The fee-free platform for businesses and organisations offers real human contact to users to help them manage their travel arrangements
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Putney is a storied sort of a place.
Long the site of a river crossing, today the bustling high street and stretch of bank along the Thames sit alongside proud suburban streets – locations that have been home to politicians, artists, musicians, broadcasters, comedians, actors and sports personalities.
Its buildings are festooned with a diverse collection of blue plaques including one for being the birthplace of Henry VIII’s chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, and another marking the home of Fred Russell, the father of modern ventriloquism alongside cheeky sidekick Coster Joe.
It’s the kind of place that has a warmth to it – a welcoming stretch of city that derives much of its flavour from its proximity to the Thames.
As customer service is the theme for our second feature in collaboration with SWR Business Direct, it’s also the ideal destination for companies and organisations to treat those they work with at this time of year.
From the mid 1800s, Putney has become arguably the rowing capital of London.
The construction of the SWR’s line from London Waterloo allowed for easy commuting – a journey that today takes just 13 minutes – enabling rowers to escape the then polluted waters of the capital to a more pleasant stretch of river.
In 2026, more than 20 rowing clubs are based along the embankment, with the area becoming home to the University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge in 1845.
Walk along the edge of the Thames to the west of Putney Bridge and you’ll likely see rowers tending to racks of boats or sculling over the water in the shadow of the numerous clubhouses and sheds that look over the river to Fulham.
Spring really is the season for the sport with venues along the river the ideal spot to take in the action and present a compelling proposition for client entertaining.
This is especially true for the University Boat Race – which starts in Putney, finishes in Mortlake and is set to take place on April 4, 2026, (Easter Sunday).
Official hospitality options for, arguably, the UK’s most famous rowing contest are available at The Presidents’ Club at the Thames Rowing Club for £349 per person.
The package includes Chapel Down fizz, a full complimentary bar, bowl food, canapés, Boat Race hosts and TV screens broadcasting full coverage.
Other local venues will also be embracing the event in full force with top picks including The Duke’s Head and Thai Square Putney Bridge both of which overlook the start line.
Visitors to the area may then wish to take in artworks along the Thames by Alan Thornhill, which make up Putney Sculpture Trail, before repairing to one of a host of local venues such as Coppa Club, Tequila Mockingbird or The Bricklayer’s Arms for some relaxation after all the excitement.
From there, the High Street is awash with options to re-fuel such as independent buffet-style spot Octagreen, Lebanese restaurant Bosa Lounge or a succession of pubs such as the Spotted Horse or the Fox And Hounds.
From all of these, the station is no more than five minutes’ brisk walk for an easy ride back into central London or even further west for the adventurous.
The Duke’s Head
>> This Grade II listed Victorian pile is located right on the Thames and offers arguably the best views of the start of the Boat Race in Putney.
Operated by the Young’s pub chain, the venue boasts warm woods, muted greens and floral prints on the inside.
The best tables are (unsurprisingly) located in the riverside dining room which enjoys high ceilings and serves a menu of keenly selected staples.
Another good shout is The Rowing Club room.
We went for the Hasselback Jerusalem Artichokes to start (£9.50), which arrive pleasantly crispy in a lake of burnt cauliflower puree and chilli oil.
To follow, while fish and chips is a sound option with a generous serving of both, our tip is the Cumberland Sausages, which come in a trio atop a distinctly Gallic stew of lentils, bacon, tomatoes and crispy sage for £18.
The Duke’s Head doesn’t take bookings for the University Boat Race on April 4, 2026.
Tables are allocated on a first-come, first served basis.
Find out more about the venue here
Coppa Club, Putney
>> This hot spot on the river delivers refined shelter, food and drinks in a pleasant, well-honed venue complete with dining igloos to get closer to the water
Find out more about the venue here
on track with SWR’s Joe Thurgood
Q
How does South Western Railway’s one-to-one customer service for its Business Direct clients benefit the companies and organisations that use the platform to organise and book train travel for their staff across the UK?
A
If you’re a PA or a regular business traveller, you know that booking trains can sometimes feel like a second job.
That’s where South Western Railway Business Direct steps in.
Our one-to-one customer service isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a genuine game-changer for anyone trying to manage a hectic schedule without losing their mind.
For the PA, the biggest win is having a dedicated point of contact.
Instead of shouting into the void of a generic Contact Us form or dealing with AI service bots, you get a real human who actually understands your company’s needs.
At those times when you need to get an answer or refund those tickets because of a cancelled appointment, you have a direct line to a dedicated team who are there to resolve it and can turn a stressful afternoon of logistics into a quick email or call.
Plus, the platform helps track spending and invoices, making the dreaded monthly expenses much less of a headache.
For the traveller, it’s all about peace of mind.
Organising business travel can be stressful enough, and our one-to-one customer service and aftersales experience means that we know, what you need and essentially it replaces the “do-it-yourself” frustration with a personal concierge feel.
It saves time, reduces errors, and lets you focus on the actual business part of the trip rather than the transport.
It’s like having an extra team member who happens to be an expert in rail travel.
And best of all, it doesn’t cost a thing, SWR Business Direct is free to use for companies and organisations, but delivers a premium feel to our customers.
Joe Thurgood is business sales manager at South Western Railway and works to assist companies with their transport booking needs
key details: SWR Business Direct
SWR Business Direct is free to use and allows companies to book, plan and manage business travel across the whole of Britain.
There are no hidden fees or charges and no booking fees on tickets purchased via the service.
Read more: Discover Georgian food and wine at Sad Meli in Royal Docks
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