Bars
The 4 Best Whisky Bars in London
Backbar shelves that read like a library: where to drink whisky properly in London.
In short: our top picks are Black Rock, Milroys of Soho and Boisdale of Belgravia. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
A good whisky bar is a quiet kind of luxury: a shelf that reads like a library, someone behind the bar who knows it well, and a seat you can settle into for the evening. These are the London rooms to come for a dram that means something.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Black Rock | £££ | |
| Milroys of Soho | Soho | £££ |
| Boisdale of Belgravia | Belgravia | ££££ |
| The Connaught Bar | Mayfair | ££££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Black Rock
Why we pick itA whisky bar run like a record shop; flights and bottlings you will not find elsewhere.
-
Milroys of Soho
Why we pick itA Soho institution above the shop; an encyclopaedic shelf and bartenders who know it cold.
-
Boisdale of Belgravia
Why we pick itBelgravia jazz and a serious Scotch list; old-school, comfortable, and properly stocked.
-
The Connaught Bar
Why we pick itWorld-class cocktails and a back bar deep enough to spend an evening exploring.
Before you book
Tell the bartender what you usually like and let them steer; that is how you find the bottle you would never have ordered. A measure of water opens most whiskies up, so do not be shy asking for it. And go for the flight if there is one: it is the affordable way to drink across a great shelf.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Black Rock is our editor's choice: A whisky bar run like a record shop; flights and bottlings you will not find elsewhere. Black Rock, Milroys of Soho and Boisdale of Belgravia lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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