ, a pre-race DJ, and a live band.
