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Where to watch the 2012 Boat Race

Beat the crowds and find the best place to watch the Boat Race

The organisers claim that up to 300,000 spectators in London will line the four-and-a-quarter-mile Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race course from Putney to Mortlake on the afternoon of Saturday April 7, starting at 2.15pm.

So where will you be? Time Out has put together a list of prime location pubs along the route of the Thames between Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge. By Vanessa Cappelli



View Where to see the 2011 Boat Race in a larger map

When is the 2012 Boat Race?

© Getty Images

This year's boat race takes place on Saturday April 7. It begins at 2.15pm at Putney Bridge.

See the full details about the 2012 Boat Race

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Venues north of the river | Venues south of the river

Pubs and restaurants north of the river

  • 1

    Bishop’s Park and Furnivall Gardens

    Bishop’s Park, Fulham, SW6. Putney Bridge tube.

    Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith, W6. Hammersmith tube.

    Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the Boat Race organisers will once again be holding two special free ‘Boat Race in the Park’ events at Bishop’s Park in Fulham and Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith. Bishop’s Park will have a big screen, beer tents, food, family fun and live music.

  • 2
    Beer garden at the Crabtree

    Crabtree

    Rainville Rd, W6 9HA (020 7385 3929). Putney Bridge tube.

    The Victorian gastropub will have a no-bookings barbecue in the large garden. Bookings are taken for the dining room or terrace, and are advised well in advance.

  • 3

    Riverside Studios

    Riverside Studios, Crisp Rd, W6 9RL (020 8237 1009). Hammersmith tube.

    With one of the best spots on the banks of the Thames for watching the race at Hammersmith, this arts centre also has a restaurant and bar with a great terrace to watch the race go by. They will be having a barbecue on the day.

  • 4

    Blue Anchor

    13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ

    This year the ever-popular Blue Anchor pub will be bringing a South African twist to their barbecue, with braii-style boerewors sausages.

  • 5

    The Rutland Arms

    15 Lower Mall, W6 9DJ (020 8748 5586). Hammersmith tube.

    Like its neighbour The Blue Anchor, the roomier Rutland Arms is well-placed and always very busy. Expect to find traditional pub food and a good view of the race, crowds permitting.

  • 6
    The Dove

    The Dove

    19 Upper Mall, W6 9TA (020 8748 9474). Hammersmith or Ravenscourt Park tube.

    One of the most historic pubs on this list, it’s likely the first boat race in 1829 was watched from here. The pub is now run by the Fuller’s brewery, and will be serving pub food in takeaway boxes to either eat in or takeaway – it will be standing room only.

  • 7

    The Old Ship

    25 Upper Mall, W6 9TD (020 8748 2593). Ravenscourt Park tube.

    The Old Ship will be serving breakfast from 9am, and will be staying open very late until 1am. During the afternoon they’re having a barbecue, with dishes costing from £10 up to £18 per person. They have a spacious beer garden, but there’s also a strip of land right on the bank of the Thames with prime views. They are not taking any reservations, so get there in good time to secure your spot.

  • 8

    The Black Lion

    2 South Black Lion Lane, W6 9TJ (020 8748 2639). Ravenscourt Park tube.

    This year the council has granted permission for a party in style. Grandstand and corporate areas, a marquee with live music and flat screen TVs, and food court with five different food stalls. Tickets for the covered grandstand are on sale already. Ticket prices (£35-£50 approx) will include food, drinks and a top view. Free entry to terrace and food court. Open 9am-11pm.

  • 9

    Pissarro Restaurant & Bar

    Corney Reach Way, W4 2TR. (020 8994 3111) Chiswick rail.

    This restaurant is close to Chiswick pier and offers views of the river. Offering their full à la carte European menu, Pissarro is currently taking meal bookings in three shifts – 11am, noon or 3pm.

Venues north of the river | Venues south of the river

Pubs and restaurants south of the river

  • 10
    Thai Square

    Thai Square

    2-4 Lower Richmond Rd, SW15 1LB (020 8780 1811). Putney Bridge tube.

    This well-located riverside restaurant next to Putney Bridge has good views from the first floor – which is already exclusively booked for the event. The ground floor will still be open as a bar to the public.

  • 11

    Star & Garter

    4 Lower Richmond Rd, SW15 1NJ (020 8788 0345). Putney Bridge tube.

    Opening all three floors for the event, the Star & Garter pub will be serving cheese and charcuterie platters. DJs in The Ballroom will keep the party lively. Tickets will be on sale from their website from around £10-£15.

  • 12
    The Duke's Head

    The Duke's Head

    8 Lower Richmond Rd, SW15 1JN (020 8788 2552). Putney Bridge tube.

    The Duke’s Head is gearing up for a mini fest. Barbecue will cost from around £8 in their large outdoor space, plus there’s an indoors hog roast and bar snacks. Live acts and DJs to continue celebrating after the end of the race. Entry is free, but you are recommended to get there early.

  • 13

    The Bull's Head

    373 Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9PY (020 8876 5241). Barnes Bridge rail.

    This renowned jazz pub venue in Barnes is a very short stroll from the river and will of course be having live jazz performances; in previous years, musicians from either Oxford or Cambridge have formed the line-up.

  • 14

    Ye White Hart

    The Terrace, Riverside, SW13 0NR (020 8876 5177). Barnes Bridge rail.

    Capacious and perfectly located, Ye White Hart pub will be having a live band and barbecue (costing around £5-£7 per serving).

  • 15

    The Ship

    10 Thames Bank, Ship Lane, SW14 7QR (020 8876 1439). Mortlake rail.

    This pub has a view of the finish line, and will be serving burgers and hot dogs (£4-£6) throughout the day.

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