Pounding the pavement this Sunday, April 26 will be no less than 50,000 runners participating in the annual London Marathon, which will see them complete a punishing 26.2-mile route through the capital. But it’s all for a good cause, from raising money for charity to clocking a personal best, while it’s the perfect excuse for a day out for the rest of us cheering from the sidelines rather than working up a sweat.
But whatever your role on the day, one thing’s for sure: the spectacle deserves to be celebrated! Good news, then, that Greene King pubs are some of the best watering holes along the route, from Wapping to Covent Garden and Westminster.
Better still, the pubs are championing the heroes of the day in the best possible way – with free, ice-cold and thoroughly-deserved drinks. It couldn’t be easier, either: simply take your proof of finish – a shiny medal or website result will do nicely – along with your ID, and show the server when ordering your round. From pints and spritzes to soft drinks and even rosé, there’ll be something to suit every kind of finisher. Never will a drink have tasted quite as good!
Here, we round-up the best pubs that are on or near the route to congregate at during or after. Cheers for beer, we say!
Meeting at basecamp? That’ll be The Yacht, perfectly positioned in Greenwich with a Riverside location, views of the Thames and plenty of space for friends and family to greet runners as they whizz past the Cutty Sark looking fresh-faced and full of energy. The cobbled street, traditional facade and nautical theme make it a picture-perfect spot to start.
Following runners along the route? Of course you are! Swing by The Salt Quay in Rotherhithe – housed in a historic warehouse – to catch your sister, mister or whoever pelt past the Thames from the Riverside patio early on in the day. Chill in the air? Watch them on the big screens from the comfort of the cosy interior.
Next stop? The Prospect of Whitby, London’s oldest tavern dating from 1520 on the banks of the River Thames. It’s seen more than its fair share of grit and glory in its time – including the London Marathon each and every year since it started in 1981. Spot familiar faces amongst the runners below from the rooftop sundeck. Oh, and bring your dog – four-legged friends are more than welcome.
As momentum builds, The Monument in Whitechapel is your best bet for catching runners as they turn a corner – literally and figuratively – in the heart of the City just down the road from London Bridge. A family-friendly affair, there’s outdoor seating aplenty, while inside big screens will be showing all the action of the day so you won’t miss a beat come rain or shine.
As runners push towards the finish line, keep their spirits high by cheering them on from The Maple Leaf in Covent Garden, where Canadian hospitality meets London boozer. No less than 14 screens will be showing the marathon on the day, while those lucky enough to grab a spot outside will be able to see the beads of sweat on runners’ faces as they hurtle towards victory.
Just feet from St. James’s Park – pun entirely intended – The Two Chairmen in Westminster is a prime spot for watching runners pass the finish line and collapse into chairs gasping for a restorative pint or three after completing the 26.2-mile route around London.
Time Out tip: Remember, there’s plenty for runners to tuck into after the London Marathon at Greene King pubs with some of the best carbs and protein in the capital.