In celebration of the 2025 Oxbridge Boat Race, pubs along the southwest London riverside will engage in festivities involving live music, food stands and outdoor bars.
The iconic Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race will uphold its historic rivalry of 185 years on Sunday 13 April, stretching across the Thames from Putney to Mortlake.
This year’s Championship Course will oversee the 79th Women’s Boat Race and 170th Men’s Boat Race, an event typically attracting over 250,000 spectators, according to the Boat Race website.
The race will set off at Putney Bridge and wind its way to a finish just before Chiswick Bridge.
Schedule
12.45 BBC coverage starts
13.21 79th Women’s Boat Race
13.36 Women’s Reserve Race: Osiris v Blondie
13.51 Men’s Reserve Race: Isis v Goldie
14.21 170th Men’s Boat Race
14.45 Women’s Presentation (Mortlake)
14.55 Men’s Presentation (Mortlake)
15.15 BBC coverage finishes
Offering prime views of the race, riverside pubs from Putney to Barnes will host a variety of festivities throughout the day, ideal for Boat Race enthusiasts or those eager to soak up a vibrant atmosphere with a drink in hand.
Hammersmith: The Midway Point
Hammersmith riverside offers an insightful viewpoint of the Boat Race, as 80% of teams who lead at Hammersmith Bridge go on to secure a victory.
The Black Lion
The Black Lion marks the start of the Hammersmith riverside strip, offering a large beer garden paralleling the river.
Alongside their usual Sunday Roast at 12pm, the pub will take advantage of their outdoor space to provide live music starting with the FosseyTango band at 2pm and DJ Aggy at 5pm.
Two outdoor bars are also to be expected for those eager to sit outside.
The Old Ship
The 300-year-old pub offers a terrace, balcony space and exterior seating directly overlooking the riverside.
Starting from 12pm, the pub will offer an outside bar, a seafood shack, live music and two exclusive lunch clubs to be booked ahead of time in their conservatory.
For a chance to claim the best seats, it is recommended to book in advance or arrive early to catch an ideal viewpoint of the race.
The Dove
Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as Britain’s smallest bar room, the small 17th century pub has a balcony terrace overlooking the riverside.
However, the balcony and indoor seating is limited to a small number of tables, so keen spectators should book in advance.
Hammersmith Fan Zone, Furnivall Gardens
Making up one of two official fan zones, Furnivall Gardens will transform to broadcast BBC’s coverage live on a large screen, open from 11am to 5pm.
While not strictly a pub, the popup event will offer bars, such as a Jim and Tonic artisanal bar and an international selection of street food options.
For more information concerning the Fan Zones, visit The Boat Race website.
The Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor
Only two doors down from one another, The Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor are sandwiched between the Hammersmith Fan Zone and Hammersmith Bridge, the midway landmark of the race.
Their prime location guarantees a busy and lively atmosphere.
The Rutland Arms
Named after the smallest county in England, the riverside pub is organising big celebrations: expect live music from around 5pm and multiple pop up bars, including a Pimm’s bar.
The Blue Anchor
Two doors down, this 17th century pub will be hosting an outdoor BBQ and additional outdoor drinks bar.
The Rutland Arms and the Blue Anchor pubs. Photo Credit: Geoff Henson. License: CC BY-ND 2.0
Fulham
The Blue Boat
Located right after Hammersmith Bridge, The Blue Boat will host live music from 12pm to 10pm, including artist Tony Bowen.
The day will also consist of a BBQ from 12pm to 6pm and an ice cream cart provided by Laverstoke Park Farm.
Pop-up bars will appear on their terrace, including a Gin and Tonic and slushie bar.
A big screen with live coverage is set to be erected as well as a Special Race Day set menu – to be reserved and pre-ordered in advance.
The Crabtree
The Crabtree pub and restaurant will engage in live music from 12pm, featuring artists such as Aaron Norton and The Mighty Molly Collective band from 7pm.
Their beer garden will host food stands involving an asado grill and Crabshack BBQ.
This year the pub is sponsored by brands including but not limited to Pimm’s, Whispering Angel and Olmeca Altos Tequila.
Putney: The start of the race
The area will host the start of the Boat Race, offering a potential view of the ‘Coin Toss’ between the presidents of Oxford and Cambridge, dictating which side of the river the teams will race on.
Fulham Fan Zone
Situated towards the start of the race, Fulham Football Club and Bishop’s Park will serve as another official fan zone.
Open from 11am to 5pm, 14 screens of BBC’s live coverage will be available, also involving several bars and street food stands.
To add to the atmosphere, the Fulham Brass Band will be playing at various times in the early afternoon.
The Duke’s Head
Offering a view on the early stages of the race, The Duke’s Head will be hosting a full day of live music in celebration.
Barnes: The finish line
The Bull’s Head
Situated near the end of the Boat Race finish line, The Bull’s Head will be serving their Sunday roasts, involving a day of live jazz music as well as a face painting station for children.
The White Hart
Planted right on Barnes riverside, The White Hart will be one of the final pubs on the stretch of the Thames before the finish line.
In celebration of the Boat Race, the pub is offering Boat Race Gala Lunch Tickets, composing of a three-course meal, canapés and an exclusive view of the race.
Their downstairs space will also be available for walk-ins.
Mortlake
The Ship
This 16th century pub marks the Boat Race finish line, providing a view of the historic race since 1845.
Featured image credit: Lapatia. License: CC BY 2.0
