Where To Watch The Boat Race

3rd April 2019

Given over 99% of the public weren’t privileged enough to attend either Oxford or Cambridge, and then only small proportion of those rowed competitively, it’s a little odd that the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race somehow evokes such strong passions. Maybe it’s the wry amusement of watching our so-called betters flogging their guts out for something utterly meaningless. A sort of X-Factor final for posh people. But if you’re looking to don a pair of red trousers and Hunter wellies, throw on a stripey scarf and get very drunk and argue over which college had the best quidditch team, then you’ve come to exactly the right place. Choose a shade of blue and order a bottle of Bolly, it’s the boat race. Here’s where to enjoy it…

Thai Square

The only moment when the boat race is a precise tie is when you’re sat in the Thai and it’s waiting to start. Thai Square at Putney Bridge is without doubt the best vantage point to enjoy the initial, and often decisive, strokes of the this national institution. And while you enjoy some tasty Asian bites the live broadcasts of the action will ensure you don’t miss any of the drama further down the course. Once the race is over, the fun continues well into the small hours with celebration and live music until 2am.

Where: 2-4 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, SW15 1JN
Website: www.thaisq.com

The Crab Tree

The Crab Tree, a Victorian boozer that’s been gastro’d up and heads into its fourth year of boat race excitement with what the bill as the biggest riverside party on the Thames. The live music begins at 12:30 and trundles into the small hours, with the DJ taking over as the party approaches the small hours.

Where: Rainville Road Fulham W6 9HA
Website: www.thecrabtreew6.co.uk

Photo credit: Naomi Baker

The Old Ship

Halfway down the course comes The Old Ship in Hammersmith. With great views of the river, it significantly has one of the longest views along the river, meaning anyone settling down at The Old Ship will get more than their money’s worth in boatrace terms. Enjoy the maritime decor and boathouse feel as you guzzle down the obligatory Pimm’s.

Where: 25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD
Website: www.oldshiphammersmith.co.uk

White Hart

The White Hart is within spitting distance (albeit figuratively, this is a friendly sport) of the finish line. Reservations are taken in the first floor restaurant (though they need to be booked weeeeell ahead), but in any case the best view is from the terrace outside. The obligatory outdoor barbecue will, of course, be running to keep watchers burgered and sausaged up.

Where: The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 0NR
Website: www.whitehartbarnes.co.uk

The Bull’s Head

Close to the finish line in Barnes, this riverside pub is a great place to meet, enjoy a pint or meal before heading over the road and to the riverside to watch the rowers pull past on their final stretch toward Chiswick Bridge.

Where: 373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9PY
Website: www.thebullsheadbarnes.com

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