Top 10 Places to Drink an Old Fashioned in London

Sure, it's simple as hell - but there's something so satisfying about sipping on an old fashioned. From Mad Men's Don Draper to the city of Louisville naming it as their official drink, we're not the only ones who love this blend of bitters, whisky or bourbon, and sugars. While it may have originated across the pond in the US, London's bars haven't let that stop them creating their own take on the classic; we've rounded up 10 of the best old fashioneds in the city.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 20th November 2024




Nightjar Shoreditch

Great Gatsby Celebration -

Tricky to find behind heavy, unsigned wooden doors, sandwiched between shops near Old Street station, the basement room pulsates with live music, friendly bar staff and a buzzing atmosphere. Look out for the Toronto, a development on the old fashioned, with candy floss, orange blossom smoke and a coffee and roasted pecan syrup thrown in, all mixed with a delicious Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

Dovetail Bar - Clapton

If you're after a place that offers more than just drinks, Dovetail Bar in Clapton is where you'll find all the right ingredients: cosy interiors, eclectic tunes, and a killer cocktail list that blends the old and the new.

Every visit feels like a new discovery, from their seasonal specials to the carefully selected spirits on display. It's old fashioned is a standout tipple - made with Wild Turkey 101, Monkey Shoulder, Talisker 10, Picon Amer, shortbread and spiced maple, it can be all yours for just £11. 

Ruya

Middle Eastern restaurant and lounge bar Ruya is known for its slick interiors and contemporary dishes – but they also have some incredible cocktails to match. Don't miss out on their Ottoman old fashioned, stirred with Maker's Mark whiskey, tobacco and date syrup and a spritz of orange.

Black Rock

Black Rock is a go-to whisky bar known for it's 185-year-old oak tree trunk that they use to age their liqour. With no menu and no bar, visitors are left to fend for themselves – which means they can use all the help they can get in the way of drink recommendations. We propose you order the New World old fashioned, made with Ezra Brooks bourbon, Ledaig Rioja Cask and marshmallow.