Satan&#x27;s Whiskers

The 15 Best Cocktail Bars In London

"Satan’s Whiskers is where you go to lean across a table to get closer to your date, under the guise of talking over loud hip hop but really so they engage with your pheromones. At this fun, busy Bethnal Green bar, people order another round of excellent and potent Old Fashioneds just because. Soft, sexy lighting makes everyone (and the high volume of taxidermy) look great, and the bartenders take their cocktails seriously without any pretension. While most nice east London bars have ‘foraged this’ and ‘infused that’ in their drinks, the menu here sticks to the classics—all executed perfectly." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, daisy meager

On the Grid : Satan's whiskers

"This is the kind of bar where you wouldn't go if nobody told you that it's great. Hidden behind a worn-down facade, Satan's whiskers is actually an awesome classy and quirky cocktail bar. Old ads and bizarre stuffed animals make the interior. The cocktail menu is changed everyday, so you wouldn't get bored and the staff is super friendly." - Mélanie Hubert-Crozet

"Satan's whiskers, Bethnal Green. This is the kind of bar where you wouldn't go if nobody told you that it's great. Hidden behind a worn-down facade, Satan's whiskers is actually an awesome classy and quirky cocktail bar. Old ads and bizarre stuffed animals make the interior. The cocktail menu is changed everyday, so you wouldn't get bored and the staff is super friendly."

London

The First Timer’s Guide To Drinking In London - London - The Infatuation

"Fat Joe sang that love’s about us, and it’s about trust babe, and you’re more than likely to hear this in Satan’s Whiskers. This trendy Bethnal Green cocktail bar is an easy choice on Friday and Saturday nights, thanks to the winning combination of a bop-worthy hip hop soundtrack and cocktails under a tenner. Be aware that it’s pretty much perma-busy, more often than not with couples staying until the 12am closing time before asking the inevitable, “yours or mine?“." - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Jake Oliver

Satan’s Whiskers Review - Hackney - London - The Infatuation

"Fat Joe sang that love’s about us, and it’s about trust babe, and you’re more than likely to hear this in Satan’s Whiskers. This trendy Bethnal Green cocktail bar is an easy choice on Friday and Saturday nights, thanks to the winning combination of a bop-worthy hip hop soundtrack and cocktails under a tenner. Be aware that it’s pretty much perma-busy, more often than not with couples staying until the 12am closing time, before asking the inevitable, ‘yours or mine?’." - Jake Missing

sergio valentini

Google

I heard about this place from my friends that are as knowledgeable as I am in discovering or visiting places that serve great cocktails and have a unique vibe. I live in Clapham and I am not often in this area, but, as a Michelin guide would say, this place deserves the journey as it is a destination in its own right. In fact, it deserves a pilgrimage ! It is always full, so, if you can, book a table online or phone them to make sure you will be able to drink there! You will regret not doing that when you will not be able to stay there due to poor planning. Once you do sit, let them transport you to a place that is so perfect, you really do not want to leave. The service is efficient and kind, the cocktails are to die for, and, if you ask them for advice, they have a knack for suggesting the perfect cocktail that you wanted but could not be able to explain. I had 2 of those that were not on the menu and they were mindblowingly good ! It was my first time, and I cannot wait to go back again ! Wow! Thank you guys you were all amazing !

Gnawtylist

Google

Never judge a book by its cover. Lots ratty from the outside, but inside it’s a delight. With the subtle background hip hop playing across the airwaves, the interesting decor, this place really stands out. Then you try the drinks, and wow, you can see why this bar is so highly rated. It’s the bar I often hear other bartenders saying is there go to. I had a martini and a manhattan, beautifully crafted and went down a treat. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Maheen Rizvi

Google

Lovely relaxed atmosphere and amazing drinks and service. Would really recommend the French 75 in particular! I can totally understand the hype and will definitely come back!

Nicholas B

Google

The best cocktail bar I've been to in London Servers are incredibly knowledgable about their drinks, on and off the menu. And to boot, they're friendly and helpful Drinks are made, literally to perfection. I don't normally like martinis, but the one I ordered is the best I ever had. Excellent vibes. So many couples here on a date, and I see why. The wooden furniture, the candles and music connates an unpretentious yet relaxed atmosphere Definite must see

sandhya yadav

Google

Very hip cocktail bar but hard to get into because they only accept reservations by call. The cocktails are delicious and good selection of nibbles, the staff is very nice and friendly. Overall the vibe is very pleasant.

Symone Snowden-Wright

Google

I was visiting London and stumbled upon this place from a recommendation from a friend and I’m so happy we did. The drinks were incredible (i got the twinkle and loved it!) the wait staff was extremely attentive and kind. I love that the menus are printed with the waitstaff’s names who are working that evening. The taxidermy is so weird and so insanely cool. The bird acting as the chandelier in the middle of the room was totally blinged out, she was cute. All in all this was a great vibe for a late night drink.

