Great pubs: Plan a detour to the whisky bars of Paris, Rome & Berlin

If you can’t make it to the Scottish highlands or an Irish country pub, then you might find yourself at home in one of these European whisky bars

Great Whisky Bars: Whisky continues to dominate the landscapes of cities across Europe, with Scotch, Irish, Japanese and American brands (among others) building an army of single malt fans. Not surprisingly, the bars of some of the continent’s most impressive cities are helping to shape this trend.

But finding a good whisky bar in a new city can be a complicated endeavour. Here’s a guide to some great whisky bars in Paris, Rome and Berlin.

PARIS

The Golden Promise

This stunning bar in the basement of the better-known Maison du Saké is a dedicated whisky drinker’s dream location. Covertly hidden within another business, its underground rooms, vaulted ceilings and huge whisky menu from all around the world will win you over instantly. The Golden Promise claims a space in Paris no one realised was missing – decadent, elegant and welcoming, this is the place to bring clients or partners you aim to impress.

Tues-Sat 7pm-2am
The Golden Promise, 11 Rue de Tiquetonne 75002 Paris 11

The Auld Alliance

Seriously Scottish in the heart of Paris, this pub pulls no punches when it lays out its stall – whisky and Scottish beer on tap and fish and chips, haggis and Scotch eggs on the food menu. This Scottish-first boozer takes its name from the historic alliance created between France and Scotland against the English in 1295 and celebrates with every pour served across the bar. A seriously impressive whisky menu puts it head and shoulders above its contemporaries.

Mon to Sun, until 2am
The Auld Alliance, 80 rue François Miron 75004 Paris

Harry’s Bar

Claiming to have the most beautiful whisky cellar in Paris, Harry’s has been around longer than most. This New York institution landed on Rue de Daunou in 1911 and has claimed to be the oldest cocktail bar in Europe ever since. An old-school working man’s bar has evolved into a whisky palace frequented by the rich, famous and hoping to be. Mahogany, glass panelling, elegant lighting and creaking wooden floors create the gallons of atmosphere that surround a fantastic whisky collection. Fun and welcoming.

Mon to Sat, until 2am/Sun until 1am
harrysbar.fr, 5 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris

ROME

The Court

It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric location for a whisky cocktail than the Court bar in Rome. Neighbouring the Colosseum, this incredibly-positioned bar pours luxury and history into every decadent glass. Situated in the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel, it comes with a casual chic dress code, but most patrons agree that dressing up is worth the trouble for a bar view like this. As well as cocktails it has an admirable Scottish whisky menu. Book your seat at the bar or at one of its chic outdoor tables in advance.

Mon-Sun until 2am
The Court, Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Oro Whiskey Bar

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society takes its partnerships seriously, and so, you’ll find only one Roman bar listed on its international bars page: Oro (which is Italian for the word gold). Entirely dedicated to whisky, Oro maintains a highly exclusive and ever-changing menu of international whiskies but with a special place for Scotch. It creates once-off whisky cocktails, which last only as long as the single bottle they are made from, and then the recipe changes to match another carefully selected dram. Located between the Circus Maximus and the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, this whisky-first Roman bar was a hit with hipsters and whisky fans alike from day one.

Mon-Sun, until 12 am
Oro, Viale Giotto, 1a Roma

BERLIN

Offside Pub & Whisky Bar

It’s 24 years since Offside opened the doors to its pub and whisky bar in Berlin and it’s thrived ever since. Naturally, football is big business here, but the dark wood, soft furnishings and often eccentric décor make this a home-from-home for almost every kind of drinker. It carries whisky from across the world, but Scotch is its heartland, with hundreds of bottles to choose from. A former winner of Germany’s Best Whisky Bar, come here for the pours and stay for the friendly welcome, the regular whisky school and the excellent whisky pedigree.

Mon-Sun, until midnight
Offside, Jülicher Straße 4, 13357 Berlin

Union Jack Pub

They’ve been pouring whisky at The Union Jack since the 1970s and despite the EU/UK breakup, there’s been no let-up in popularity for Scotland’s finest export in Berlin’s hip Charlottenburg district. Said to be the first English pub in Berlin, it tours the UK and Ireland with its whisky, beer and cider options, but it’s the Scotch menu that really captures the imagination. Every flavour of single malt, blends and grains is on offer here in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Tastings and workshops are held throughout the year.

Mon-Sun, until 1am
The Union Jack, Schlüter Straße 15, 10625 Berlin

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