Whisky bars flood the capital with unique blends from around the world
Whisky lovers rejoice: London is home to an abundance of distinguished whisky bars serving unique and rare amber liquor from around the globe. Whether you’re looking to relax with a dram or two after work or want to discover something new with friends, London’s whisky scene is unsurpassable.
Here, we’ve rounded up six of the best and most exclusive whisky bars in London for you to peruse.
Black Rock in Shoreditch is a refined basement whisky bar with an extensive menu of mouth-watering cocktails and over 250 single malts and blends. From whisky sours and boulevardiers to beer amer and Guinness punch, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Of course, if you’re wanting something a little more hands-on, this bar also offers intimate, expert-led whisky tasting sessions where you’ll sample six drams of aged single malts before blending your own customised bottle to take home.
A defining feature of this bar which draws in patrons is the magnificent 185-year-old oak tree trunk in the middle of the room, laid flat and topped with glass to act as a table. The table also doubles as a ‘whisky river’, which holds the establishment’s own house blend which is thoroughly drinkable.
In the centre of Soho, you’ll find an oasis of whisky and cigars at London’s only whisky-based private member’s club, the Soho Whisky Club. Small and unassuming, this bar is tucked above The Vintage House whisky shop on Old Compton Street. With an impressive selection of over 600 bottles of whisky from the world’s best distilleries, including America, England, Taiwan, Japan, Australia and India, this club is a true haven for whisky enthusiasts.
Members of the Soho Whisky Club will be able to use the space at their leisure, either for lunch or dinner or even as a personal office or meeting room. It’s an ideal spot to both focus and unwind. Plus, each membership includes exclusive access for you and three guests, so you can impress friends and clients too. You’ll also be invited to enjoy complimentary whisky tastings throughout the year, which are an unmissable experience.
Boisdale is a must-visit bar for all whisky fans and offers scarlet-clad locations in Canary Wharf, Belgravia, Bishopgate and Mayfair. With over 1,000 malt whiskies on offer and a 70-page long whisky list that takes your drinking experience through the Scottish Highlands, Lowlands and everywhere else in between, you won’t be hard-pressed in discovering a new favourite tipple here.
The lively bar features regular music events and guests, and has an oyster bar and grill, cigar terrace andCuban cigar library and shop. Its unique supper club dining is matched with a wide range of jazz, soul and blues music curated by Jools Holland. An evening at Boisdale is one that won’t ever be forgotten.
Founded back in 1964, Milroy's began as London’s first ever specialist whisky store. Now, it’s one of London’s best whisky bars. Having accumulated a vast range of whiskies, with around 400 from Scotland alone, it’s the perfect spot to get your whisky fix. Upstairs, you’ll still find a whisky shop where you can either buy your favourite bottle or pour your own with a custom whisky blend.
If you’re in the mood for other spirits and want to enjoy a quiet moment after a day in the city, head downstairs, which is accessible through a secret bookcase door. Here, a brooding, basement cocktail bar called The Vault resides. Softly lit by candlelight and with a cosy rustic vibe, The Vault offers a modern-day speakeasy experience.
The distinguished Dukes Hotel, which is hidden down a cul-de-sac in upmarket Mayfair, is where you’ll find Dukes bar. Its smoky perfume and luxe decor have enticed many of the greats to have a drink or two here in the past, including author Ian Fleming, composer Edward Elgar and several members of the royal family.
Passionate about Scotch whisky, Dukes Bar has a small but rare collection of single malts and old blends to savour. They also specialised in a range of indulgent whisky-based cocktails that will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Exuberant yet sophisticated, the Swift whisky bar in Soho offers a welcoming atmosphere and elegantly crafted drinks. Spanning across two floors, the bar’s upstairs is dedicated to a bright and buzzy scene where cocktails make wonderful aperitifs before dinner. The cosy, warmly lit basement is home to over 300 drams and specialises in nightcaps and cocktails using darker spirits.
With whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, America and more, there are plenty of drinks to discover and explore. Plus, on Saturday and Sunday nights you’ll be treated to live jazz and blues music for the ultimate weekend relaxation.
Thinking of creating your own whisky room at home? Read our home whisky room ideas and inspiration blog to get started and browse our luxury whisky room and bar furniture to complete the look.
Looking for something new to try? Take a look at our 10 favourite cosy whisky distilleries to tour.
