Whisky bars don’t typically go against the grain.
But this is Milroy’s.
They’re the oldest whisky merchant in the city, having opened in Soho back in 1964, and instead of merely resting on those comfortable laurels, they elected to open a hidden bar behind a bookcase and underneath their shop a couple of years ago. It was a roaring success. And now, they’ve cut the ribbon on a very non-hidden four-story Spitalfields venue that essentially amounts to a whisky theme park. It sounds like a lot, but don’t worry, we’ve distilled it for you right here, starting from the bottom:
In the basement, you’ll find The Proofing Room, their flagship cocktail bar. It’s a moody, low-lit den of stone and metal where they’re serving a punchy & concise menu of house originals (or whatever classic you care to ask for). The drinks rotate all the time, but you can expect the likes of a Peach Wine (Japanese whisky, Cognac, champagne, peach); or the Caravan Cocktail, which blends mezcal and caraway with coconut soda.
Upstairs – on the ground floor, that is – we come to the main bar. Fed by a vast collection of over a thousand whiskies, all kept in cages that line the walls, they’re serving up flights, highballs, and bespoke cocktails. There is no menu, just tell the ‘tender what you like, and they’ll mix up something that you love.
Moving to the first floor you’ll find the Members’ Bar and the leafy cigar terrace. If you happen to be a member, you can get some exclusive drams that they don’t serve downstairs, as well as a Cuban stogie to puff on. And above all that? There’s a Tasting Room for private parties and events.
All in all, it’s worth a shot.
NOTE: Milroy’s Spitalfields is open Monday-Saturday. Upstairs is walk-in only, or you can make a reservation at The Proofing Room by heading to their website right HERE.
Milroy’s Spitalfields | 76 Commercial Street, E1 6LY
But where to eat before or after, you ask? At one of Spitalfields’ fine restaurants, of course…
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Carpe Diem!