Getting to the Surrey Bend

There are London Underground Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, or District Lines to Hammersmith. Alternatively get the 9, 10, 27 or 209 bus.

You can also take the train from Waterloo to Barnes Bridge then walk downstream on the south side - but expect no pubs until close to Hammersmith Bridge.

Where to View

The Surrey side is best for viewing the race with its plethora of pubs, paved walkways and uninterrupted views. There is a riverside path on the Middlesex side that stretches from Putney to Barnes. In some places the view is obscured by riverside vegetation but you will find fewer crowds on this side.

On Surrey, the Riverside Studios have been the television filming point for cameras for over five years just 500 yards east of Hammersmith Bridge in Crisp Road. This area has good views to both Chiswick and Putney.

A giant TV screen, courtesy of race sponsors Xchanging and race organisers The Boat Race Ltd, will be in Furnival Gardens accompanied by a beer tent supplied by Sharp’s - the official beer supplier of the Boat Race - selling Doom Bar, wine and soft drinks, alongside various food stalls.

Note that Hammersmith Bridge and all the other bridges will be closed while crews pass beneath them.

Pubs along the Surrey bend

4. The Crabtree Tavern Rainville Road, Fulham, W6 9HL Tel: 020 7385 3929

River View: No

TV: Yes

Children: Yes, to 9pm

Bookings: No

Atmosphere:

Sport is a big factor in the life of many of its customers, since Fulham football club’s Craven Cottage ground is within 10 minutes’ stroll along the Thames path on the Middlesex bank towards Putney Bridge. A pub that has always been a focal part of the riverside community. During World War II a night raid left the "Crabtree" without windows and beer, but the regulars returned the next day to sup lemonade. Best viewing point as crews head for Hammersmith Bridge is outside since inside on Race day can be "chockablock." The latter expression is a reminder of the riverside trade, since a "chock" was originally a block of wood used to make fast barrels on a boat’s deck! The Cambridge old boys rowing club, Crabtree, is named after the pub.

5. The Blue Anchor 13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ

Food: Yes, Boat Race bar and barbecue

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: Yes for function room upstairs

Atmosphere

Refurbished over the past few months, it’s the busiest time of the year for this popular Hammersmith hostelry. Lower Mall is the home of British Rowing (the Amateur Rowing Association’s headquarters are just up the road and Auriol Kensington Rowing Club’s boathouse is next door). The upstairs function room is booked by Boat Race regulars every year and the bars downstairs are packed with regulars. The bars are full of rowing memorabilia including parts of a rowing eight. The composer Gustav Holst has more than one link with this stretch of the river. Apart from being musical director at St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith and writer of "The Planets", he lived at Barnes Terrace in the early 1900s and composed his "Hammersmith Suite" in this pub.

6.The Rutland 15 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ Tel: 020 8748 5586

Food: Yes

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: No, over 21 only

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

One of the cluster of pubs on the Middlesex bank that provide sustenance on race day. Also refurbished over the past few months, plenty of burgers and chips will keep hunger at bay with plans for extra TVs to be installed. "Busiest day of the year" produces a unique atmosphere that staff say doen’t need any gimmicks, it’s the Boat Race from morning till closing time! Good venue to watch the crews head for Chiswick Eyot and Barnes Bridge.

7. The Dove 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA Tel: 020 8748 5405

Food: Yes

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: No

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

Another of the pubs in a prime position on the Middlesex or northern bank as the Race passes Hammersmith Pier. James Thomson, a Scottish poet, composed the words to "Rule Britannia" in one of the upstairs rooms. Dating back to the 17th century, it’s reputed to have been a meeting place for Charles II and Nell Gwynne on their romantic trysts. Burgers, chicken and snacks will be the fare on Race day. "Incredibly busy, can’t move," are among the recollections of last year. No less an authority than the Guinness Book of Records states that the pub has the smallest public bar in England. At 3.12 square metres, that’s going to be an especially tight fit on Boat Race day!

8. The Black Lion 2 South Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith, W6 9TJ Tel: 020 8748 2639

Food: Barbecue and outside bar on Boat Race day

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

There are big plans for Race day including barbecue and outside bar. Seating outside has been increased drastically from 30 to 200. Fear not if there’s a chill in the air, special heaters have been installed in the arena. Spectators on this Middlesex bank can cheer on the crews as they approach Chiswick Eyot, whose willow trees were once cut to make fishing baskets. Commerce and the river have long been in partnership.

9. The Old Ship 25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD Tel: 020 8748 2593

Food: Yes including barbecue

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

"Unbelievable atmosphere" on Race day with a barbecue and big screen television outside. The pace doesn’t slacken from around 10am - if granted fine weather - till closing time. There’s a chance of glimpsing VIPS and media figures, upstairs is open to all. A marquee and music will be among the entertainments.

One or Three Mile Walk

Arrive early at Hammersmith and walk to the river to savour the atmosphere in the popular pubs on the riverbank. Watch Isis and Goldie go by in their race, then, if you feel like some exercise, cross the bridge and head off down towards the Finish (about 2 miles) - the Blue Boats are due there about 45 minuts later. Alternatively stay on the north side and walk upstream to Chiswick Pier and beyond towards Barnes Bridge.