Where to watch the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race

The historic annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities will take place on Sunday 29 March in London, where thousands of spectators will gather by the River Thames to see which team takes home the Boat Race title and glory for 2020. 

The Boat Race has been running for 190 years and is a rowing race between crews from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge along a 4.2-mile tidal stretch of the River Thames in south-west London. 

Starting in Putney and finishing in Mortlake, the women's race will start at 3.44pm, and the men's race will start at 4.44pm.

The riverside will be packed with people, so be sure to get there early to secure your spot. Not only will you get a great view, you’ll also enjoy some of the best food and drink in the area.

The best pubs to watch the Boat Race from

If you’re wanting a great view with table service, including beers on-draught and restaurant-quality food, our top pub recommendations for the Boat Race are as follows: 

The Blue Boat, Hammersmith 

The Blue Boat is right on the banks of the Thames and will be holding a Fête on its front terrace for The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race from 10am. There will be live music, children’s entertainment, pop-up bars and food stalls.

It's also one of the only pubs along the route taking table bookings for meals on the day, offering a bespoke three-course set menu available by pre-order. The pub’s Chefs have selected their all-time favourites and crafted a perfect Boat Race menu with range of delicious starters, mains, Sunday roasts and puddings to choose from. A £10 deposit per person is required to secure your spot.

The pub, in Hammersmith’s new Fulham Reach development, is just a short walk from Hammersmith tube station. Of course, you could always row there. Located on Distillery Wharf, Parr's Way, London, W6 9GD, visit The Blue Boat’s website for more information and to book your table.  

Find out more: The Boat Race at The Blue Boat.

The Dove, Hammersmith 

The Dove is a charming, traditional waterside pub right on the River Thames with beautiful, uninterrupted views of the river. The pub will have a BBQ as well as a pop-up bar on the terrace, and the bar will be well stocked with all your favourites. Since it's one of the busiest days of the year for the pub, table bookings are not available and special Boat Race food options will be in place of the normal menu.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Hammersmith Bridge (towards Chiswick), situated in the Upper Mall alley, The Dove is an excellent choice for race day – but it will operate on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you get there early to secure your spot. 

The Dove is located at 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA. Visit The Dove’s website for more information.

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