The Vault Soho History: Story Behind London’s Secret Gem

Vault Soho is London’s mysterious cocktail spot, which sits underneath the famous Milroy’s whisky shop on Greek Street.

This basement bar at the Milroy’s dates back to 1964, and has grown from a storage space to a spot for secret meetings, to now an award-winning bar. 

In this article, I’ll be talking about the history, the entrance, cocktails, how to get in, what the vibe is like, and why everyone calls it London’s best speakeasy.

Vault Soho History – Key Highlights

• Hidden beneath Milroy’s whisky shop, you get in through a secret bookcase entrance.
• They transformed an old Victorian sherry cellar into a cocktail bar back in 2014.
• The whole place keeps the classic Soho spirit alive. It has very cozy vibes and drinks that’ll blow your mind.

Milroy’s And The Vault

The connection between Milroy’s whisky shop and Vault Soho goes way deeper than just being in the same building.

The cellar bar is basically what the Milroy brothers always had in mind – they turned their underground storage space into London’s coolest cocktail spot while still keeping their focus on great spirits and making people feel welcome.

Timeline: The History Of Vault Soho

Let’s see how this place went from a simple whisky shop to London’s most secretive cocktail spot. 

1. 1964 – Milroy’s of Soho Opens at 3 Greek Street

Jack and Wallace Milroy open Milroy’s, London’s first proper whisky shop. It quickly becomes the go-to place for whisky lovers, locals, and visitors from all over. 

This set up Soho as a spirits hotspot at that time.

2. 1960s–2013 – The Cellar Years

The basement under Milroy’s is used to store sherry and whisky, and there are rumors it hosted secret meetings and became part of Soho legends. 

While regular people couldn’t go down there, its underground vibe becomes part of local stories.

3. 2014 – Birth of The Vault Soho

The Whiskey Shop gets a makeover and reopens as “The Vault Soho”. It becomes a 55-seat speakeasy cocktail bar run by Chris Tanner. 

They put the entrance behind a bookcase at the back of Milroy’s. Walking through it feels like you’re in a spy movie or something.

4. 2015 – Early Recognition

One year later, they won “Best Bar in Soho” at Time Out’s Love London Awards. That’s pretty impressive. It proved they weren’t just another hidden bar. 

The hidden entrance and storytelling stay central to what makes it special, helping keep Soho’s tradition of being welcoming and having great nightlife alive.

5. 2015–Present – A Soho Staple

The Vault Soho keeps improving its menu, known for creative whisky cocktails, friendly service, and a strict “no stag parties” rule. 

It creates this mood of intimacy, creativity, and community—hosting jazz nights and attracting both locals and cocktail lovers from around the world.

Inside Vault Soho: Ambience and Experience

The place is very warm and has intimate candlelit vibes everywhere. Exposed brick walls and the vintage furniture add up to the experience. The space works like a sanctuary where conversation flows easily.

Helped by a thoughtful design that makes you want to relax and discover new things. Guests get expertly made cocktails along with carefully chosen whisky selections, served with attentive table service that feels exclusive but not stuck-up.

People always end up staying way longer than they planned. Amazing drinks, warm hospitality, and that atmosphere you can only get in places that are genuinely hidden and special.

Vault Soho’s Impact Cultural Significance on Community

The Vault has become really important for keeping Soho’s bohemian spirit alive, attracting creative types, locals, and smart visitors who appreciate real experiences over fake atmosphere.

Its strict “no stag parties” policy and focus on intimate conversation has created a safe space for meaningful social connections in London’s increasingly commercialized nightlife scene.

The bar regularly hosts jazz evenings and private events that bring the community together while keeping that mysterious character that makes each visit feel special.

Visiting Vault Soho: Essential Tips For Guests

Planning your visit to this secretive speakeasy requires insider knowledge to maximize the experience and avoid disappointment at this highly sought-after destination:

• Make reservations in advance – Essential for guaranteed entry, particularly after 7 PM when demand consistently exceeds capacity
• Find the hidden entrance – Enter Milroy’s whisky shop and locate the disguised bookcase at the rear
• Explore menu highlights – Try whisky-based innovations and seasonal cocktail creations showcasing bartender creativity
• Consider timing carefully – Early evenings offer better walk-in opportunities, though booking remains safest
• Engage with bartenders – Request off-menu creations tailored to personal preferences for truly memorable experiences

The Vault Soho Current Menu

Beyond cocktails, they’ve got premium whiskies starting at £6.50, from accessible Scottish malts to rare collector bottles over £200. The draft beer has 1936 Lager, while wine options and Baby Pol Roger Champagne cover different tastes.

Category	Item	Description	Price Range
Whisky Selection	Various Single Malts & Blends	Extensive global whisky range sourced via Milroy’s upstairs shop; glass starts around £6.50.	From £6.5 per glass
	Rare & Premium Drams	Select rare whiskies available on request — personalised recommendations by staff.	Variable, up to £30+
Draught Beer & Wine	1936 Lager (Draught)	Craft lager on tap; crisp and refreshing.	Approx. £7-8
	Rotating Wine Selection	Selection of red, white & rosé wines available by the glass; varies seasonally.	Approx. £8-12
	Baby Pol Roger Champagne	375ml bottle; served chilled for a premium sparkling option.	Approx. £25-30
Bottled Cocktails & Highballs	Negroni (Bottled)	Classic Negroni bottled for sharing or relaxed sipping.	Approx. £15-18
	Chestnut-Peach Cocktail	Seasonal bottled cocktail with distinct flavours; great for sharing.	Approx. £15-18
	Nikka Highball	Nikka Japanese whisky with peach, olive, kummel; light, crisp highball style.	Approx. £12-14
Bar Snacks	Olives	Light, salty snack to accompany drinks.	Approx. £3-5
	Rice Biscuits	Crisp, mild-flavoured crackers complementing the whisky and cocktails.	Approx. £3-5

Notes:

• Prices can change due to seasonal menu updates or special events
• Whisky options are huge, thanks to Milroy’s whisky shop right above the Vault, which has over 200 varieties
• The menu is about quality over quantity. Small but perfectly curated selection
• Bar snacks are minimal and meant to go with the drinks, showing the Vault’s focus on the drinking experience

Best Cocktails To Try At The Vault Soho

• Coconut Butter Old Fashioned – Bourbon, coconut, bitters; rich and smooth with a subtle tropical twist. Around £12-14
• Japanese Rose Garden – Nikka whisky, Cocchi Rose, Mirto Rosso, Chambord; fragrant and floral showing off Japanese whisky. Around £12-14
• Yuzu Gimlet – Gin, yuzu, lime cordial; bright, citrusy, refreshing with a Japanese influence. Around £12-14

Ranking basis: These three are the bar’s most praised signatures, highlighted repeatedly in both customer feedback and feature articles. Chosen for consistent mentions and global spirits trends.

Vault Soho Stories: Personal Stories

Recently, two visitors wrote on Google that they loved discovering this place. They loved the light, ambience, and the personalized services, where the bartender created a custom drink based on preferences.

Another person posted about the coconut butter old-fashioned cocktail. He said it was delicious and he’s never had something like that before.

Also Checkout:

• The Soho London Nightlife
• Safest Non Gamstop Casinos

Conclusion: The Vault is London’s Hidden Cocktail Crown Jewel

Vault Soho is Soho’s bohemian spirit through world-class cocktails in an authentically mysterious atmosphere.

It started with two whisky founders decades ago, and it continues through each night’s discoveries and conversations. This award-winning place transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary experiences. 

Ready to spend a night at London’s best-kept secret? Book your table and step through that hidden bookcase tonight. 

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