Boat race 2018 route: Where to watch Oxford vs Cambridge go head-to-head

This Saturday, the rowing teams for Oxford and Cambridge are squaring up on the Thames for another episode in their longstanding sporting battle.

Over a 4.2 mile stretch from Putney to Mortlake, men's and women's teams will battle it out to splash their way into the history books.

The women will kick things off with their race at 4.31pm, with the men following at 5.32pm in the 164th edition of their race.

Whether you're cheering on dark or light blue this weekend, this is where you should be watching the race to enjoy it in the highest of spirits.

The Star & Garter

Catch the start of the action at this upmarket spot. Head outside to glimpse the coin tosses, which decide who races on which side of the river (Middlesex or Surrey). The Star & Garter is just by University Stone, which marks the start line. Watch them bolt from the line, then grab a pint inside to enjoy the rest of the race on screens inside.

4 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN, thestarandgarter.com

Boma Bridge

Take in the festivities in civilised fashion this Saturday at Putney restaurant and event space Boma Bridge, located just a stone's throw from the start point of the race. If you're in for the long haul, the Tunnel Bar inside the venue is throwing a party with live music and cocktails afterwards to keep the night going.

4-6 Putney High St, London SW15 1SL, bomabridge.co.uk

The Boathouse

See the two teams set off on from the Boathouse this Saturday. The Young’s pub outdoor terrace offers a great view of Putney Bridge and is an ideal place to soak up the pre-race atmosphere. The comfortable and spacious three-storey pub is a nice place to retire to when all the excitement is over for the day, too.

32 Brewhouse Ln, London, SW15 2JX, boathouseputney.co.uk

Thai Square Putney Bridge

Keen rowing fans can get an elevated view of the very first strokes from Thai Square Putney Bridge, where the restaurant will be partying until the early hours of Sunday. Food stalls will be serving up Thai specials and drinks from just £1 in the afternoon, before the celebrations continue until 2am with live music.

4 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN, thaisq.com

The Duke's Head

A few doors down from The Star sits the Duke's Head. Just the name of the Coxswain Dining Room lets you know they're serious about rowing here. The race starts by their terrace, they're screening it indoors and there's a party downstairs in the Rowing Club afterwards with live music. Everyone's a winner.

8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN, dukesheadputney.com

The Crabtree

This pub, on the Middlesex side of the river (that's the north side, to most of us) is about one and a half miles into the race and steeped in boat race history: the stretch of the course it overlooks is even named Crabtree Reach after it. Unsurprisingly, they're going all out for the Boat Race, with a festival kicking off from midday. There'll be themed pop-up bars, an array of bites to eat (including a BBQ), and live music and a DJ set.

Rainville Road, Fulham, W6 9HA, thecrabtreew6.co.uk

The Blue Anchor

Just 10 minutes from Hammersmith tube, the family-run Blue Anchor is always popular. It's the first of four pubs that line the north bank around the midway point and its outside space, the walkway, takes you right down to the river. It's right by the Rutland Arms, so if you can't squeeze in here, pop next door.

13 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ, blueanchorlondon.com

The Rutland Arms

Another one that’s always packed, The Rutland shares the same great view as its neighbour, The Blue Anchor, but is slightly bigger. There will be classic burgers and chips pub grub and extra TVs installed for the occasion. If you can face the crowds, wander up to Hammersmith Bridge itself for the truly special views.

15 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9DJ, taylor-walker.co.uk

The Blue Boat

Fulham pub The Blue Boat is firing up the BBQ to celebrate the race this weekend and the venue could be a great option for sports fans in the area. There’ll be plenty taking in the race with a beer and a hotdog on the Thames-side beer terrace, which offers views of the mid stretch of the race.

Distillery Wharf, Parrs Way, London, W6 9GD, theblueboat.co.uk

The Dove

The outside area here is small and gets packed at the best of times at this charming little pub. There are two levels, and the upstairs one seats only a handful, but has the best views. According to the Guinness book of records, one of its bars is the smallest in the world – so if you miss the race, you'll still have something to look out for.

19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA, dovehammersmith.co.uk

The Old Ship

The final pub on the midway stretch, The Old Ship has a terrific view down Chiswick Reach towards Chiswick Steps. It’s a big space with terraces up and downstairs and a large beer garden. It's actually a great spot to watch, as at this point the race usually isn't completely decided one way or the other.

25 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TD, oldshipw6.co.uk

The Bull's Head

This popular jazz venue in leafy Barnes is just before the Barnes Bridge, so you'll have to pop over the Lonsdale Road to the bank to actually watch the boats go by, but if you're too attached to your pint by that time, screens inside will be showing the action.

373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, SW13 9PY, geronimo-inns.co.uk

The White Hart

The White Hart has stunning riverside views from the south bank and its position between Barnes Bridge and the finish line at Chiswick Bridge makes it the perfect spot to watch the final quarter of the race – even if the outcome of the race is often already decided by then. Start in style with its set menu lunch or keep it relaxed with their outdoor BBQ and bar, and enjoy live music in the bar both before and after the races.

The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, SW13 0NR, whitehartbarnes.co.uk

Rick Stein

This Barnes restaurant reopened last year with none other than seafood supremo Rick Stein steering the ship. If you’re looking for a civilised spot to watch the race, it offers pretty perfect riverside viewing for when the boats emerge from under Barnes Bridge. The restaurant will also be putting on a special menu on the afternoon, serving up three courses for £70.

Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High Street, SW14 8SN, rickstein.com

The Ship

It's not terribly often there's a photo finish in the boat race, but if there is, this is the place to watch it. It gets busy with crowds eagerly waiting to catch the first glimpse of boats coming round the bend after Barnes Bridge and, with a view of the final stretch, it’s the perfect place to celebrate –or drown your sorrows. Screens inside will keep you up to date with all the action until then.

The Ship, 10 Thames Bank, Mortlake, SW14 7QR, taylor-walker.co.uk