Boat Race news: The best riverside pubs in London to watch The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race 2025

Every spring, London’s riverside comes alive with the buzz of one of the city’s most beloved sporting traditions: The Boat Race. As the iconic rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities battle it out along the Thames, thousands flock to the riverbanks - and what better way to soak up the action than with a pint in hand at one of London’s finest riverside pubs?

Whether you’re a die-hard rowing fan or just here for the atmosphere (and the ale), the right pub can make all the difference. From historic boozers with panoramic river views to lively beer gardens just steps from the action, the Thames is lined with fantastic spots to cheer on the crews in comfort and style.

With the annual rowing race between Oxford University and Cambridge University set to take place next month, odds experts at Slotozilla have analysed Tripadvisor review ratings to share the best spots to watch the race.

When is the Boat Race 2025?

The 2025 Boat Race will take place on Sunday, April 13th.

What time do The Boat Races start?

The women’s race is scheduled to start at 1.21pm, with the men’s race following an hour later at 2.21pm. The full schedule is as follows:

1.21pm: 79th Women’s Boat Race

1.36pm: Women’s reserve race: Osiris v Blondie

1.51pm: Men’s reserve ace: Isis v Goldie

1.21pm: 170th Men’s Boat Race

2.45pm: Women’s presentation (Mortlake)

2.55pm: Men’s presentation (Mortlake)

Where are the best pubs to watch the Boat Race in London?

There are a number of pubs set across the river bank, with the 6.8km River Thames course spanning from Putney to Mortlake.

The Dukes Head: Best starting view

Sitting at the start of the Oxford and Cambridge University boat race, The Dukes Head is a grand Victorian grade II listed building with four venues under one roof. The venue is rated 4 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor, with guests praising its interior containing ‘Boat race nostalgia’ as well as its location, which is at the starting point of the boat race.

The Blue Anchor: Best view of the racecourse

The Blue Anchor Pub is located around a third of the way into the course, just after Hammersmith Bridge. This is a vital viewing point, with around 80% of the leading crews at this point going on to win the race. The iconic pub is rated 4 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor, with guests praising the seating area outside near the river, as well as its cosy interior featuring “diverse pictures of the boat race from the early 1900s” as well as themed decorative items such as ‘boat paddles’.

The Dove: Best for soaking up tradition

The Dove is a charming pub set on the River Thames and dates back to the Boat Race. It is rated 4 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor and has been praised for its ‘veranda with additional up-top seating’ which has a ‘great view of the Thames’ and its ‘nice selection of beers and wines’.

The White Hart: Best for celebrating the win

A beautiful pub that has a carefree countryside feeling, The White Hart is a fantastic place to celebrate a Boat Race victory. The White Hart is the ultimate finish-line spot and is rated 4 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor, being praised for its viewing terraces as well as its ‘extra staff on board’ to ensure everyone is ‘served quickly’ on boat day.