Black Rock in Hackney

Great place with a solid selection, accessible for both new and seasoned whisky drinkers. Especially brilliant service from Jason, who was not only a great conversationalist, but also went the extra mile: not only answering questions but actively went out of the way to provide a tasting experience at the end. Will absolutely be heading back.

Lovely place, whisky lovers. A fun, friendly bar with huge whisky selection. They have some fab Tuesday tastings that are a lot of fun.

This is the worst service I have ever experienced in London. Rude, dismissive and we were over charged by c. 40%. Recommend avoiding.

Such a hidden gem. The atmosphere was great and the bar staff really knowledgeable. Massive selection of whiskeys and a few tasty cocktails. Would definetly come back here if in the area again.

Nice basement bar which we stumbled upon, layout is really nice and cosy. Really liked the atmosphere, bar man was really friendly and explain the drinks selection really well. I went for the old fashioned and was really good. If you like whiskey I would recommend a visit

Had an incredible time celebrating my friends' birthday here. All the food was excellent and the service even better. Our waiter Sabi was incredibly helpful with recommendations, and ensured we had a great experience

Our second visit to this little bar and just as enjoyable. Great selection of drink and really lovely staff. Fab evening here.

Great knowledge from staff Really good selection Awesome ambiance Date night Even non whiskey drinkers will enjoy

I’m always on the lookout for new Scotch bars. Co-workers recommended this one and they weren’t wrong. The vibe is very quiet and relaxed, which isn’t surprising given that it’s based on Tokyo Scotch bars. There is a very good selection of unusual whiskeys that are broken down by flavor rather than region (see pics). Prices are very reasonable, thought it’s always easy to find some rare ones that are more pricey. Black Rock also hosts whisky events that allow you to make your own blend to take home, but I didn’t do this. The food menu is limited but overall excellent. We had the Scotch eggs (what else?) as well as the baked oysters. Both were delicious. I highly recommend this place. FYI, there are a few hotel rooms for rent upstairs. I didn’t go up but the pictures look quite nice.

I really enjoyed spending time at this bar, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. IMHO, if you know what you want, just ask for it. If you want to try something different, just let the staff knows what you would like, they recommend at least two to three bottles to you, then the choice is yours. Liking it or not, it is a very personal taste. Location: It is excellent. Only a short walk from the city and there are many good restaurants around Black Rock as well. I have dined at South Place Chop House which is a 3 mins walk from Black Rock. Reservation: This place could get busy and reservation is recommended. The long table in the middle is interesting but I prefer to sit at the high tables on the side. Staff: Very friendly and knowledgeable. Just let them know what you want and I am sure they will find something that suits your taste. Collection: They have 250+ bottles here and they are reasonably priced too. The pricing system is easy to understand. Black Rock has two "House Whiskey" as well but keep your expectation low. They are very very very light and personally, I don't like them. Summary: A very nice, quite bar and I can see myself coming back again and again!!

This is the second time I've visited Black Rock with my son for whisky tasting. Nice to sample whiskies you wouldn't normally see, a good selection. The tots range from £7 to about £15. We had 4 tots but were charged for 5 so check your bill. I didn't notice till the next day on checking the receipts in my wallet.£11 over charged

Everyone has given this place good reviews. On the basis of drinks I would give it 5. However, we read the reviews and had high expectations when we arrived, we were served by the oddest most unfriendliest bar man ever, which let the place down massively! He seemed to get offended and act odd every time we asked a question, we weren’t sure if he didn’t like us or just didn’t like life! We asked if they were playing rap downstairs as it was playing in the bar (which was quite an acquired taste and don’t get me wrong I like a bit of Wu tang clan...) anyway he said ‘why what’s wrong with rap!’ we said ‘nothing’ and retreated to our corner and left him to continue chopping up a block of ice.. which looked creepy by the way. Anyway this place could be great if marketed well and had friendlier staff.

