The 20 Absolute Best Whisky Bars In London

Whisky has been coursing through the bloodstream of Scottish and Irish history for hundreds of years. The word 'whisky' or 'whiskey' is derived from the original Galic phrase uisge beatha, meaning water of life. The distilled spirit was used medicinally and amongst monasteries until around the 16th century when it became a more sociable beverage. Now considered the (fire) water of the (night) life in London, and elsewhere in the U.K. the U.S., and other areas of the world. It is likely that whisky began its cross-continental travels first through monks and then immigrants, making its way to Europe and the Americas in the 1600s via Scottish and Irish immigrants.

The varieties of whisky available at the local bar or pub will greatly reflect what area of the world you find yourself in. Whilst once largely reserved for whiskies of Scotland, of which there are over 140, London's palate and demand for a more expansive representation has grown. Many bars and pubs now offer a list that includes a few bourbons (which must be 51% corn and distilled in the U.S. amongst other distinctions), Japanese whiskies, and a wider representation of Irish whiskey as well. Readers interested in conducting a whisky (or whiskey, if referring to American or Irish varieties) crawl across the Big Smoke, here are some of London's best whisky bars to add to your itinerary.

The Blues Kitchen is known around as a place to go for hot music, bottomless chicken wings, and a good stiff drink. What's not to love? The concept has been so successful you can now find Blues Kitchen in three locations in some of London's coolest neighborhoods, Brixton, Camden, and Shoreditch, and another in Manchester.

Once more, what goes better with live blues and soul than a whisky or bourbon? Nothing unless it's served alongside a burger or barbecue, which Blues Kitchen also serves in spades. Whether you prefer a bourbon-based cocktail like a Kentucky Mule or a straight-up glass of Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, or Woodford Reserve, The Blues Kitchen has it. Listing seven whiskies just from Tennessee on the menu, it also has an extensive list of whisky from around the world.

Slim Jim's is the bar that never sleeps. Open late seven days a week, with a happy hour Monday to Friday, live music, and over 80 types of whisky to choose from; this place has it all a whisky drinker could ever want (unless, of course, it's an early night and a quiet bar). Slim Jim's also prides itself on carrying classic American brew, including the iconic PBR and Brooklyn Brewery varieties, amongst other local craft beers.

For those mathematically inclined, here is Slim Jim's by numbers: It currently has 23 bourbons, eight rye whiskies, 14 Irish whiskies, 24 scotch whiskies, five Japanese whiskies, and the list goes on. Located on popular Upper Street in Islington, this is the perfect place to end (or begin) a big night out.

Over the last seven years, Black Rock has made a huge name for itself within London's whisky scene; you would be hard-pressed to find a list of whisky bar recommendations in the city without it. The whisky specialist bar has remained the reigning champion and title holder of "UK's Best Specialist Bar" by CLASS Magazine for the last four years and counting. So, if you like whisky and you live or find yourself in London, you'd be a fool not to book a reservation at Black Rock to see what all the fuss is about.

Among its many offerings and services, Black Rock has a unique talking point; a tree trunk-turned-table that features two separate "whisky rivers" flowing through it– one on each side. Were that not enough to draw in the crowds, it also hosts a weekly tasting event, with a new distillery to explore each Tuesday. Tickets are available for purchase online at £20 per person. Black Rock also hosts unique blending workshops where guests will walk away with their own unique blending of whisky to take home as a souvenir and enjoy.

Come for the specialist whisky bar, and stay for the food. Bull in a China shop has something for everyone, whether or not you're a whisky drinker (but especially if you are). With over 100 Japanese and Scottish whiskies, this small, 50-seat restaurant proves that big things come in small packages.

Bull in a China shop in Shoreditch is one of the rare whisky bars serving food all day (or at least for as long as it is open), with much of the menu featuring regions from across Asia. Enjoy one of the delicious cocktails, like a Pear and Cardamon highball or a whisky flight, while dining on a few dishes. The menu included various steamed bao options, Hainan-style rotisserie chicken, tempeh (a versatile vegan protein), and gyoza. First, choose your whisky, then ask a staff member for the best food pairings. Dedicated whisky drinkers should consider a flip toward the back of the menu to choose from rarer specialist whiskies. This place has it all.

