Guide to whisky and whiskey bars in London

Milroy's has a serious reputation for whiskey in London.There's now a Spitalfields location as well as the original Soho site. At both bars you'll find cosy and compact spaces for savouring thousands of whiskeys and whiskies from across the world, plus other spirits and fine wines. Highballs and tasting measures are offered.

London’s whisky drinkers can’t miss Black Rock. This renowned bar has been named the UK’s best specialist bar four times and focuses on all things whisky. It’s a welcoming place making whisky accessible, offering drams and cocktails. This modern bar also offers whisky-blending sessions where you can take your own bottle home.

This modern drinking palace comes courtesy of the owner of one of London's best whisky shops, Milroy's of Soho. Spanning three floors of a 17th century listed building, Dram  Bar encompasses two bars, an outdoor terrace, a whisky store, and a private pool room where you can get ready-to-drink cocktails from a vending machine. And you can relax in the knowledge that while you're working your way through the drinks menu, Dram Bar's staff are hard at work developing new cocktails in the onsite R&D room.

Get a taste for Japanese and Scottish whisky at Bull in a China Shop - there are more than 100 varieties on offer at this Shoreditch bar and restaurant. You can also learn more about whisky by participating in a tasting here. Enjoy a dram or go for a cocktail or Asian-inspired food.

At both branches of Boisdale you can visit a bar that specialises in whisky, with the Belgravia location having two bars. This place is a classic Scottish bar and restaurant, decked out in tartan and with vibrant live jazz. There are plenty of whiskies to choose from, plus cocktails and wine.

Based in Mayfair, The Pine Bar is a sophisticated hotel bar with an impressive selection of whiskies and whiskeys from all over the world. The diverse menu includes other options like wine and cocktails to enjoy in the stylish bar area with bursts of rich colour. Luxury bar snacks are also served.

If you want a contemporary spot for cocktails, try Whiskey Ginger. This modern cocktail bar is close to Borough Market. It's a cool place with outdoor seating and exposed brick walls. The bar offers over 50 specialist whiskies and whiskeys from around the world, and you can order a burger if you're hungry.

Visit The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green if you like whiskey. The pub dates back to the 1850s, with brick interiors and shelves lined with bottles. This award-winning venue has London’s largest Irish whiskey selection, and the world’s largest collection of poitín - Irish moonshine. There’s a curated snacks and sharing boards menu.

Melody Whisky Bar is a laid-back venue boasting some serious grain spirit expertise. The sophisticated space is lined with bottles - it's the ideal place for discovering all that whisky and whiskey has to offer. You'll find varieties from across the world, including unexpected places like Sweden. Whisky flights are also served.

At Salt Whisky Bar and Dining Room you can sample fine Indian cooking along with 200 whiskies and whiskeys from around the world. The bar also serves a variety of cocktails and there's a shisha lounge here. The venue has a specially-designed interior that fuses the traditional and the contemporary.

Award-winning bar Merchant House has long been a favourite with hospitality workers but everyone is welcome here. Spirit drinkers are in for a real treat - 600 whiskies are available, plus 400 types of rum and 400 gin varieties. There's a warm and welcoming atmosphere and bottles lining the shelves.

One of the most famous Irish pubs in London, Waxy O'Connor's is a huge venue with four distinct bars set across six floors. Expect welcoming hospitality plus a wide choice of drinks. It's known for its big selection of Irish whiskey in particular. Food is available and live sport is shown too.

In Richmond there's Dropkick Jonny's, a hidden drinking den with classic pub decor and a speakeasy feel. A big choice of drinks is on offer but whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails are the main attraction. You can order a tasting paddle of hand-selected whiskeys and you can join a tasting masterclass here.

Swift in Soho is a dynamic venue that brings two bars into one space. If you’re in the mood for whisky, try the award-winning upstairs cocktail bar, which has 300 varieties of the spirit for you to sample. The space is modern and complemented by the laid-back drinking den downstairs.

Join Soho Whisky Club to make use of their members-only bar, dedicated to whisky enthusiasts. The light and airy venue has a sleek and sophisticated feel and offers more than 600 varieties of whisky and whiskey to try. Tasting events take place regularly and non-members are welcome to book a private tasting.

Housed in a former whiskey room, The Bar at The Athenaeum is all about laid-back luxury. You'll find comfortable spaces to relax in and over 100 grain spirits on the menu. There are whiskies and whiskeys from many regions, including unexpected ones like Denmark. Whiskey cocktails are available, plus wine from across the world.

With a black interior, classic rock jukebox, live music, and bras hanging from the ceiling, Slim Jim’s is the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s also great for drinks, with a cocktail menu and an extensive collection of whiskies and whiskeys. You can sample spirits from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and the USA.

One of the largest bars in London is The Porterhouse, an Irish pub with a buzzy atmosphere. Set across multiple floors, you can expect live music, beer, cocktails, and a considerable choice of Irish and US whiskey and whisky from Scotland. Food favourites like pizza and burgers are on the menu.