We arrived early for a quick dram for fun. I loved the look, the feel and the choice. However I don’t know if it translates to the staff sadly. For example, cocktails are all pre mixed in bottles and poured. Likewise it’s hard to pick with so many options but you feel rushed to pick one fast. The place was empty when we arrived and just two others when we left 45 minutes later, but we felt almost rushed with a newly arrived member of staff bringing the bill and card machine instantly, taking glasses and generally rushing. Yes if it’s full, manage the tables but it was early, empty and we were considering a third drink. Sometimes just relax and let it happen

Black Rock is a solid whisky spot near Moorgate and Liverpool street. Wide selection, knowledgeable staff. However, what’s up with the 6 pound cans of beer? 6.50 drafts.

One of the best places in London for a whisky! Not only a great house whisky which is really affordable but one of the best selections in London. Would highly recommend and I'm well overdue a trip back!

My girlfriend treated me to a surprise visit to Black Rock. I hadn't been previously, bit had heard good things. On arrival we were greeted by Chris who gave us a brief run-down of what they offer and talked us through the "table whisky" We tried both of their blends one served like a sweeter old fashioned and the other a delicious blend of rye, highland and islay whiskeys. A lovely sweet palate with a smokey finish. We stayed for about two hours, in this time we worked through the library selections they had on offer, starting with Japanese whisky that I hadn't tried before and ending on the smoky islay selections. As a barman by trade, it was nice to find somewhere where the staff are friendly and know their stuff and provided recommendations based on my personal taste. All in all a fantastic experience I would recommend to any whisky drinker, very affordable with a broad range from around the world. Home made bread was awesome too!

A very simple premise. Do you like whiskey? Come here. They've kindly broken it down for you: Sweet, Balance, Fragrance, Smoke, Fruit, and Spice all at various price points. Luckily, they also know everything about the Whiskeys they offer and do so in a very unique venue. They even have their own blends of Whisky in a hollow out log in the middle of the room. Call ahead to make sure they have room, they do get crowded.

Really disappointing. We two whisky afficianados described what we liked, then got very disappointing drinks served. We had four drinks costing£100 and nothing was exceptional. The staff have little knowledge of good whisky, and the bottles they present are more sure style than substance. This...

We reserved a table at Black Rock for 9pm on a Friday night which we were told would be reserved for us for a period of 1.5 hours. Due to a mix up (mistakingly believing our reservation was for 9.30pm) we arrived at just after...

First of all, I must admit that my narrow minded personality initially prevented me from visiting the bar for some reasons, yet, obviously, I was completely wrong. The district features quite lively and artistic atmosphere and the bar as well, how dare me. Anyway, I...

The most unique part is the large table that is a 180 year old tree and they age their whiskey inside the table! Great service, great concept!

If you want nice whisky, don’t bother! They parade around advising you on whisky and telling you to be quiet. It wasn’t fun and it’s over priced, overrated and don’t bother!

Completely over rated - feels like whisky is the latest trend. Staff running around in circles not giving advices whilst room is half empty. So many better places in London save your money

Then this is the place. They have a huge selection, all on display, and shared tables with water to try as many as you like. Some decent wine and beer for those that aren't whisky aficionados and a small but tasty menu of snacks/nibbles to...

The place is definitely great for all whisky lovers and enthusiasts. There are over a 100 types of whiskies from all over the world, which are sorted by categories and strength, some are more "simple" while others are rare or quite unknown. Of courses there's...

Didn't eat here but would hugely recommend going for a dram of whisky or two. Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming with a genuine style.

Great selection of whiskeys. Great vibe. I would definitely go back. If for nothing else then at least for some Singleton!

Walked in here after dinner to be welcomed by the knowledgeable manager. Sorry forget his name. Cozy mood light quiet place to sit back and discover whiskey from the world over. Listed in 3 cupboards simply by taste rather than region to allow anyone to...

When I first visited Black Rock I walked down the cabinets and saw one or two bottles I knew until I came to the last one and saw nearly every bottle I had ever bought for myself on one side of one shelf. I learned...

I was recommended this place so on my husbands birthday took him as he is a fan of whisky. Even without a reservation we received friendly service and most importantly time to go through how things worked. I think the concept was great and encouraged...

