Hammersmith's a great place for the Boat Race and more, day trippers are told

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 28 March 2006

Hammersmith & Fulham's tourism team is encouraging as many people as possible to come down to Hammersmith riverfront this Sunday to support the Boat Race - and find out more about the area at the same time.

Residents and visitors alike are being urged to cheer on the Oxford and Cambridge crews from the excellent vantage points either side of Hammersmith Bridge, whilst enjoying the live music and good food being offered by the riverside pubs, rowing clubs and restaurants. They are also being encouraged to take the opportunity to spend the rest of the day in W6 and discovering Hammersmith's shops, theatres and attractions. 

Catherine Knight, Visitor Development Officer, says: "Watching The Boat Race in Hammersmith is always a great day out, and this year should be no exception. As well as barbecues at The Black Lion pub, at Sons of the Thames Rowing Club and on the terrace at Riverside Studios, there will be live music at The Rutland and a three-course meal with wine tasting at The Old Ship. 

"While people are down by the river, we're hoping that they will take advantage of  the other great attractions that Hammersmith has to offer, by spending the whole day here. Why not while away the morning with some retail therapy at the Broadway and Kings Mall shopping centres, stopping to have a coffee and enjoy the fountains in Lyric Square? Or visit the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show at Earls Court, and the Vitality Show at Olympia? Alternatively, you could cross over Hammersmith Bridge and take in the natural beauty of the London Wetlands Centre, which is celebrating Grey Heron Weekend and offering special activities, arts and crafts for all the family.

"There are endless places to enjoy lunch, from the haute cuisine of The River Cafe and The Gate vegetarian restaurant to the tasty and healthy take-away options of Buchanan's Organic Deli and Bushwhacker Wholefoods. Then once the race is over, why not take in a film or a show at one of Hammersmith's cultural centres, such as the Lyric Theatre, Riverside Studios, Carling Apollo or the nearby Bush Theatre? 

"We're confident that, as part of the capital's 'West West End', Hammersmith rivals anything that central London has to offer. And for local residents who spend the day discovering what's on their doorstep, there's the added bonus of saving time and money on travel. So come along on Saturday and see just how much Hammersmith has to offer."

Residents or visitors wishing to learn more about Hammersmith can pick up a free leaflet and map from the Visitor Centre at Hammersmith Broadway (tel 020 8748 3079), or go to the website www.visithammersmith.co.uk
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Notes to the Editor
1. The 152nd Boat Race will commence at 4.30pm on Sunday April 2nd. Hammersmith, located at the highest point of the Surrey Bend, is considered the best place to watch the middle section of the race (source: www.theboatrace.org). 
2. Among the venues serving food and refreshments on Sunday are: Sons of the Thames Rowing Club, Linden House, Upper Mall W6 9TA (food served in front of the clubhouse); The Blue Anchor, 13 Lower Mall W6 9DJ; The Rutland, 15 Lower Mall W6 9DJ; The Dove, 19 Upper Mall W6 9TA; The Black Lion, 2 South Black Lion Lane W6 9TJ; The Old Ship, 25 Upper Mall W6 9TD; Riverside Studios, Crisp Road W6 9RL.
3. The Visitor Development team is part of Hammersmith & Fulham council's Regeneration & Housing Strategy division. The post of Visitor Development Officer is funded by the LDA through Regenasis, the borough regeneration agency, and aims to deliver the Mayor of London's tourism strategy - spreading the economic benefit of London tourism to all. In November the team was nominated for a Visit London award.
4. The total value/expenditure of tourism to Hammersmith & Fulham in 2003 was 607.85 million. The total visitor numbers to the borough were 5,106,000 (source: STEAM). Hammersmith & Fulham generates the third largest visitor revenue in London after Westminster and Camden. Total tourism spending in London is approximately £15bn per annum. Tourism is a growth industry representing 10% of London's GDP.