Black Rock

An underground gem that demystifies whisky

Beneath the streets near Liverpool Street Station, Black Rock offers an immersive whisky experience curated from the moment you walk in. The basement space is small and moody but welcoming. A smartly curated soundtrack, blending jazz with off-track artists like Chinese Man (first time listen for us and added to the studio Spotify), sets a relaxed, contemporary tone. In this compact square footage, Black Rock doesn’t try to cater to everyone but focuses entirely on its whisky-first concept, creating a cohesive and intentional experience.

At the centre of the room lies a striking 185-year-old oak table, which isn’t just for seating, as it actively ages whisky. This unique feature transforms guests from passive drinkers into engaged participants. Surrounding it, three wall-mounted whisky cabinets organise hundreds of bottles by flavour profile (smoke, spice, fruit), strength, and a clever colored-dot system for price. It’s designed to demystify whisky without dumbing it down, inviting exploration without intimidation.

We opted for the Black Rock Old Fashioned and sampled a tasting trio, perfect for first-timers with options ranging from discovery to connoisseur. The approachable, knowledgeable staff guided us through the selection with genuine enthusiasm, making the experience feel welcoming rather than exclusive. We learnt about their workshops and tasting sessions from the discussion with our host.

Ultimately, Black Rock’s brand experience blends the modern with the traditional. It honours whisky’s heritage while reimagining how people engage with it. It was educational without being stuffy, ‘cool’ without trying too hard. It’s not just a bar; it’s a storytelling space that leaves you wanting to tell others. An experience that you want to recommend is a winner.