Some excellent whiskey's recommended from the extensive selection by the knowledgeable bar tender. A must-visit for any whiskey enthusiasts.

My boyfriend is a Whisky lover so we made sure to visit the Black Rock Bar during our stay in London. It was absolutly amazing!!! Excellent service, fair prices, an overwhelming choice of Whiskys. Definitly would recommend it!

Probably one of the best whisky bars hidden away in the heart of London. Very intimate atmopshere with two long oak trunks with whiskey running through them in the centre as tables. A huge collection of fine whiskeys to choose from along with some out...

After seeing pictures of the whisky table online a while back I had to make this a stop when in London. It is a small hidden bar and wasn't really busy which was nice. We got to sit at the main table, browse the library...

Even as non whisky lovers, this bar is a treat! The bar tenders were there to help recommend a suitable whisky from their endless shelves of products, create cocktails to suit tastes and were really keen to share their love of whisky. Very well priced...

The ideas behind this place are excellent. Moody lit bar with a river of house blended whisky running through it. Library shelves of whisky, ordered on their own taste system rather than any regional preferences and an open pricing system that doesnt allow for any...

I would highly recommend. It is a tiny venue which you need to book in advance. We booked the carved out oak table for 20 people. Cocktails were very good as was the whisky selection. A great bar to discover new whisky and to start...

One of the best places I've been to. Informal gathering of strangers to enjoy, understand and be better educated about whisky / whiskey. I think around 150+ varieties of whisky from around the world! Our hosts were superb!! They didn't try and sell the ranges...

My Brother found this and I must say while it's small it is perfectly formed. We liked the intimate and furnishings and staff who know their subject. Whiskey served in what I would describe as sherry flutes allows you to enjoy the aroma of the...

We sat and we waited. Then we waited a bit more. Then they took our order. The waitress said bourbon like it was a biscuit. Then we waited. We had one drink. We decided to stop waiting. When we paid they added VAT to the...

Stumbled upon this not exactly sure if it was open and certainly had not idea what to expect. We walked downstairs from the street and entered a rather darkly apportioned room but were immediately and warmly greeted and seated. He explained all about the Black...

Just sitting in this unassuming bar soaking in the aroma and the glorious array of whiskies in itself is an experience. The service is beyond fantastic along with extensive knowledge of the whisky. This is worth a repeat and is only for those who enjoy...

Do you love whiskey? Do you like small, cosy cool bars with friendly and knowledgeable staff. This is the pace for you. It might be small but all the details from the 'tables' themselves, to the presentation of the drinks, the price tagging and the...

Terrific ambience in an unsuspecting corner of East London, catering to true Whiskey connoisseurs. Their own whiskey is aged inside a hollow oak-tree table which serves as the main seating area within the bar. The surrounding cabinets contain whiskeys from the better-know to the obscure,...

This place is mecca for a whiskey lover. From the table that has to be seen ( and tasted) to be believed to the cabinets of someone of the best whiskeys I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. The service was excellent, with the gentleman...

Make a great Old Fashioned. The whisky selection and knowledge is very good. It is expensive but worth it to try some varied whisky especially Japanese.

Excellent whisky bar....maybe the best in town. The staff is just great, the music and the atmosphere are great. Selection of whisky is incredible. Location is great as well.

The whiskey bar can be posh and sometime unfriendly for whiskey newcomers...this place isn't one of them! Is a lovely cozy place with a very smart selection of whiskey with various prices. They have 3 cabinet dividing the whiskeys from peat, sweet and spicy. Each...

This bar only opened 13 weeks ago, it's small and the room is filled by a 143yr old oak tree, cut in half, laid down, with 2 channels cut into it. These are filled with a house whisky blend in one, and a whisky cocktail...

Went to this bar with a friend because it had the same name of our home town in Barbados, best decision ever. The atmosphere was cozy and chilled, great music which was very surprising and the staff was friendly. As said in the title not...

If you like your whisky you need to go to this new bar in Shoreditch! It's hidden down a side street in quite a quiet area, but when you find it and step down the stairs, you'll be glad you did. It's reassuringly dark with...