London is a great place for whisky lovers. Uncover unique and rare whiskies, find out more about the amber liquor at talks and whisky tastings, or just relax in a bar or lounge with a dram or two after a meal in one of London's restaurants.
1. The Hyde Bar at The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Select from more than 130 premium whiskies at this stylish hangout within The Park Tower Knightsbridge hotel.
Grab a seat at the bar to browse through The Hyde Bar's drinks menu featuring Japanese and Canadian whiskies alongside lesser-known Taiwanese, Swedish and Indian tipples. If none of those take your fancy, opt for a bourbon or a whisky cocktail.
Location: The Park Tower Knightsbridge, 101 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RN
2. The American Bar, The Savoy Hotel
The longest serving cocktail bar in the city, The American Bar at The Savoy Hotel has a reputation for keeping things fresh, and their selection of whiskies is no exception. Serving many a famous face in its time, grab a stool by the bar where the likes of Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway have also enjoyed a tipple, or three.
Location: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
3. Black Rock
Picture a small, low-lit basement bar in east London where the centrepiece is a tree trunk through which flows a whisky river (yes, you read that right). Black Rock is a sleek establishment that boasts more than 200 different items on its menu but fret not, the experts are on hand to pair you with the perfect blend.
Location: 9 Christopher Street, London EC2A 2BS
4. The Bar at The Athenaeum
This classy Piccadilly hotel’s bar features more than 100 versions of the grain-based liquor. The intimate hideaway serves bar snacks alongside various whisky-based cocktails and straight up whiskies.
Whisky-lovers of all sorts will be catered for at The Athenaeum, with a large menu of malted and blended Scottish whiskies, as well as Irish, North American and Japanese bottles – there’s also the chance to try the more rarefied English and Dutch tipples.
Location: The Athenaeum Hotel,116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ
5. East London Liquor Company
Housing its own distillery behind the bar, this East London venue serves both its own and imported gins, rums and vodkas.
Although East London Liquor Company's own whiskies will not be available for a while yet, it serves 50 tipples from around the world and hosts bespoke tasting events. On the site of an old glue factory in Bow and with an industrial décor in keeping with its heritage, this bar provides a great chance to learn about the distilling process.
Location: Unit GF1 221, Grove Road Bow Wharf, London E3 5SN
6. The Vault - Milroy's of Soho
Serving the people of Soho since the 1960s, Milroy's is a popular spot among drink enthusiasts, celebrities and politicians alike - but the star of the show is nestled below the lively bar.
The Vault, a candle-lit cellar that once stored sherry, is all about serving unpretentious, quality whisky in an intimate setting making it the perfect date night spot or a place to have a cosy catch-up with friends.
Location: 3 Greek Street, London W1D 4NX
7. Salt Whisky Bar and Dining
Take your pick from the 200 whiskies and bourbons on offer at Salt Whisky Bar and Dining, near Marble Arch. This modern lounge bar and restaurant has a vast array of Scottish whiskies and American bourbons, as well as a good choice of Irish, blended and Japanese bottles – try a mix at regular tastings. Unsurprisingly, given the restaurant’s focus on Indian cuisine, there are even Indian whiskies to discover.
Location: 82 Seymour St, Tyburnia, London W2 2JB
Whiskey tasting experiences in London
1. Whiskey Tasting Experience at TT*
This two-hour tasting experience at Hoxton bar TT allows you to try six whiskies from the United States, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Japan and India. Get a real flavour of how this famous tipple is enjoyed around the world.
2. Whisky and Cheese Pairing Masterclass at Park Row*
Enjoy a tasting at Pennyworth's Whisky Bar at Park Row, as you are greeted with a whisky-based cocktail upon your arrival at the elegant DC-inspired venue. As you delve into the history of the production and processes behind creating the famous drink, savour three expertly selected whiskies that have been paired with delicious cheeses.
3. Whisky Tasting Experience with Sharing Dishes at The Rubens at the Palace*
Journey into the world of whisky with this delightful tasting experience at The Rubens at the Palace. You'll be served three separate whiskies as you tuck into a platter of tasty cheeses and sweet chocolate truffles. The whisky experts will provide an interesting narrative as you spend your afternoon indulging.
Book a Whisky Tasting Experience with Sharing Dishes at The Rubens at the Palace*