Where to watch the London Marathon

Limber up for a busy day in the capital on Sunday 21 April when, once again, London will play host to Marathon runners and their supporters. If you’re going along to cheer on the athletes, now’s the time to book restaurants and bars on or near the 26.2-mile course’s main viewing spots. Square Meal gives you a rundown of where to enjoy some refreshment without missing the event.

Bermondsey (mile 11)

The majority of runners should reach this spot by late morning, so once you’ve waved them past, an early lunch beckons. Try Magdalen a gorgeous little find a stone’s throw from the course, which offers pitch-perfect, bistro-style French food at reasonable prices.

Further off the beaten track, The Garrison is a laid-back shabby-chic gastropub perfect for a light lunch. Just up the road, have an authentic Spanish pitstop at José – it’s definitely worth going the extra mile for.

Tower Bridge (miles 12-14)

From midday to 1pm, the pavement-pounders should be hitting Bermondsey, jogging over Tower Bridge and making their way back east, towards Limehouse. Butler’s Wharf is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the runners. Head to the Blueprint Café, which has stunning views of Tower Bridge, and light lunch options, or neighbouring venues Le Pont de la Tour and Teapod.

For an alfresco pit stop with views of the spectacle, try Gordon Ramsay’s The Narrow (pictured, right). Slap-bang on the Marathon route, the gastropub is putting on a breakfast barbecue in the pub garden from 8am, followed by a hog roast at lunchtime. A real-ale van will also be serving drinks on the terrace from 10am.

Canary Wharf (miles 15-20)

As the runners pass the halfway mark and zig-zag through Canary Wharf, refuel at one of the many Docklands venues boasting sky-high views of the City below.

Head to Wahaca's terrace bar (pictured, left), which offers a good vantage point from which to cheer the runners through miles 18 and 19. Plateau’s glass-roofed bar, meanwhile, has great views of the action in the heart of the Canary Wharf estate.

Embankment and St James’ Park (miles 25-26)

If you’re going the distance with the runners, Embankment is the place to be as they reach the final stretch of the race.

Well-to-do One Twenty One Two at the Royal Horseguards has a terrace with glorious views of Embankment, and is a great place to toast the participants on the last leg of the course. Even closer to the finish line is Inn the Park (pictured, right), a beautiful café-restaurant offering food that’s a cut above at prices that are a cut below.

This feature was updated in March 2013.