Head to The Britannia for modern British barbecue and a great choice of drinks. There's a typical pub exterior and a cool modern interior. The bar has a huge range of scotch and Irish whiskey, plus grain spirits from other regions. Food here includes burgers, ribs, chicken wings, and vegan options.

Part of The Connaught hotel, Coburg Bar is a sophisticated destination. You’re welcome to linger here and it’s especially popular with whisky drinkers. The bar has a compendium of whiskies originating from all over the world. Other drinks like wine and cocktails are also available, plus refined food like sashimi.

Head to The Whiskey Tumbler in Brixton for a real Irish welcome. You can expect traditional hospitality along with a modern sense of style. This place specialises in Irish whiskey and cocktails with a whiskey base. Irish coffee and a classic pint of Guinness are on offer as well, plus weekly live music.

If you're seeking a sophisticated American-style bar, try The Nickel Bar. This is a smart space for drinks and dining with a refined atmosphere. Classic British food is served throughout the day, and the bar specialises in whiskey from the USA but has grain spirits from around the world. Cocktails are also available.

Join The Scotch Malt Whisky Society for their London bar and members room. This space has a luxury feel, lined with glass cabinets. There are over 500 Scottish whiskies plus grain spirits from all around the world. Food is served too. Private hire of the tasting room is offered to members and non-members.

Named after one of history's greatest boxing promoters, Jack Solomons Club evokes the feel of glamorous old-school Soho. Ring the doorbell to enter this hidden space. The bar serves cocktails, a large selection of gins, and a big choice of grain spirits. You'll see scotch, plus options from Japan, Ireland, and the USA.

Lord Wargrave has the look of a British pub and a name to match but there are some big American influences here. Expect a classic interior paired with a meaty menu of burgers, ribs, and Sunday roasts. For drinks, there are over 270 whiskeys and whiskies plus a choice of craft beers.

Inspired by the Southern states of the US, The Blues Kitchen is a laid-back destination where music is a big deal. The house band plays every night, there’s Cajun BBQ food, and a well-stocked bar. There’s a full choice of drinks but whiskey and bourbon features heavily, including small-batch spirits.

The Grey Horse in Kingston has a classic pub exterior and is all about modern British food and tasty drinks. This award-winning bar has a full range of drinks, including a large scotch selection plus grain spirits from other regions. The food includes burgers, ribs, chicken wings, and vegan-friendly options.

Tucked under Leadenhall Market, you'll find the quaint and quirky Old Tom's Bar; it has a historical feel, with wall tiles from the 19th century. Descend the stairs into a haven for enjoying wine, whisky, and cheese. More than 50 grain spirits are offered and there are nibbles like charcuterie and upscale scotch eggs.

By day sultry The Malt Lounge and Bar is a destination for afternoon tea, before becoming a sophisticated Japanese-inspired bar later on. Premium Japanese and international whiskies are the speciality here, as well as sake. Rare whiskies are also available here. If you prefer, you can try your spirit of choice expertly-blended into a cocktail.

Spey Bar is the latest addition to the newly revamped Browns Brasserie in Covent Garden. It draws inspiration from the renowned Quaich Bar at the Craigellachie Hotel in Scotland, the world's oldest whisky hotel. This London outpost features an extraordinary assortment of whiskies, as well as signature cocktails and a variety of delectable bar snacks.

Counter 71's cellar bar shines a spotlight on American whiskey, using the spirit in a seasonally changing drinks menu with classic and signature cocktails such as the house special, the Boiler Maker – a beer with a shot of bourbon or rye on the side. There's serious mixology at work here, with the bartenders using maceration, gelling, and other advanced techniques to bring out flavours.

Based at upscale Michelin-starred restaurant Core by Clare Smyth, Whiskey & Seaweed is a sophisticated bar serving whiskies and whiskeys from around the British Isles. The venue is smart and the menus have a clear Irish influence. The spirits are used to craft tempting cocktails too. Guests can also enjoy high-end bar food here.

Nancy Spains opened in Shoreditch in 2024 and bills itself as a living and breathing ode to Irish whiskey. It's a lively and vibrant spot offering an extensive and exclusive whiskey collection in addition to inventive cocktails and Irish stout. Snacks are also served here plus live music acts are on regularly to keep the party vibes going.

Mayfair's stylish izakaya Koyn is divided into different areas, including a bar with a black timber counter, dark green leather stools, high oak ceilings, and traditional Japanese fretwork. The atmospheric Koyn Bar is home to a bespoke collection of Japanese whiskies alongside a curated assortment of sake and classic cocktails.

The East London Liquor Company, set in the industrial core of the East End, exudes a trendy, youthful atmosphere and produces an array of whiskies, gins, and vodkas alongside importing top-notch rums from Jamaica and Guyana. Visitors can taste their creations in the fully-equipped bar, enjoy bar snacks, or engage in a comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour or masterclass.