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Top 10 bars for whisky in London

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Top 10 bars for whisky in London

April 22, 2022

London is a city that knows how to celebrate. With so much diversity and culture on offer, it’s no wonder that there are endless options for things to do in the capital. And on 21st May 2022, the city will come alive with World Whisky Day celebrations! If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy a dram of Scotch whisky in London, look no further than our top 10 list below.

Black Rock

A subterranean whisky bar in Moorgate, Black Rock is the perfect place to enjoy a dram of Scotch whisky. With over 120 whiskies on offer, including 30 single malts, there’s something for everyone at this bar. The knowledgeable staff are more than happy to help you find the right whisky for your palate.

Black Rock technically doesn’t have a bar, but instead, the bar is split by a huge 185-year-old oak tree that takes up the entire room and functions as a whisky river. The cabinets around the room are stocked with over 1200 bottles of whisky, so you’re sure to find the perfect dram for your taste.

The Black Rock whisky bar has become a favourite among whisky lovers in London and a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the world of Scotch whisky.

East London Liquor Company – Moorgate.

The East London Liquor Company is a distillery and bar rolled into one. It was set up in 2014 by Alex Wolpert, who dreamed of making London’s first whisky since the last major distilleries closed back in 1903.

The decor is inspired by the 1920’s and 30’s, with dark wood panelling, leather Chesterfields and a large bar in the centre of the room. There’s an impressive selection of whisky on offer, as well as cocktails made with their very own spirits.

The team at East London Liquor Company experimented with flavours to create new twists on the classic Scotch whisky, including their signature Serve: a well-balanced whisky with subtle smoky notes, vanilla sweetness from the oak and a touch of orange.

The Connaught Bar

If you’re looking for somewhere luxurious to enjoy a dram of Scotch whisky, The Connaught Bar is the place for you. Housed in London’s swanky Mayfair district, this bar offers an extensive whisky selection that will satisfy even the most discerning of drinkers.

Filled with sparkling glasses and candle lit tables, The Connaught is an atmospheric and romantic place to raise a toast with your loved one. Textured walls in platinum silver leaf, oak and mahogany panelling and a dramatic turquoise ceiling create an opulent backdrop to your evening.

Their classic cocktails are certainly one-of-a-kind; choose from the likes of the ‘Old Fashioned’ with a twist or the beautifully presented ‘Connaught Martini’. Whisky enthusiasts will love this bar.

Bull in a China Shop

Situated down in Shoreditch, the Bull in a China Shop is an unassuming bar that’s well worth seeking out for its whisky selection. With over 200 different bottles on offer, there’s something to please everyone here – whether you’re a fan of peaty Islay malts or sweet and smooth Speysides.

The bartenders at the Bull in a China Shop are passionate about whisky and love nothing more than talking through their extensive selection with guests. If you’re new to the world of whisky, they’ll be more than happy to help guide you in the right direction.

Black Rock Tavern

A spin-off of Black Rock and based on a Japanese Izakaya concept, this bar is all about whisky and charcoal-grilled food. It’s also got an incredible centrepiece; a nine-metre long oak bar with over 400 bottles of whisky on display – it’s the largest collection in London.

A visit to Black Rock Tavern isn’t just about tasting whisky though. There are 30 cocktails on offer, all using Japanese whisky as the base spirit on offer, including the famous Whisky Sour and a great whisky-based Old Fashioned.

As an Izakaya bar, there is also a range of beers and ales on hand, as well as a collection of wines from around the world.

This bar is all about intimate settings and warm spaces – it’s got exposed brickwork, dark wood furnishings and soft lighting with a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

You can also order a range of Asian-inspired dishes to accompany your drink, including sushi and dim sum, as well as traditional British pub classics if you’re feeling peckish after all that whisky!

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

A part of a Scottish restaurant group, Boisdale of Canary Wharf is one of the most popular whisky bars in London. With over 250 whiskies on offer, it’s unsurprising that it has been awarded The Scotch Whisky Association Award for Best Whisky Bar in London 6 times.

The bar features a 70-page whisky catalogue filled with some of the best whiskies that Scotland has to offer and vary from the region’s most popular and affordable drams to the rarest bottlings.

The whisky list also features a selection of world whiskies, including Japanese and American varieties. The bar often hosts tastings where guests can learn more about their favourite drink from expert bartenders.

Swift

Swift is a two-level bar and restaurant in the heart of Soho. The bar, which has over 250 whiskies on offer, features a cosy cave-like basement space with low ceilings and dim lighting.

The speakeasy atmosphere harkens back to Prohibition-era America and is the perfect backdrop for an evening of whisky drinking. The bar’s ‘Whisky Library’ boasts a wide range of Scottish malts as well as Japanese and Indian whiskies.

The Vault of Soho

Whisky specialist Milroy’s of Soho, one of London’s oldest whisky bars, has opened a secret speakeasy bar with over 200 whiskies on offer.

The Vault is located beneath Milroy’s and can be found by following an unmarked door at the back of their shop. The bar features both Scotch and Japanese whiskies as well as a selection of unusual whiskies from around the world.

The Vault also hosts exclusive whisky tastings with industry experts, giving guests an opportunity to truly explore the wide array of global whiskies on offer.

Hide Below

Another minimalist subterranean bar, this time in a disused tube station. There are close to 100 scotches on offer, as well as a wide variety of other spirits.

Hide Below is the perfect place for whisky lovers looking for an intimate and unique drinking experience.

It’s only open from Thursday to Saturday and is strictly by appointment only. Once inside you can expect whisky tastings with some of the world’s leading experts, and masterclasses from distillers themselves.

Dropkick Jonny’s

Located in Richmond and situated above popular pub The Tap Tavern, Dropkick Jonny’s is a haven for whisky lovers.

The bar has over 120 different whiskies on offer, as well as an extensive range of other spirits and cocktails. Open until 1am from Wednesday through to Saturday, Dropkick Jonny’s is a great place to enjoy the finest whisky and spirits late into the night.