If you end up in the Shoreditch outpost of Swift, you’re in very safe hands. But it’s Swift’s Soho destination that gets top billing on this list. Beneath its ground-floor bar, you’ll find the ‘Whisky Library’, an atmospheric basement space with hundreds of whiskies to explore. This is the place to try 10yr drams from Scotland’s smallest distillery (Edradour) or special releases and anniversary editions from the likes of Glenkinchie and Laphroaig. The whisky cocktails are outstanding here too.

12 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TQ

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Get to know some of Japan’s much vaunted whiskies at this underground den beneath multifaceted Pantechnicon. Lending itself to both tasting sessions and late-night drinks, Sakaya is home to a collection of rare whiskies and sake. Tap up the in-house experts for advice on pairing whisky with both cheese and Japanese cuisine.

19 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8LB

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East London Liquor Company is a pioneering distiller of its own whisky – don’t miss any chance to try its award-winning London Rye. But the bar at its Hackney distillery also has a great selection of imported bourbon from the States. It’s open Thursdays-Sundays and we suggest heading over to try an old fashioned made with Sonoma Rye from California.

Bow Wharf, Unit GF1, 221 Grove Road, Hackney, E3 5SN

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Bethnal Green’s The Sun Tavern has been serving whisky since the 1850s. Today it has over 40 bottles behind the bar including some Irish rarities you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in London. Pull up a chair at the bar on Wednesdays to hear from The Sun’s head distiller and try his drink of the month.

441 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, E2 0AN

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At the Prince Akatoki hotel near Marble Arch, the Malt Lounge & Bar has a clubby atmosphere and a big focus on Japanese whisky. It’s even got an expert on hand to take you through the options. Close by, you’ll find TOKii, the in-house restaurant specialising in Japanese flavours.

50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, W1H 7FD

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Milroy’s is a Soho legend. A few years back, London’s oldest whisky merchant opened a bar beneath its Greek Street shop – hidden behind a bookcase. Word got out, though, and the venture was so successful Milroy’s now has a second site – spread across four floors – in Spitalfields. Both places offer expert-led tasting experiences for two to 15 guests, covering five whiskies in 90-minute sessions.

3 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4NX; 76 Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1 6LY

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If you’re serious about whisky, try this members club. Its shop on Old Compton Street offers no fewer than 600 whiskies, ranging from classic scotch to under-the-radar Japanese. The club itself runs regular tasting nights for members, as well as private sessions where you can sample five drams of single malt whisky, including some that are exclusive to the club. Ask for an accompanying charcuterie boards and cigars ensure you’ll want for nothing.

2 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4LR

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What is it about whisky and underground drinking dens? Black Rock is another subterranean saloon specialising in the noble spirit. It’s been doing pretty well for itself too – the original basement space now has the Black Rock Tavern above it, and a Blending Room above that for tasting and educational experiences. Downstairs, though, is still where the serious drinking gets done, around a big central table carved from a centuries-old oak tree.  

9 Christopher Street, Moorgate, EC2A 2BS

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