Getting to the finish

Either take the train to Mortlake or Barnes Bridge from Waterloo, the London Underground District Line to Kew Gardens, or the 109 or 209 bus.

Where to view

On the Surrey side the best place to see the closing stages of the race are from the embankment by The Ship almost on the finish line. On Middlesex, Dukes Meadow and the various rowing clubs on the bank provide the best view.

Between the Bandstand and just past the finish line SA Promotions will be erecting four marquees with a champagne and oyster bar, live bands and DJs, as well as a fun fair.

Pubs at the finish

10. Pissarro’s (Brasserie) Corney Reach Way, W4 2TR Tel: 020 8994 3111

Food: Yes (lunch 12-3.30pm, supper 7pm-10.30pm with last orders at midnight)

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: Yes

Atmosphere

A special welcome for sports fans can be expected in this bar and brasserie, which is a regular haunt for rugby followers both before and after match days at Twickenham. You might spot a celebrity or two, such as Ian Botham or Allan Lamb, enjoying Boat Race day. As for the name, the painter Camille Pissarro (1830-1903) was one of the founders of Impressionism. Born in the Caribbean and educated in France, he took refuge in England during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1. Both his sons became artists and the elder, Lucien, (1863-1944), spent much of his life in the UK.

11. The Bull’s Head 373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9PY Tel: 020 8876 5241

Food: Hot and cold sandwiches plus 120 vintage wines and 80 malt whiskies

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

A jazz venue of international renown for over 40 years, proprietor Dan Fleming has seen two decades of the Boat Race from the Surrey bank: "People watch on TV inside, they pop out to watch the crews, then dash back in to watch the finish." Plenty of regulars come back year after year for a "Glorious day." Definitely standing room only for much of the day. "Such a big day", is the staff comment and one of the doyens of British jazz, Stan Tracey, might well agree. The pianist and his quintet are again booked as the attraction on race night.

12. Ye White Hart The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 ONR Tel: 020 8876 5177

Food: Hot food and Sandwiches

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: No

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

Whether it’s building up to a tight finish or one crew is turning on the style, then the patrons of the "Hart" will have a prime view from their riverside terrace. We’re almost at the winning post from this vantage point on the Surrey bank. The Hart, rebuilt in 1899 and a hostelry since 1676, also makes a fine spot to reflect on Boat Races won and lost, aided by a vintage sample that has helped win it the title of Wine Pub of the Year on a number of occasions.

13. The Depot (Waterfront Brasserie) Tideway Yard, Mortlake High Street, SW14 8SN Tel: 020 8878 9462

Food: Yes

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: Yes

Atmosphere

A restaurant rather than pub, so bookings well in advance are needed with a capacity of around 120. Seats by the riverside window are much coveted with the finishing post in sight on the far Middlesex bank. "Once the crews are in sight, everyone’s on their feet and at the window," is the view of the experienced Boat Race watcher. General manager Nico Visser has planned a special menu to celebrate the enduring contest of the Dark and Light Blues. But if you haven’t booked for this year, take the longterm view and reserve lunch or dinner for the following year, seats are at a premium on Race day. Past crews have often held their reunions here.

14. The Ship The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 ONR Tel: 020 8876 1439

Food: Yes

River View: Yes

TV: Yes

Children: Yes

Bookings: No

Atmosphere

From the embankment on the Surrey side watch the last few pulls on the oars of the Boat Race. By 1130am it’s starting to be busy. The experienced spectators watch inside on TV till the crews appear, gather outside for a minute or two then make a speedy return to the television. Fish and chips, burgers and baguettes are the prime menu attractions on Race day.

Walk

The Finish starts to get busy quite early so arrive in plenty of time at Barnes Bridge or Mortlake and perhaps walk to a river crossing, have an early lunch before the crowds gather, then take up your position!