This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Martyn ‘Simo’ Simpson departs Milroy’s
Milroy’s owner Martyn ‘Simo’ Simpson has revealed plans to leave the whisky specialist and bar after its new board of directors had a “different vision on where to take the brand”.
Simo is the owner of six drinks venues in London: the two Milroy’s outposts in Soho and Spitalfields, with the latter site also featuring his members club The Dram House above it, and neighbourhood cocktail bar The Proofing Room underneath; cocktail bar The Vault; and Silverleaf at hotel Pan Pacific London.
In an Instagram post, Simo revealed that he will depart from the Milroy’s brand for reasons he is “unable to go into details” about, but a new board of directors have a “different vision” on where to take the brand.
The post said: “It is with great sadness to announce that I have decided to leave Milroy’s. It has been an incredible eight years, full of amazing memories I’ve made with my Milroy’s family and friends.”
Said to be the capital’s oldest whisky specialist retailer, Milroy’s opened its first shop on Greek Street in Soho in 1964. Its Spitalfields outpost was set up in 2019.
“Unfortunately, the new board of directors have a different vision on where to take the brand,” the post continued.
“I’m unable to go into details about why I chose to leave Milroy’s at this time but please know this was an incredibly difficult decision to make.
“We started something wonderful at Milroy’s, a whisky revolution showing what whisky really is and should be; a drink of the people. Our philosophy, family attitude, knowledge, service style, and most importantly, our guests – no matter who you are or where you’re from – are all a part of an ideal that will never die, and I will keep the dream going in the future, just not under the Milroy’s name.
“I will be back with something amazing to carry on the revolution, that myself and the original Milroy’s family started. Watch this space.
“Long live the whisky revolution and long live the dram.”
The Spirits Business sat down with Simo last year to discuss his various projects and passion for whisky.
View this post on Instagram