Established in 2013 in Bethnal Green, Satan’s Whiskers has earned its legendary status as London’s "bartender’s bar" by keeping things unpretentious yet impeccably executed. Founded by Kevin Armstrong (former Milk & Honey, Trailer Happiness) and co‑founders Fraser Chapman and Damian Benjamin, the venue champions classic cocktails served à la minute—never pre‑batched—with flawless balance and precision. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by exposed brick walls adorned with vintage French liquor posters and tasteful taxidermy—sometimes described as “hellish chic” by patrons—while a steady stream of classic hip‑hop sets the tone. Despite its understated exterior, the bar has consistently ranked as the UK’s number‑one cocktail bar in the Morning Advertiser Top 50 (2019, 2023 & 2025), and was No. 29 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Each night the menu changes—drawn from a catalogue of approximately 900 drinks—with a handful of classic or twist cocktails named after the bartenders who craft them. The namesake cocktail “Satan’s Whiskers” blends gin, Grand Marnier, and vermouth; others like the East 8 Hold‑Up or 34th Brigade showcase creative riffs on familiar formats. There’s also a solid food offering—bar snacks, sharing plates, grilled cheese, scotch eggs—that pair effortlessly with cocktails. With seating for roughly 50, the space remains intimate and informal—a place to linger or pop in for a stellar drink. Friendly service, expert bartenders, and an evolving list of expertly balanced drinks make it clear: this bar doesn’t need gimmicks, just perfect execution in a cozy, character‑driven setting—a true local gem that keeps aficionados coming back.
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