Milroy’s & The Vault, Soho - bar review

Breathing new life into this famous whisky shop, The Vault offers a welcome hideaway from the bustle of late night Soho
Speakeasy: The Vault bar on Greek Street
Gareth Vipers25 March 2015

What they say: New owner Simo, formerly of Wardour Street’s Coal Vaults, says: “I wanted to build the already established Milroy’s brand, bringing it back to its former glory and making it a name synonymous with whisky once again. We also wanted to create a cocktail bar hidden away from the world where people can escape, relax and enjoy a good drink.”

What we say: We are reluctant to write about this new addition to Soho’s subterranean nightlife, but for purely selfish reasons. Milroy’s new venture has breathed new life into a tired Greek Street institution, making it a must-visit cocktail bar, while maintaining a commitment to quality whisky.

A Kiss from a Rose: The Vault's Seal-inspired cocktail

Seating just 55, Milroy’s new underground bar feels like a proper hidden speakeasy – dark and intimate, but buzzing enough to keep you entertained all night. Exposed brickwork and an eclectic rock and roll playlist remind us of New York’s East Village venue Death & Co. (but thankfully without the hype and unforgiving door staff), and the laid-back feel offers the perfect refuge from late night Soho.

What to order: Cocktails at The Vault are serious business. If you like your drinks strong and to the point, this is the place for you. The Smoking Gun sees a small pile of cherry wood kindling smoke the inside of a martini glass, while corn whisky, Oloroso sherry and Earl Grey combine to pack a serious punch. The Kiss From a Rose blends gin, vermouth, rose liqueur and peppercorns with a cucumber press.

Good for: Late night drinks to wind down at the end of the evening, or a hidden rendezvous away from the hustle and bustle of some of the area’s more lively venues.

Keep going: the bookcase which leads downstairs to The Vault bar

By the way:

Don’t be put off by the whisky shop upstairs. Navigate your way past the sipping connoisseurs and endless shelves of single malt, through the book case and down the stairs. If you really want to hide away, head for the private ‘Barrel Room’; shaped as it’s named and tucked away at the back of the bar.

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