Looking every bit a down-and-out dive bar from the outside, you shouldn’t judge Satan’s Whiskers by its cover. Inside, there’s hip hop on the stereo, a smartly modish setting, vintage French posters on the walls and some of the best cocktails to be found in Bethnal Green. Their menu changes often, with adventurous spirit combinations always at Satan’s heart. But luckily, it’s more of a laid-back neighbourhood hangout than an out-of-place, high-end cocktail bar. Think not so much stuffy, more stuffed animals – there’s plenty of taxidermy pals lounging around, but it never borders on the tacky.
Order this
The devil’s work is never done and the team here have taken the idea quite literally - last year, their menu featured a carousel of more than 400 cocktails to whet your whistle. There are usually delectable house specials to be found, such as Satan’s Garibaldi (campari, orange, lime, passionfruit and orange soda) or Satan’s Manhattan (Knob Creek whiskey, vermouth and bitters).
Time Out tip
If you’re in the mood for both people watching and a lesson in liquor, sit at the bar: a prime position to catch the attention of friendly staff, who’ll gladly run you through their favourites on the menu.