A new, £1m Scottish bar and restaurant site, Albannach, will open on Trafalgar Square in London early next year.

Covering 8,000sq ft across three floors – including a whisky lounge with a 25ft bar and a private room – Albannach has been designed with a contemporary twist and will be open throughout day.

The wine list has been created by Sam Capron of Wine Interantional, Ian Wisniewski has sourced a diverse selection of Scotch whiskies for the lounge and Tony Conigliaro of Roka and Isola has created the cocktail list.

The 60-cover mezzanine restaurant will be overseen by head chef John Paul McLachlan, formerly of Amarylis and Le Manoir Aux ‘Quat Saisons. Many of the menu’s ingredients will be imported directly from Scotland.

The interiors have been designed by Grant White Design’s Abbie De Bunsen in collaboration with Albannach’s CEO Niall Barnes.

The ground floor bar will be lit by ebonised antler chandeliers and enhanced with stark Scottish landscape photography from Charlie Waite. Floor to ceiling windows will provide views of Trafalgar Square.

Other facilities at the venue will include a private dining room which will seat up to 24 people, DVD, CD, video and wireless broadband Internet access and a 52-inch plasma screen.

Open for private functions from 8 December, Albannach will officially launch to the public on 1 February.

“Albannach will bring something new and exciting to the capital,” said Barnes. “I look forward to showcasing the best in my country’s culture, food and drink, as well as highlighting a contemporary and sexy side to Scotland.” Details: www.albannach.co.uk