Top 3 London bars to enjoy a whisky cocktail this autumn

When he’s not busy running the hugely popular Summerton Whisky Club, a full bottle whisky subscription with a thriving community, Daniel Humphrey enjoys nothing more than visiting acclaimed whisky bars in London.

From the classic Old Fashioned, to a Whiskey Sour and a Manhattan cocktail, why not head indoors to these eclectic London venues where you too, can enjoy sampling whiskies and cocktails from around the world – all perfectly curated by London’s leading mixologists.

Daniels Top 3 London Bars

Melody Whisky Bar

Situated in St Pauls Hotel, this relaxed and ambient whisky bar has a wide selection of rarer and limited drams from around the world. For Daniel, the Melody whisky bar creates a perfect backdrop for an easy catch up with friends. Treats include whisky flights, and the repertoire of renowned and specialist whiskies is continually growing

Some of the finds here include the Hibiki 30, a premium blended whisky produced in Japan, and a Port Ellen 1979 and 1980 both carrying all the distinctive maritime character that is the hallmark of Islay malts. As an extra special treat, you will also find a wonderful Double Eagle Rare limited edition bourbon whisky, produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery and aged for 20 years.

Melody Whisky Bar
153 Hammersmith Rd, London W14 0QL
www.melodywhiskybar.uk

Scarfes Bar

Making an appearance in The World’s 50 Best Bars List 2023, this is a must for any whisky and cocktail connoisseur. Based in the Rosewood Hotel, renowned British artist and Caricaturist, Gerald Scarfe, has lent both his name and artistic vision to Scarfes Bar.

His work adorns the marble walls, transforming Scarfes Bar into a living canvas, described by Gerald as “my personal art gallery, where you can see my life on these walls.” With entertainment including resident musicians, the setting is not only luxurious but for Daniel, extremely fun too.

Amongst the abundant menu choices, you will find a Benriach 42-year-old Directors Special with juicy notes of tropical fruit, accompanied by sweet spice, mint and vanilla cream. For bourbon aficionados the Pappy Van Winkle’s 23-year-old family reserve is a masterpiece that will flabbergast with its flavours, whilst fans of Japanese whisky can enjoy a 30-year-old Karuizawa, matured slowly in bourbon casks to give a palate full of flavours.

Rosewood Hotel, London
252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
www.scarfesbar.com

The Donovan Bar

Valuing the importance of fond memories shared with close friends, Daniel always heads to The Donovan Bar for a cocktail catch up whenever US friends are visiting.

Found in the Browns Hotel, Mayfair, The Donovan Bar features an impeccable cocktail menu, courtesy of the legendary maestro of cocktails, Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan. Enjoy the new menu ‘Evoke’ along with personal classics mixed with original concoctions. All set within a stunning and sophisticated bar interior.

“How do we conjure up emotions through a drink? Easy” says Calabrese, “by dreaming.”

Think cocktails which speak to the soul, The Deep Blue described as a drink with the depths of an ocean, is a citrus, zesty awakening, created using Lakes The One Fine Blended Whisky, Henessey Vsop, Cadello 88, orange and orgeat. Not so much old fashioned as fashioned out of the eternal. For a special occasion try one of the vintage cocktails, The 1837 features 157-year-old cognac and Bowmore single malt whisky for a unique cocktail paying homage to the bar’s 185th year.

33 Albermarle St, London W1S 4BP
https://www.roccofortehotels.com

The Summerton Whisky Club

Daniel’s passion for whisky and vison to make many hard-to-find varieties more accessible to everyone, has been realised through his launch of The Summerton Whisky Club. Making the perfect gift for someone special, the subscription service not only opens the door to rare whiskies from around the world, it also welcomes members into a thriving community of like-minded people.

“Our next Club meet-up is at the Scottish National Whisky Festival in Edinburgh this December.” Says Daniel “It will be the first whisky festival I’ve attended in Scotland and something I’m very much looking forward to.”

Membership to the Summerton Club costs £50 every two months on a rolling or fixed term basis for delivery of a full bottle, access to the Summerton Club community, Club Shop and discounted Club events.

See my feature on London Daily News

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