The Best Whisky Bars in London

London is a fantastic place for whisky fans, with a renewed interest in distilling helping to produce great new blends – and encouraging both established and pioneering spaces to stock up on their own whiskies.

Whether you’re in the mood for a meal alongside your drinks or simply want to find a fun new place to visit during your trip to London, here are a few of the best whisky bars in the city…

Jackson & Rye

City of London

A bar and restaurant in the heart of the City of London, this space gives you the chance to enjoy a meal with your drink, as well as a menu of around 20 whiskies.

Each has its own distinct character and equally distinctive name – ranging from ‘Pancake Parlour’ to ‘Breakfast of Champions’. In addition to the whisky, there’s also plenty of bourbon and rye, giving you plenty of variety during your visit.

Jackson & Rye have a wide range of price points available for both their bourbons and their meals, including a vintage whisky section which is sure to impress true whisky fans staying at Montcalm Royal London House.

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf

A bold and energetic whisky bar in Canary Wharf, Boisdale is home to whiskies which range from many different areas and decades. Vintage finds are often from the 1930s and 1940s, including a few names which are no longer in production.

There’s also a tasty dining menu to enjoy, which is based on traditional Scottish dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a bite to eat or just want to stop by for a couple of drinks - this is one of the best places in London to experience great whisky, with more than 900 bottles available to try.

Milroy’s of Soho

Soho

A Soho bar which caters to all tastes, rather than just whisky, nonetheless Milroy’s of Soho has a strong emphasis on whisky from Scotland, alongside other drinks from around the world.

The space includes both a whisky shop where you can take away a bottle or casket for later, and a petite yet appealing whisky bar which is nestled away at the back, If you plan on making an evening of it here, we highly recommend booking a table first – given the small space and its popularity, it can sometimes be quite tricky to grab a spot here.

Nonetheless, we highly recommend a visit during your stay at hotels near Old Street Station, particularly if you might want to buy a bottle to take home with you.

Black Rock

Moorgate

There’s no real ‘bar’ at this whisky bar, but there’s plenty of staff around who will be happy to take your order. The venue offers more than 250 bottles of whisky, each of which can be tried here (though preferably not within the space of one evening), with each one categorised by its smokiness, spiciness and other crucial distinguishing features.

In the middle of the bar you’ll find something truly spectacular – the trunk of an 185 year old oak tree, which has been placed flat in Black Rock and has a glass top, allowing it to serve as both a table and a ‘river of whisky’ while the venue’s own blend continues to age.

Mac & Wild City

City of London

A bar and restaurant with a distinctively Scottish theme, this is a great place to try their menu of more than 100 whiskies. The venue has a wide variety of price points, so you can be as luxurious as you like.

In addition, there’s a delicious menu of meat-laden dishes, with cuts sourced primarily from Scotland. This is a great way to get an authentic whisky drinking experience during your trip to the UK capital.

The Whisky Lounge

Paddington

The whiskies on offer at The Whisky Lounge include around 70 varieties, each of which span the globe to create truly impressive flavour experiences.

There’s single malts drawn from Asia and also whiskies from a little closer to home, each presented with some information about the drink in front of you. After an evening here, you’ll probably find yourself knowing much more about whisky than you ever imagined!

This venue has warm yet neutral décor and a relaxed ambiance, perfect for enjoying a few drinks while you enjoy hotel packages in London.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

City of London

Located in the bustling City of London, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is perfect for avid whisky buffs who want to find out more about their favourite drink.

This is the home of the society’s London branch, and includes whiskies from all over the world, including 129 separate global distilleries. Every single one has been handpicked and taste-tested before being presented to the public.

Expect plenty of representation from Scottish whiskies, as well as Irish and Welsh varieties. There are taste testing sessions available throughout the week, where you can really discover how these whiskies were made and the nuance behind their flavour profiles. If you’d prefer to simply stop in for a few drinks, then that’s also entirely possible – just pop into the mini bar on-site while you’re enjoying the latest spa packages in London.

East London Liquor Company

Hackney

A Hackney bar with tons of appeal, the East London Liquor Company brings spirit-drinking to the East End in style. The area it occupies was once the true heart of London’s spirit distillation, and the recent craft beers and spirits movement has seen this part of London experience a new boom in production.

Whether you’re a true whisky aficionado or just want to drop into somewhere atmospheric and sample a tasty menu, this space offers both options – with dramatic décor and a view to the interior distillery room via the enormous glass wall.

Cocktails and tasting sessions are available, all organised and run by the experienced and talented bartenders working here.