The Boat Race: 10 of the best London pubs with riverside views ranked by Google Reviews

The Boat Race will bring over 250,000 spectators to the banks of the River Thames in London on Sunday as Oxford and Cambridge battle it out on the Tideway in the famous varsity grudge match.

The stretch of the river is peppered with pubs and restaurants that look to capitalise on the day, which brings £8.5 million of public spending into the local economy. From live music to BBQs and more, there’s something for everyone.

Local rowing clubs also set up to sell drinks and snacks along The Boat Race course with fan parks also organised by the event. LondonWorld looks at some of the best pubs with a view of The Boat Race.

The best river view pubs to watch The Boat Race ranked by Google Review

The Ship, 3.9/5

Address: 10 Thames Bank, London SW14 7QR

Right on the finish line, if you’re hoping to catch the final strokes of the race, The Ship could be your best bet. There’s no specific section on the website about Boat Race day events but the venue is operated by Greene King and prides itself on its live sport offerings, so there’s no shortage of TVs here.

The Blue Boat, 4.1/5

Address: Distillery Wharf, Parr's Wy., London W6 9GD

Found just before Hammersmith Bridge, where there is a great selection of pubs. The Blue Boat website reads: “Live music, outdoor bars, BBQ, and the big race on our outdoor screens plus indoor screens.”

The Rutland Arms, 4.1/5

Address: 15 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ

A Greene King pub on the busy Hammersmith stretch. The pub’s website reads: “Catch all the action from the best seat in town! Book with us on the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race day for an unbeatable view over the course. Who's your money on this year?”

The Duke’s Head, 4.3/5

Address: 8 Lower Richmond Rd., London SW15 1ER

Found right on the start line in Putney and close to where the crews will boat from. The pub’s website reads: “It's that super exciting time of year again and we're itching with excitement and anticipation for The Boat Race to begin! Join us for a pint from our outside bar and grab something delicious from our BBQ. We'll have live music to kick off the evening shenanigans and we'll all have a dance to celebrate yet another year of Putney Boat Race.”

The Old Ship, 4.3/5

Address: 25 Upper Mall, London W6 9TD

With some green space next to it, The Old Ship is one of the biggest Boat Race events most years. The website previews this year’s event: “Set sail with your crew mates and head to us, West London’s best spot to catch all of the action live for the Gemini Boat Race. Nestled along the picturesque Hammersmith riverbank, our iconic Boat Race pub offers a front-row seat to the action.

“Whether you’re batting for Oxford or Cambridge, grab your take-away drinks and let the good times roll as we cheer on both teams and have the best atmosphere in all of London with live music cranking up the energy, we are officially the hottest spot on the river this Boat Race. Row your way to us and may the best team (hopefully your team!) take home the victory.”

The Bulls Head, 4.3/5

Address: 373 Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9PY

A good option for those hoping to watch The Boat Race closer to the finish. The pub’s website says: “Join us on Sunday, 13th April, at noon for a splash of fun with The Brockalites! Experience the thrill of Boat Race Day, filled with lively tunes and good cheer. Don't miss out on this oar-some day packed with music and camaraderie by the riverside!”

Hammersmith pubs set to throw Boat Race parties

The White Hart, 4.4/5

Address: The Terrace, London SW13 0PX

Found away from the Hammersmith hub and just past Barnes Bridge. The website teases: “With the ultimate finish-line spot along the river Thames, our Oxford vs Cambridge boat race atmosphere is unbeatable! Downstairs will be walk-in only, so make sure you arrive early to grab a spot.

“If you are looking to upgrade your boat race experience, book yourself in for our exclusive Boat Race Gala lunch. Gala lunch tickets include bubbles on arrival, canapes, a 3-course meal and views of the race that even the ducks will be jealous of.”

The Crabtree, 4.4/5

Address: Rainville Rd, London SW6 6TY

Known for its big Boat Race celebrations and found about a mile into the race. The pub’s website reads: “There’s no better place to soak in the electrifying atmosphere of the Boat Race than at The Crabtree in Fulham! Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, our iconic riverside pub offers some of the best views of the race. Whether you’re here to witness the thrilling action up close or to enjoy the atmosphere with a drink in hand, The Crabtree is the best place for Boat Race Day celebrations.

“With delicious food, craft beers, refreshing cocktails, and a lively riverside garden perfect for groups, we’ve got everything you need to make it a day to remember. Join us as we bring the energy of the race to life with an unbeatable atmosphere, incredible food, refreshing drinks and unforgettable moments by the water.”

Read more: How staggering £8.5m public The Boat Race spending benefits local businesses and rowing clubs

The Blue Anchor, 4.4/5

Address: 13 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ

A venue teeming with customers whenever the sun comes out, it’s one of the busiest pubs on Boat Race day. The website says: “Join us in London for the perfect rowing race day, live from the River Thames! If you’re looking for a great place to watch The Boat Race this spring, Blue Anchor Hammersmith offers the ideal setting. With its own riverside views, you can experience the crews rowing straight past our doors on Sunday 13th April 2025!

“With the build-up of rowing excitement, we have a sizzling riverside BBQ to complement it. We want to ensure that you celebrate the race well-fed, so we’re serving up all your grilled favourites, ensuring something for everyone. With a warm plate in hand and the anticipation of the race in the air, you can have an unforgettable day by the river at Blue Anchor Hammersmith.

“Blue Anchor Hammersmith has incredible views of the race, and our prime riverside location offers front-row seats to the action. Adding to the energy, a live band with saxophones and trumpets is ready to keep you entertained with lively music, creating a brilliant atmosphere and making this a not-to-miss spot to watch The Boat Race in London.”

The Dove, 4.5/5

Address: 19 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA

A cosy venue owned and operated by Fuller’s. There’s no dedication section on the pub’s website for Boat Race events but it will be another hotspot to watch the racing with its river views. The pub is famous for having ‘the smallest bar room in the world’ in one of its corners, as per the Guinness Book of World Records.