The Boat Race

The Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race

Sunday 13th April 2025

The Women’s 79th Boat Race 16:00
The Men’s 170th Boat Race 17:00

Join us this March as all time rivals Oxford and Cambridge go head-to-head once again in The Boat Race – but who will claim the bragging rights in 2025?

As the banks of the River Thames will be lined with thousands to watch the universities battle for supremacy on the water, where will you be watching?  We have compiled our top pubs along the route, serving only the very best food, drink and atmosphere!

River Thames with Barnes Bridge in distance ​

Pubs along the Boat Race route

From the race’s starting point in Putney, to further along the Thames in Barnes and Hammersmith, the banks of the River Thames is lined with fantastic pubs to enjoy the race from.  For those who need a little help deciding, we’ve compiled a list of the best pubs at each point along the route.

Boat Race Day events not to be missed…

Old Ship Hammersmith

West London’s best spot for the Boat Race, Old Ship, Hammersmith

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.

man holding an oar standing beside a woman holding a bottle of rosé
Best beer garden in South West London, Putney

Boat Race At The Coat and Badge

The Cambridge vs Oxford boat race is back! Join us with your crew for all the live rowing action on our many TV’s and sink your teeth into our yummy food from our Burger Shack. With extra bars outside in our beer garden, live music and a DJ, this promises to be the best party in Putney! We have beers, ciders, cocktails, spirits…whatever floats your boat!

exterior of the Spotted Horse, a Young's pub

Boat Race at The Spotted Horse

On the Sunday 13th April 2025, Putney high street will be full of people getting ready to catch the boats leaving, and The Spotted Horse are ready to keep the party going. With live music, outdoor bars, tasty sandwiches for you to grab on the go, and a rowing machine charity competition leading up to the big day (where you can win an exceptional amount of beer!). It will be a party in the pub and a sun-trapped escape on the Juniper terrace.

Perrier Jouët champagne, glass, toy sailboat on an orange blanket

Boat Race at The Boathouse

Boat race is finally back, and we’re doing it in style! From bubbles on the terrace, multiple bars, live music, and of course the most amazing views. Limited booking is available, but walk ins are always welcome.

flags next to brick wall that say "The Boat Race" and "Young's"

Oars at the ready at Coach and Horses, Barnes

The Annual Boat Race on the Thames between Cambridge and Oxford is back!
Stop by the Coach and Horses, Barnes for a juicy Shack Burger and some curly fries, before collecting your take away pint and making the short walk to the Thames to watch these these two prestigious Universities battle it out on the water.
But don’t forget to join us after the victors are crowned for the after party!

Boat Race at The Duke’s Head

Old time rivals Oxford and Cambridge once again go head-to-head in the annual boat race – but who will claim the 2025 bragging rights? Join us at the race’s starting point and enjoy yummy food from our riverside BBQ, fresh pints from our multiple pop-up bars, and live music and DJ’s until late. This promises to be THE place to party in Putney comes Sunday 13th April 2025.

We’re not taking bookings for the day – all spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get up early and grab your spot before anyone else.

girl pouring a canned beer into a glass

Boat Race at The Half Moon

Catch every moment on screens throughout our pub, and indulge in mouth-watering burgers from the shack and our new outside bar. Arriving early? Why not enjoy live acoustic music in the garden from 12-2?

After the race, we’ll be keeping the celebration alive with three live bands, two of which offer free entry right after the race. What’s more, we’ll have a DJ will be spinning tracks in the bar until the late hours. Without a doubt, this is the ultimate place to be for a day filled with rowing, delicious bites, and sensational live entertainment.

The best Boat Race pubs along the route

Bull's Head

Barnes, London SW13 9PY

Parties

Weddings

Private Bar

Private Dining

Live Music

Newly refurbished with an illustrious musical heritage, this riverside pub sits at the top of Barnes High Street serving seasonal food and an array of drinks.

Coach & Horses

Barnes, London SW13 9LW

Parties

One of the best pubs in Barnes, serving a fine selection of cask conditioned real ales, craft beers, wines, gins, and a large garden.

Coat & Badge

Putney, London SW15 1NL

Parties

Situated a 5 minute walk from Putney station away from the hustle and bustle of Putney high street.

Duke's Head

Putney, London SW15 1JN

Parties

Weddings

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, a stunning Victorian Grade II listed building has been host to over a century of celebrations.

A Live Music institution

Half Moon

Putney, London SW15 1EU

Parties

Live Music

A historic pub and music venue in the heart of Putney. A short walk from Putney Bridge and Putney overground station.

Old Ship

Hammersmith, London W6 9TD

Parties

Private Bar

Private Dining

Weddings

A beautiful 300 year old pub, situated on the banks of the River Thames. A short walk from Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook and Hammersmith station.

Spotted Horse

Putney, London SW15 1RG

Parties

Right on Putney High Street and just a short walk from Putney station.

The Boathouse

Putney, London SW15 2JX

Parties

A charming riverside pub in the heart of Putney. Serving up the finest and freshest seafood in the area, locally sourced and prepared by the skilled chefs.

White Hart

Barnes, London SW13 0NR

Parties

Private Dining

Built in 1662 and rebuilt in 1899, this beautiful pub sits on the banks of the Thames in the heart of Barnes. Perfect for events and famed for its sunsets.

A little closer to the universities

Oxford University

Oxford University

Radcliffe Camera building, dome, University of Oxford

Cambridge University

Cambridge University

couple in small boat on river under wooden bridge

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