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Putney Boat Race: Where to Watch

Putney Boat Race: Where to Watch

On Saturday 30th March, Oxford and Cambridge University will face off in their annual Boat Race, and what better way to experience the excitement than by enjoying the race from one of London’s finest riverside pubs and restaurants?

Pictured top: Rick Stein Barnes

Get a front-row view of the action while enjoying a sumptuous gastronomic feast and your favourite tipples.

Rick Stein Barnes is situated on the banks of the River Thames at the last half-mile of the race and will be offering a limited-edition Boat Race Celebration menu. This menu features three courses of Stein’s signature seafood dishes, including turbot hollandaise, lobster and fennel risotto, and grilled scallops with hazelnut and coriander butter. Why not order a bottle from Charlie Stein’s wine list to toast to the occasion?

White Hart Barnes is continuing its tradition of celebrating the race in style, with everything from barbeques to outdoor bars to live music set up to ensure a party like no other. As one of the last stops before the finish line, it’s sure to be a thrill.

The Bull’s Head will be hosting a Nyetimber Boat Race Party in its gorgeous private Melrose Room, upstairs with a spectacular view of the Thames. You can enjoy unlimited canapes from 3-4pm along with a complimentary class of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine (all for £55pp).

The Duke’s Head is in prime position at the beginning of the race, so you can watch things set off and soak in the heady, electric buzz. They will be putting on a show with a live band, DJ and street food. As the day continues into night, it’ll stay open for you to enjoy signature cocktails and dance in the Rowing Club bar.

The Boathouse in Putney offers a first-class view of the starting point of the race, with a large deck terrace overlooking Putney Bridge, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a pint of Young’s and a cracking Sunday roast with all the trimmings. After the race, live music from Chasing Deers will soundtrack the post-race celebrations.

The Old Ship in Hammersmith will be hosting an exclusive lunch to celebrate the festivities, featuring a mouth-watering five-course menu and usage of the balcony for ideal viewing spots.

For some family-friendly fun, head to Fulham Fan Park, the ultimate spot to catch The Boat Race. Enjoy live BBC coverage on big screens, street food, English Sparkling Wine from Chapel Down, and Shepherd Neame beer. With covered areas, seating, toilets, and stands from official partners, Bishops Park is a Grade II listed park next to the Thames and the start of the race. Don’t miss one of the two fan parks in this stunning location.

Hammersmith Fan Park in Furnival Gardens also has all the live BBC coverage on the big screen. Satisfy your appetite with tasty street food and Shepherd Neame beer, the oldest brewer in Britain. Enjoy covered areas, seating, toilets, and stands from official partners to make the most of your experience.

You can also head to Thai Square in Putney, where they will be hosting a special ‘Full Moon’ themed party to celebrate the race. There will be Thai street food, music and front-row seats to the beginning of the race.

There are also a number of restaurants away from the jostle of the waterfront where you can retire for a meal and a drink; Yum-Sa near East Putney station opens at 12 noon serving delicious Thai brunch, lunch, tapas and dinner.

READ OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PUTNEY!

The Lowdown

The Boat Race is a prestigious annual event that began in 1829, featuring crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. It spans 4.25 miles of the tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake and is one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. The Men’s Boat Race has been held since 1829 and the Women’s Boat Race since 1927. The event attracts over 250,000 spectators along the riverbanks and millions more watching on television. It is a highly anticipated event for scholar-athletes who combine academic excellence with physical prowess.