Milroy's of Soho — Restaurant in London

Milroy's is an institution for a reason - it's really fun to have a dram here. The bar selections are curated by a superb and knowledgeable staff. Place yourself in their hands and tell them how what whiskies you have enjoyed and much you want to spend per dram. They will generate tempting options in any category that will allow you to explore and learn.

They are particularly strong on IBs (Independent Bottlers) at the bar, including Milroy's own bottlings, Thompson Bros, Living Souls, and That Boutiquey Whisky Co.

On my visit, I mentioned Clynelish and was offered a Daluiane 20 year old IB. Pricey but perfect - you only live once, and Daluiane was a new discovery for me that I now seek out. Then I mentioned Ledaig and was handed a Living Souls 99 and 1 (supposedly Ledaig with a teaspoon or so of grain whisky to make it a blended whisky). It was an incredibly strange and daring whisky with a smoky industrial edge that I will remember for a long time. A discussion point but not an easy whisky - personally I appreciated it and it revealed a depth of knowledge on the part of the staff, as well as a playful enjoyment in experimentation.

I was the only person left at the bar and while I didn't want to keep them from closing they had zero impatience with me taking my time.

Returning with friends who don't drink a lot of whisky, they were treated with the same interest and respect with a welcoming discovery of new flavors that made them wish to return because they had so much fun.

The basement bar, which serves cocktails, is not for me (I prefer a dram over cocktails), but the space is a must-visit because you access it through a little library with a fun "secret" door. My London friends had never been here and they said they planned to return.

The bar also sells bottles from its shop that are wonderfully curated, from Milroy's own blend, an affordable must-taste gem to rarities with suitable (but not...

Great little bar, have been here a few times now, the vault bar downstairs is so great for dates. On going there this weekend, we went downstairs, no booking, it was busy but not crazy, we asked the guy hosting if there was space, without even turning around, or even attempting to have a look, said no, and that you were full. There was space by the bar, one stool and standing room, we said we were happy to stand…no sorry was the response. Honestly I’ve been there before when it’s been busier, and have always been squeezed in, or at least had the attempt of trying to fit us in. Share a table etc. he was just rude and really uninterested. No ‘I have a table that’s just about to pay, if you wait for a bit…’ etc etc what happened to customer service.

The young guy on the bar upstairs was amazing, really knew his stuff with our different tastes in whiskey, amazing bar staff.

Also that little alcove by the book door to downstairs, you could make that a bit more vibey in there by adding a speaker, that way if you don’t get in downstairs and you get a seat in there, there’s still music and an atmosphere - not...

Maybe both our faults. I cannot really rate this place as we only experienced 5min of it. We booked a table on line and got a confirmation. We were aware of the rules, if you late your table will be forfeited after 15min. It is also clear that if you are going to be late you have to email them in advance. As we all know, London has great public transport but at times it can go wrong, realising that we would be considerably late, we emailed them 20min before our booking as per their rules. On arrival we were told that we were late and our table was no longer available. We explained that we did email of which the reply was "Did you get a response back" of which we did not. They did offer us a table in about 15min but it was not guaranteed because of other bookings. This is a weird one.. Does it deserve 1 star, probably not. So in conclusion if you are going to be late make sure you contact them. If you don't get a reply then turn around and find somewhere else to go. The moral of this story is don't be late. I will review again should I be fortunate enough to make my...