Spey Bar

A very calm, classy spot with an excellent whiskey selection that isn't going to break the bank. It was sort of a whim that we decided to check this place out. I always love a good bourbon, but Scotch is not always top of my list. But when in London near a whiskey bar, why not? Located (almost hidden) away above Browns, it was the best place we found during our trip to just sit, relax, and have a good chat over a drink. The music was a good level, no rowdy crowds, no messy drunks, comfortable chairs, and a very pleasant ambience. If I smoked a pipe (and it was legal), this is the sort of place I would think I'd enjoy it. Fits the vibe. The menu is fairly large, but sadly, I didn't really see a lot on there that reflected the feel of a fancy whiskey bar. Not many spirit forward short whiskey drinks. I'm not a fan of sweet or weak, and it seems there are a lot of highball, soda mixed drinks, and non-whiskey offerings. (I think I would have liked to try the Damp Highland Walk had it been a scotch boulevardier instead of a negroni with moss.) The signature list seemed very tame and simple. It doesn't seem to showcase various whiskies at all. For the prices, I would have hoped they were a little more complex and sophisticated. They did have 2 other promotional cocktail menus for various brands. As I am not a scotch drinker normally, I asked the server/bartender for some assistance as I wanted a spirit-forward drink that showcased whiskey, and he just suggested an old-fashioned. I mean, okay. I guess. I was hoping he'd sell me on a signature or offer a riff on one of them with whiskey. It was a perfectly good Old-fashioned and pleasantly balanced, but it isn't reinventing the wheel nor was it particularly memorable. The most impressive part of it was the ice. That was the clearest, cleanest ice I have ever seen. I've seen a lot of high-end places do this clear ice but never to this level of basically invisible. For my next option, I decided to just go for it and grab a scotch a Speyside specifically, seeing as how it's called Spey ;). I opted for Benromach 21, and it was pretty good. I felt better about this choice, being in a venue like this and all. I was surprised that everyone else there was drinking beer. I mean, take advantage of their huge backbar! So much choice. It was very quiet when we were there, and they don't serve food all night just in case you're like us and were planning on a snack at 10pm. The bartenders weren't particularly attentive either, which was a shame. The manager or someone kept seeming to whisk them away, leaving all the guests to wait. The decor is sophisticated, woodsy, and warm. A proper whiskey den. The fact it's an old courtroom lends a very unique character to the whole space. I would definitely come back just for a casual scotch and catch up with a friend, or on a date where we really want to just relax and talk. It's perfect for that. And in terms of price, it's much better (imo) to order a straight scotch. And makes it worth it to come to a specialised bar like this one.

This is one of the finest places that I have discovered. It's a room with world class whiskey labels to offer you in a relaxed atmosphere, dim lights and in the heart of the city but away from pub and street noise. Your visit experience is going to be amazing if you want a warm and relaxing time to drink , eat or read or chat over with your close friends or spouse.

I visited mid-week. Browns, downstairs, was busy, but my table of three were the only people in Spey. The whisky list is long (check the full list - it continues after the Bruichladdich insert!), which is good, and service was prompt and friendly. Unfortunately, the food let the experience down, in three areas. Firstly, the menu is bar snacks. It would have been nice to see haggis, neeps and tatties on the list, especially given it was Burns’ night that week. We were told larger meals aren’t available because Spey’s kitchen isn’t being used. Secondly, when ordering, be prepared for some of the food to not be available - we ordered a few things, but were then told after the server had visited the downstairs kitchen, that much of the menu was off. Thirdly, items you order may not match the description - the haggis scotch egg, as ordered, had no haggis in. It was simply a scotch egg. Atmosphere was non-existent, although the decor is nice. There are, in all, better places to drink whisky and enjoy Scottish food in London.

We came on a Friday. Jess recommended a whiskey cocktail and it was delish. Service was amazing and lovely atmosphere. Highlight recommend and will come back. Thank you Jess

I visited here last night and it is pretty cool bar. The bar staff were great. I would recommend a visit.

All facade, a friend suggested it, we were sold on the Quaich Bar at the Craigellachie association.. terrible service, 3-4 cocktails were not available from menu.. furniture uncomfortable. So overrated.

They don’t have many food options when we got there but it’s more than compensated by their very nice whisky collections at reasonable prices. Will definitely visit again.

Great service, amazing staff, outstanding whisky selection and delicious drinks.