Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race 2010: London's Best Bars & Pubs on the River Thames
The Oxford & Cambridge boat race is one of London's greatest and most historic outdoor social gatherings. The first race was staged in 1829 but it was not until 1845 that it was moved to the present stretch of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. If like 1000's of others you fancy popping down to observe this aquatic class then it is strongly advised not to drive - this area packs out on race day. And besides, why would you want to - this 4 mile stretch of the river Thames offers some of the best riverside pubs and bars in London. In this guide you will find a list of Fluid Foundation's favourite drinking holes from which to survey the battle along the Thames and to make it easier we've put them in order, from the start of the race through to the end. If you're not interested in the Boat Race these are still great Riverside Pubs with fantastic views all year round!
1
BOOK NOWFast, Free & Confirmed
The Depot Brasserie
(Bar / Restaurant)
Tideway Yard, Mortlake High Street, Barnes, London, SW14 8SN
Cuisine: Modern Eclectic
End of the race - Seats are at a premium in this Waterfront Brasserie. Book early or be disappointed. Views of the boats tussling for the final stretch are through the windows and not outside, so a good venue if the weather is nasty.
2
BOOK NOWFast, Free & Confirmed
Pissarro's on the River
(Bar / Restaurant)
Corney Reach Way, Chiswick, London, W4 2TR
Cuisine: Modern European
Middle / End of the race - Enjoy a fantastic view of this historical race as the boats battle it out on the approach to Barnes Bridge.
3
The Ship
(Bar)
10 Thames Bank, Ship Lane, Mortlake, London, SW14 7QR
Cuisine: Pub
End of the race - Saved only by it's location The Ship's décor, drinks, food and pretty much anything else you can think of is fairly unexceptional. Get here early on the big day as this pub is virtually opposite the Oxford & Cambridge finishing line.
4
Star & Garter
(Bar / Restaurant)
4 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 1JN
Cuisine: Eclectic
Start of the race - No pub in the area offers a better view of the race start.
5
The Duke's Head
(Bar)
8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 1JN
Cuisine: Eclectic
Start of the race - A pub so beautiful and authentic you are left wondering how so many others have got it so wrong. Classic cut glass and a wicked bay window are the premium spots on race day.
6
The Crabtree Tavern
(Bar / Restaurant)
Rainville Road, Fulham, Hammersmith, London, W6 9HA
Middle of the race - Mobbed when Fulham are playing at home this old pub serves up great food and (providing you're sitting at the tables outside) offers a great view as the Oxford and Cambridge crews approach the Surrey bend.
7
Ye White Hart
(Bar)
The Terrace, The Riverside, Barnes, London, SW13 0NR
Cuisine: Pub
End of the race - Definitely in the top 3 best pubs to watch the Oxford & Cambridge boat race Ye White Hart offers great views over the Thames in both directions: as the boats race under Barnes Bridge and then on to the finish line.
8
The Blue Anchor
(Bar)
13 Lower Mall, Riverside, Hammersmith Bridge, London, W6 9DJ
Cuisine: Pub
Middle of the race - Packed on race day which is not surprising as it has a good outside space to view the battle as the boats come under Hammersmith Bridge.
9
The Dove
(Bar)
19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA
Cuisine: Pub
Middle of the race - Worth a visit simply because it holds a Guinness Book of Records record for the smallest bar in the UK ? fortunately they have a few. Prime viewing on the northern bank of the race as the boats come out of the Surrey Bend.
10
Black Lion
(Bar)
South Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TJ
Cuisine: English
Middle of the race - The Black Lion offers great views of the boats as they race towards Chiswick Eyot.
Honourable mentions