Five great London whisky bars

Our capital is filled with bars all jostling to claim ownership of the largest collection of Scotch, bourbon and Irish whiskies. But, as is the case with wine lists, a carefully curated selection in a convivial space with knowledgeable staff will always win against a backbar groaning under the weight of dusty bottles. These five whisky bars in London may have a huge selection or are simply known for their specialist bottles and keen interest in whiskies, yet either way are thoroughly enjoyable places to enjoy the finest spirit in the world.

Black Rock – for exploring your palate

9 Christopher Street, London EC2A 2BS
Mon-Sat 5pm-late, Sun CLOSED

A small basement bar around the back of Liverpool Street Station, Black Rock has an unassuming entrance which, despite the fact it descends, is a staircase leading to whisky heaven. Let the centrepiece of the room steal your attention for just a few minutes – a majestic tree trunk which acts as a table and whisky ageing station – and then be guided through Scotland’s malt spirit allowing taste to be your decider. At Black Rock, rather than classify the bottles by region or brand, the team have tasted their way through each whisky and organised them according to six flavour groups and whether they’re heavy and light. It’s basically a flavour map – one which becomes easier to navigate once the drams start flying.

Milroy’s of Soho – for international drams

3 Greek Street, Soho W1D 4NX
Mon CLOSED, Tue-Sat 6pm-Midnight

A London institution, you can allow your taste buds to go crazy at Milroy’s, with bottles from the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islands, Islay and Campbeltown – and that’s just the Scotch. Come prepared to taste smooth bourbons and spicy rye whiskey from across the pond, and even sample malts from Japan, Sweden, Australia and South Africa. Milroy’s feels like a step back in time, and hunkering down in a corner with traditional blends, an interesting single cask and some punchy rye is one of London’s true drinking delights.

Bull in a China Shop – for Japanese whiskies

196 Shoreditch High Street E1 6LG
Mon-Fri 8am-midnight, Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10am-11pm

Rare and premium is the name of the game here, and you’ll quickly discover some of the fabulous whiskies on the market. Bull in a China Shop specialises in both Scotch and Japanese whisky but with a food menu themed towards Asian cuisine, it would be rude not to get involved with some fantastic Japanese bottlings. Try Japan’s answer to Islay with a smoky Yoichi, or one of their rare single malt whiskies. Better yet, order a whisky cocktail – after all, the Japanese dilute their own whiskies so why not follow suit?

Soho Whisky Club – for tastings

42 Old Compton Street W1D 4LR
Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri noon-midnight, Sat 1pm-midnight

Members only. But don’t let that stop you, for once you have the key to the door (and for that, all you need to do is drop in and charm the staff – simples) this place will become your favourite spot to sit and soak up whisky knowledge, while sipping a dram alongside, naturally. It isn’t the most beautiful London bar but for the spirits available, the small terrace for a languid afternoon cigar and the free tastings, this is easily one of the best London memberships – Annabel’s, eat your heart out. If you joined tomorrow, you’d have access to 14 tastings till the end of 2016, including sessions dedicated to rum and gin as well as a wealth of various whisky distilleries from around the world. Plus there’s always the benefit of having somewhere calm to drink in Soho.

Sun Tavern – for Irish whiskies

441 Bethnal Green Road E2 0AN
Mon-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Sat noon-1am, Sun noon-midnight

This intimate pub in Bethnal Green may seem like just another local but it is in fact a temple to Irish spirits and London brews. Irish whiskey has had its tough times, and no one appreciates this more than the team here who will happily talk you though the differences with its neighbouring Scotch, pot-still distillation and why the Irish were so adamantly against blended whiskey. Try a healthy slug from the distilleries dotted around the Emerald Isle and, if you’ll allow a slight deviation from whiskey, then it would be crime to visit the Sun Tavern and not try poteen. The pub itself is an oasis of comfort with a relaxed vibe that only east London can truly deliver. No one here is judging how you enjoy your whiskey or even how you pronounce poteen…

Jane is editor at DrinkUp.London, the home of London Cocktail Week, London Wine Week and London Beer Week.