Homeboy Islington
Get your whiskey fill as Homeboy shakes up a delicious array of cocktails. From boozy Irish coffees to seasonal sips and, of course, Irish whiskeys on the backbar, this Angel watering hole has the water of life in all forms.
"Too much of anything is bad. Too much of good whisky is barely enough." Mark Twain
Discover the difference between Scotch and Bourbon, malt and grain whiskies, blended, single malt and cask strength whiskies at these notorious London whisky bars. From the secret, discreet and romantic to the established and the historical, we're bringing you delicious drams left right and centre in our guide to the best whisky spots in the city.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 28th November 2024
Get your whiskey fill as Homeboy shakes up a delicious array of cocktails. From boozy Irish coffees to seasonal sips and, of course, Irish whiskeys on the backbar, this Angel watering hole has the water of life in all forms.
Tucked away in the heart of Leadenhall Market, Old Tom's is a hidden gem of a bar serving a first-rate collection of whiskies in an atmospheric setting. With wall tiles dating back to the 19th century and lots of tasty cheese and charcuterie boards to soak up all that booze, swing by after work and pick out your favourite from 17 whisky brands ideal for a casual nightcap or indulging on a school night.
If you're on the hunt for whisky bars in London, check out Britannia Smok'd for a taste of the dark stuff. Situated on Kipling Street, the venue slings out a variety of spirits including American, English, Irish and Japanese whiskies,
The Blues Kitchen, one of the most famous whisky and blues bars in London, is renowned for Bourbons and Tennessee whiskies. The Blues Kitchen's staff will be on hand to find the right companion for you and your blues. They offer an affordable whisky experience, with the benefit of a bourbon club subscription, which rewards The Blues Kitchen elders by being firsts to sample all the different varieties on offer.
Big dark liquor fan? You'll absolutely love The Lord Wargrave for their fabulous whiskey tastings with spirits from all over the world, from the US to Ireland and Japan. Pair your drinks with delicious American-style BBQ eats or juicy burgers.
Chic, stylish and swish, Hush Mayfair is bringing private members club vibes without the price tag. Join the sophisticated venue for whiskies from around the world, including world-famous Japan, Scotland and America, all of which are perfect with one of their steak or seafood dishes.
There's one important thing to remember when it comes to indulging in fine whisky, it's not all about quantity but rather the quality. Join The Luggage Room as they promise a back bar that boasts a varying selection of whisky bottles, ranging from the shores of Japan to the Scottish Highlands, tucked away just behind Mayfair.
Huge fan of whisky? Well The Punch Tavern has got you covered. Step into the 19th century at this historical pub and enjoy their wide selection of specialty whisky and gin. If you're feeling hungry tuck into their delicious small plates and nibbles.
A curated collection of over 600 whiskies makes up the ethos of Odyssey Bar & Lounge, a hidden bar in Hoxton Square made for true enthusiasts. There's also the UK's largest menu of American whiskies too, for those who love to get their lips around Bourbon.
Expect an intimate setting with industrial styling, as well as the best vegan whiskey sours and a whiskey high-ball cocktail too (Bourbon, jasmine, green tea and apricot).
If you're searching for a whisky bar in London with a bit of character, you'll find heaps of it oozing out the dark wooden walls of Nancy Spains in Shoreditch. This Irish rebel of a pub has got a Prohibition-style speakeasy feel mixed with the charm of a local boozer, as well as a mighty, authentic selection of the good stuff, with an exclusive menu dedicated in its honour. Come for Jameson Highballs at £6 a pop and stay when you discover its signature cocktails like a honey-flavoured espresso martini and the nutty Gangs of New York.
If you're hunting for a sick whisky bar in London, we've got just the place. Head over to JW Steakhouse for their impressive bourbon bar. We're talking over 200 bottles, including a pre-prohibition whisky.
Looking for some of the best whisky in London in a charming boozer to boot? Not only does The Leman Street Tavern have a back bar that boasts over 30 bottles of premium whisky, these bottles have been hand-picked for your dram drinking pleasure.
Blue Bar At The Berkley offers an extensive range of whiskey, so if you're a fan of the spirit then you need to add the slinky spot to your must-visit list. With dark blue and silver moody interiors from David Collins and tucked-away seating areas to cosy up in, it offers a sophisticated setting to peruse a menu featuring an array of single-malt Scottish whiskies, as well as blended and Japanese.
Home to over 101 whiskies, this unique basement bar in West Hampstead is one of the best places in London for firewater fans. Whether you're looking to nose a couple of drams or sample them in cocktail form, The Gallery's impressive list has got you covered on all bases.
This Kensington pub is home to over 100 bottles of whisky. We repeat, 100 bottles! Not only is The Britannia coming up trumps in terms of whisky variety, their back bar is a high-end nod to some of the very best bottles of whisky in the entire world.
For a cool underground bar at The Megaro Hotel in King's Cross, check out the alchemy-inspired Hokus Pokus. Head mixologist Greg Chudzio is whipping up over 30 potion-style cocktails, from a Wagyu-washed Bourbon to the Hibiscus Tequila Sours, to be enjoyed surrounded by vintage utensils, chemistry tools and quirky artwork.
Get your fill of the firewater spirit over at Swift Borough's basement bar, Back Pocket. Here, you'll find an impressive lineup of whiskies that are sure to wet the whistle alongside cocktails and beers, all in a slinky, speakeasy atmosphere.
With over 170 bottles from all over the world, Sibin Speakeasy is one of the best places for whisky in London. Not only that, but this drinking den has jazz nights to accompany, cocktails laced with the stuff and is hidden behind an unassuming bookcase at Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
Searching for one of the best whisky bars in London? MAP Maison is a brilliant shout for those after something different. Not only does the venue scream luxe with its gorgeous interiors, but the spot also offers cocktail making classes so you can learn the history behind your favourite spirit.
Distillery bar East London Liquor Company is one of the best places to drink whisky cocktails in London, or to have it neat if you prefer. This converted warehouse location is all kinds of cool, while also having a terrace at its canalside location.
The Terrace Bar at The Chesterfield Mayfair is the ultimate destination for any firewater fans. Its unique Whiskey Nosing Experiences guide you through tastings of four different bottles, including Yamazaki 12 years, Crown Royal and more.
When looking for somewhere to sip on whisky, you need the cool setting appropriate for the drink. Cue Black Rock, a contemporary and minimalist drinking space with enough quirks to keep you coming back for more. Most will be drawn by the 250 bottles of whisky displayed in their 'library', others for the 18ft, 185-year-old oak tree trunk that acts as an interactive cocktail ageing system in the centre of the room.
Just opposite the Tea Building in Shoreditch, and an easy walk from the overground station, Bull In A China Shop is known to be a London favourite for whisky. With over 100 Japanese and Scotch whiskies to choose from, whether you like them neat or in a highball, Bull In A China Shop's intimate setting of only 50 seats makes for a great stop to enjoy flavours from across the world.