This weekend teams from Oxford and Cambridge Universities will take to the Thames to compete in the 163rd Boat Race.
The annual race will feature both men’s and women’s teams in a head-to-head from Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge.
Cambridge, who beat the Italian national crew in preparation for the 2017 race, won by two-and-a-half lengths last year, ending a run of three wins on the spin for the Oxford crew.
The 2017 Boat Race will take place on Sunday, April 2. The women’s race gets under way at 4.35pm and the men’s race follows the same route an hour later at 5.35pm.
With the current mild weather expected to continue through the weekend the pubs are sure to be packed. We’ve picked out the best 10 to watch the boat race from.
Ten best pubs to watch the Oxford Cambridge boat race
Duke’s Head, Putney
The Duke’s is the perfect spot to come watch the annual Boat Race between Cambridge and Oxford…
One of the oldest sports events in the world starts straight in front of the pub and after the race we have put together a great party with live music and good spirit.
No booking on the day, just turn up and have a great time!
The Ship, Mortlake
From the start line to finish – The Ship is nestled right next to Chiswick Bridge and is a perfect spot for watching the boats come in at the end of the race.
Guaranteed to float your boat, there’s expected to be quite a crowd outside this Mortlake boozer.
The Crabtree Tavern, Hammersmith
Situated on the riverbank between Hammersmith and Putney bridges the Crabtree Tavern is a sure spot for watching the boat race with a famous festival that takes over the entire grounds of the venue with an unrivaled river view of the race, 10 screens, food pop ups, live bands and DJ ready to see you through right from breakfast until bed time!
Traditional and street food pop ups will be serving everything from hog roasts to paella ensuring that there is something delicious for everyone to enjoy. If you get thirsty you can head inside to the pub or explore the Orchard Garden which will be dotted with pop up bars including Pimm’s, Aperol Spritz and Tanqueray, and a healthy craft ale and beer offering from Camden Town Brewery and Hop House 13.
On the entertainment front the venue will be hosting three live bands throughout the day including The Hanging Baskets and DJ Rees Parker after dark to keep the vibe going all night long.
Blue Anchor, Hammersmith
The Blue Anchor is a unique traditional riverside family run pub offering a warm and sociable atmosphere.
Located by the Thames a short walk from Hammersmith Bridge, The Blue Anchor was first licensed in 1722, it affords a truly traditional pub experience. Four real ales always on tap as well as a wide range of premium lagers and ciders.
The Rutland, Hammersmith
The Rutland is situated on the bank of the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge and is one of the main viewing points of the Oxford Cambridge boat race.
The Taylor Walker pub has a diverse food menu and a wide range of beers, wines and spirits.
The Dove
A charming, much-loved pub with incredible history, The Dove has been a fixture of London life for centuries.
Set right on the River Thames, it’s the best pub in Hammersmith for great atmosphere, wonderful fresh food and of course a quenching pint of ale.
The Old Ship, Hammersmith
With some of the best views of the River Thames, The Old Ship is a cracking place to catch the boat race.
Starting from 12:00 they will have some of the Brightest Stars London has to offer performing Live.
Beavertown Brewery and Sipsmith London will also be around to name but a few, and if you get hungry there is a BBQ and food tents to keep you going all day long.
Bull’s Head, Barnes
The Bull’s Head is the ideal destination for the annual Oxbridge Boat Race.
Not only will they be screening the whole race on screens around the pub, they are also located on the final stretch of the race by the Thames!
White Hart, Barnes
Get down to the White Hart in Barnes and join them in the bar and on the terraces for BBQs.
There will also be live music and plenty to drink!
