How does a private starting line view of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, complete with fridges full of beer, comfy seats and even your own bartender sound?

Well it could be yours - as long as you are willing to part with a few thousand pounds.

The Duke's Head pub, in Lower Richmond Road, Putney, has this year decided to take a novel approach to hiring out its first floor function room on Boat Race day, which is April 7.

It is auctioning it on ebay.

The pub's general manager Lee Bartlett said: "Everyone flocks to the pub on Boat Race day so we thought, why not give one lucky punter the chance to spectate in style in our VIP club room? With two fully stocked fridges thrown in for good measure, the real race will be between the bidders."

However, do not expect to pick up a cheap day out as the highest bid is already £3,600 and is yet to meet the reserve.

Whoever the winning bidder will be, they will get to enjoy the club room, which holds 50 guests, all to themselves from 12-7pm. After enjoying the start of the race from an unrivalled view they can then turn to the plasma TV screens to watch the light and dark blues battle it out along the river, while served a selection of canapés and drinks from the two fully stocked fridges.

Bidding ends on Thursday 15 March at 10am.