The Old Brewery

Few pubs have a more impressive setting than The Old Brewery. It's housed in the Royal Naval College right opposite the Cutty Sark, one of the best-loved landmarks on the marathon route. It's pretty impressive inside too – a large hall and working brewery with copper tuns, and beer bottles suspended from the ceiling in a wave pattern. The pub is run by local brewery Meantime, so there's an extensive selection of craft beers behind the bar as well as a restaurant.

The Old Brewery, The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9LW, 020 3327 1280;

The Narrow

Gordon Ramsay's gastropub, The Narrow is a great spot to watch the marathon. It's perched right on the route in Limehouse at mile 14 – just over half-way, so the runners will be in need of some encouragement. The stylish terrace at the back of the pub has sweeping views of the Thames and there'll be spectator-fuel in the form of a BBQ, hog roast and a real ale van.

The Narrow, 44 Narrow Street, London E14 8DP, 020 7592 7950; gordonramsay.com/thenarrow

Wahaca Terrace Bar

Margarita while you watch the marathon? The sun-trap terrace bar upstairs at Mexican restaurant Wahaca, in Canary Wharf, looks out on the nearby skyscrapers as well as down on to the marathon route around mile 19. While you're waiting for the runners, there's table football and swing chairs to keep you entertained, and if Sunday lunchtime is a bit too early for cocktails, try the delicious non-alcoholic Agua Fresca , made with hibiscus juice.

Wahaca Terrace Bar, The Park Pavillion, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5FW, 020 7516 9145

The Draft House Tower Bridge

London's food bloggers love The Draft House for its craft beers and burgers. This branch on Tower Bridge Road is between miles 12 and 13, where the fastest runners will be sailing past around 12pm. Inside, the decor is a blend of Americana and old-fashioned pub, with pea green banquettes and retro band posters, and even some Ghostbusters wallpaper on the stairs. The perfect place to hole up for Sunday lunch with a big gang of friends and soak up the marathon atmosphere.

The Draft House, 206-208 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP

020 3651 2878

The Phoenix

Need a pub near the finish line to celebrate afterwards? The Phoenix is a couple of minutes walk (or a 10-minute hobble) from Buckingham Palace and The Mall where the London Marathon ends. The decor is surprisingly cool for a city centre pub – pendant lights, reclaimed wood tables and burlesque-girl wallpaper. Hungry runners can refuel with something hearty from The Phoenix's seasonal menu, washed down with a celebratory glass of Moet.

The Phoenix, 14 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA, 020 7828 8136