Milroy’s closes for refurbishment

Independent whisky specialist Milroy’s has announced a renovation of its Soho whisky bar, shop and subterranean cocktail bar.

The investment coincides with the brand’s 60th anniversary.

The site is now closed and will reopen in early summer, however its online store will remain operational.

The refurbishment will see its whisky bar relocated to create a more comfortable area for tastings and clearer retail displays.

The site will also expand into the floor above, creating a private tasting room and offering a flexible space for events.

“To mark the 60th anniversary year, it is time to improve our offering and service in our iconic Soho bar and shop,” said Milroy’s managing director Stephen Worral.

“We’re committed to reinvesting back into our home and nurturing what makes Milroy’s special while evolving our space to keep it relevant for the modern whisky drinker.

“It’s an incredibly exciting chapter for us ahead of our big anniversary celebration in November. Reopening in early summer will be a milestone moment in our special year.

“The refurbishment project is one of the most important moments in our long history. We are creating a space that’s an inviting, open and comfortable space to explore whisky.

“The Milroy’s bar and shop design has been inspired by the copper, steel, brick and wood found in distilleries. Downstairs, The Vault will keep its speakeasy feel with rich burgundy and plum tones. Upstairs, the new tasting space will offer a contrast to the rest of our venue.

“We’re proud to be working with local trades and craftspeople for the refurbishment project, which will cement our position as a world-leading whisky and cocktail destination.”

Milroy’s opened a second site in London’s Spitalfields in 2019, however it closed in 2023, with the brand stating it was prioritising its flagship site and e-commerce operations.