Address: 66 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS, United Kingdom
Style: Lounge bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes
Whether it's the location, the lighting, its polished look or the way the balustraded mezzanine restaurant juts out into the room, the double-height main area of this Scottish-themed bar and restaurant feels rather like the bar of a corporate hotel. The very contemporary design fails to tame its antlers and tartan.
Albannach's soul is buried in the catacomb below. Now named 'Doon' (as in 'doon' stairs), this basement bar /club is more intimate and moody, thanks to warm lighting and a low ceiling. The five booths tunnelled into the back wall are perfect for half a dozen mates to hide away.
But, whichever floor you find yourself on it's the selection of Scotch malt whiskies which makes this place special. Whisky is also a base for many of the classic and contemporary cocktails offered here.