Suppose you're looking for a serious whisky, bourbon, and rye selection in a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere. In that case, Smok'd at The Grey Horse is your spot. Located on the edge of South London in Kingston upon Thames, Smok'd feature a list of heavy-handed pours alongside great burgers, barbecue, and wings. The cocktail menu includes classics like an old-fashioned whisky sour and others alongside more experimental Laphfreduian Slip, which features peaty Laphroaig, apple pie moonshine, orange blossom water, passionfruit, lemon, and vanilla bitters.

Start with the drinks, then move on to the food. The menu includes pork belly ribs served with flavorful kimchi, buffalo cauliflower, cheeseburger spring rolls, or a selection of loaded fries, including pork, brisket, or beans. In the back of the bar, you'll find a separate venue for live music, comedy, and a pub quiz, making it the perfect weekend destination for all of the fun under one roof.

With three centrally located bars in Southwark's Borough Market, Shoreditch, and Soho, Londoners can swiftly make a beeline to Swift's bar from almost anywhere around the city. Start the night upstairs with the clear alcohol and wine lists — the floor is reserved for walk-ins only, which makes the drinks, as the website says, "Swift by name and swift by nature." The Downstairs Bar is reservations only, serving more complexly made drinks with an extensive whisky-based menu and a distinctly slower, moodier atmosphere.

The whisky list is long, and with a reservation, customers are at leisure to can slow down for long enough to properly peruse it. Choose from Scotch, American bourbon, rye, Japanese and Irish whiskies, and more from around the globe. Swift also serves beautifully made cocktails, inspired by some of the staff's global experiences. A DJ spins tunes to get you moving on Thursdays at Swift's Shoreditch location, with free live music on Sundays in Soho. Just don't spill your drink.

Hide's Bar Below is the place to slink away from the light and bustle of its Piccadilly location, into an expertly crafted cocktail or stiff drink. Start with an exceptionally cooked meal in Hide, a light-filled, seasonally-focused restaurant by Michelin-starred Ollie Dabbous. Then, retreat to the bar below to dive into a cocktail. Below's basement location lends itself to the bar's moodier speakeasy vibes, with three separate private rooms available for private hire.

We wouldn't mind bathing ourselves in Hide's Brown Butter Julep, made from Micher's rye whisky, brown butter, mint, and bitters. The Hide Rob Roy with Tamdhu Scotch single malt whisky, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and beeswax reads like a sweet ending and is the perfect drink for finishing a night out on the town.

Milroy's The Vault feels like a page taken right out of a detective novel, down to its access point, through a false bookcase upstairs. Descend the stairs to enter the booze-filled, dimly lit, award-winning cellar below. A side of mystery and intrigue accompanies every expertly sourced and poured drink here.

For those who decide to make Monday the new Friday and venture out to The Vault's Greek Street location, you'll be delighted with a stiff pour from an extensive collection of whiskies and a live jazz performance to accompany your drink. Given its cozy atmosphere, booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Anyone claiming to be a whisky lover should not miss a chance to visit Milroy's, both the upstairs bar and shop, as well as The Vault, for a truly unique, specialist experience.

Whisky heads looking for a combination of independent cocktail bar vibes and a well-established luxury hotel should look no further than Alba at Silverleaf. Silverleaf is located on the third floor of Devonshire House near Spitalfields. The dress code for dining or drinking is notably smart/elegant, as is the experience.

Silverleaf hosts a separate room called Alba for exclusive weekly whisky-tasting experiences. Tuesday night whisky tastings include five varieties for those looking to dip a toe in. And, for those whose feet are already wet, a more extensive exploration takes place each Thursday, known as Epicure Whisky Tasting, and features more premium brands. While these public classes are available to book through the website, they can also be booked out privately for up to 12 whisky-loving friends or family.

Last but not least on our list is Merchant House Bar. Whisky lovers, brace yourself for decision fatigue when stepping food inside Merchant House. With over 600 whisky varieties, it's enough to send anyone's head spinning, even before a single sip.

Want a bit of privacy while choosing your drink? Merchant House allows guests to book what they claim to be "London's smallest bar," a two-to-four-person private room with its own personal bartender to bombard all your spirit-related questions and specifications. Or, for those looking for something a bit more structured, public and private masterclasses that feature a variety of different, single-spirit subjects are also available, from gin to rum, to whisky.

The Merchant House is exclusively a sit-down establishment, so reservations are strongly advised. You'll probably need to take a seat to fully absorb their list of drinks available.