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Satan's Whiskers

London

Quintessentially cool neighbourhood hangout

During daylight hours, you'd be forgiven for walking past Satan's Whiskers. When the graffiti-scrawled shutters are down, it's hard to imagine that one of London's most beloved cocktail bars calls this unassuming building in Bethnal Green home. But as the evening sets in the space comes to life, the glowing red neon above the door and the inviting ambiance (glimpsed through gaps in slatted blinds) beckoning to passersby.

Opened by owner Kevin Armstrong back in 2013, Satan's Whiskers is popular with neighbourhood regulars and global popstars alike (in a 2024 interview, Charli XCX called it her favourite London bar). Despite its reputation, there's a refreshingly lowkey approach at Satan's (as it's known by its most ardent fans): walk-ins are often available, bookings are taken over the phone and service is genuinely unpretentious. Ask any of the knowledgeable, approachable bartenders for recommendations and chances are they'll nail it, suggesting drinks based on your existing likes and dislikes. Famed for its hip hop soundtrack and decorated with warm wood, leather and vintage drinks posters, it's a space in which to relax rather than pose.

The drinks menu changes daily, but the bar is mostly known for its total mastery of classic cocktails. Signature sips include sidecars, martinis in all their guises and the Satan's Manhattan (although made following the standard recipe, the team achieves a more luxurious mouthfeel by freezing the ingredients). Looking for something fun? Those in the know order a Miami Vice, a pleasingly retro creation that's half strawberry daiquiri, half piña colada. Complete with cocktail umbrella, the two elements are poured so that rather than mixing, they sit side by side in the glass. The result is an eye-popping, two-tone confection that looks like the grown-up, booze-addled version of your favourite childhood candy.

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