Mike Darley

Google

One of the best cocktail bars in London. Fantastic cocktails served by fantastic staff. Great atmosphere and music as well.

Alperen Alsoy

Google

Bar looks a bit weird on the outside but I guess they prefer people coming over for their top quality cocktails only. Perfect ambience and perfect service.

Hannah H.

Yelp

*| Satans Whiskers |* A little piece of nostalgia. A wink from the universe. A piece of milk + honey. Londons cocktail scene was one for the books. The innovation, simplicity, service, and passion shone through in every interaction. It's no surprise 4 of their bars have landed on the top 50 bars in the world list. Satans Whiskers embodied everything you love in a bar. From the Lauryn Hill pulsing through the speakers to the menu which boasts creative takes on drinks we all love and appreciate - its special. Thanks for the memories. Such a great reminder of the stamp that the cocktail revolution from the late 90s had on us.

Michael B.

Yelp

Satan's Whiskers had a rough start during my visit, but an absolutely wonderful finish! They actually forgot about drink order and didn't realize that for almost twenty minutes. One major apology later, they compensated the drink, gave us a small glass of champagne, and we're prompt on every other. Wonderful service! The menu reads as a fun riff on classic cocktails. The only one I tried that I'd avoid was the Comodore. Otherwise the drinks were wonderful, including the off menu sazerac and Charlie Chaplin. The seating is a bit cramped but that's a minor gripe. I'd happily return any time for more excellent cocktails! Side note, they're all made from scratch - nothing is pre mixed as of October 2023.

Srao_29 ..

Yelp

A few of us came here for a round of drinks before dinner. This place was truly a happy surprise. You don't know what to expect given what the outside looks like, but this was hands down the best cocktails, ambience and vibe you can hope for in a bar. Go here - you won't be disappointed!

Jim M.

Yelp

This is probably the best bar I went to this trip to London. The drinks were delicious, and I had five of them to prove it. They played old school music and the bartenders were friendly and fast. There was no weird looks when I ordered my drinks two at a time. I had all of the American Bourbon series and another drink my favorite being the Stone Fence. This was the first time since Covid that I forgot about it the entire time I was there. I'd say it was the hospitality and quality of the drinks though some might say it was the quantity. Go here.

Guy H.

Yelp

I was in town for a few weeks for work and stayed at an Airbnb up the street. The owner highly recommended this place, with the explicit instructions to ignore its grungy-looking exterior. When I tell you you can't judge this book by its cover, that's an absolute fact. Satan's Whiskers is one of the best cocktail bars I've ever been to. Anywhere, not just London. Their menu of drinks rotates daily, so there is (apparently) something new to try from one visit to the next. The drinks themselves are very well-crafted and balanced. I first ordered an Old Pal, which seemed like a cross between an old fashioned and a Manhattan. Booze-forward and ruby-colored. I then also ordered an gin and tonic (it had a more specific name than that but I can't remember). Very crisp and refreshing on a very warm London day. The service was as spectacular as the drinks. I was served by Ollie, who I impressed by correctly guessing he was from Sweden, and was willing to let me sample a new drink he was experimenting with. I also never had to ask for ice water; it was provided before I even sat down and refilled quickly. My only caveat for this bar is it's not for you if you're looking for somewhere quiet to chat with friends or a loved one. The music was loud but it was good jams and I was alone so I can't complain. If you're ever near Bethnal Green and in need of a good tipple, Satan's Whiskers should be at the top of your list.

Liza Jane J.

Yelp

Coming from LA, did I expect the best Paloma I've ever had to be in East London. H*CK Nah. As so many have shared, this is one of the best sneakily not a dive bar but great cocktail program/bars I've been to in London. I was not staying in the East part of London and once you stay here long enough...Taking the victoria line to the central line just to have a drink can be the trek. It's only 6 miles but feels like a world away. But trust me, it's worth it. Once I had a paloma, I had about 3 more. I can't remember exactly how it happened. It was a hot summer day when I visited and I was just happy for the drink but I was absolutely BLOWN away by the artistry and pride the bartender had in making my Paloma. We talked about how it was one his favorite drinks to make and I now have my own Paloma recipe inspised by my visit to Satan's Whiskers. I think they may have a food pairing some nights. For anyone visiting and looking for a bar, yes go here. Definitely a gem.

Kenny C.

Yelp

One of the best cocktail bars in London! A bit intimate, but if you can grab a seat at the bar, definitely do it. Joseph is a legend and will sling you some great cocktails. Their beer selection is really good, and they have a whole section of their menu dedicated to G&T's (The Botanist was great). They also have all the ingredients to make a Gibson! They do also have a food menu, which is a step above your typical pub food. Great times and great vibes.

Ana V.

Yelp

Love the vibe here - nice, chill and cool place to hang out. I was only just blah/basic as far as the drinks were concerned, to which I'd only give 2 stars for cocktails. We got the Orange Swizzle and another drink with prosecco, orange juice, peach juice, and orange bitters. As for the flavors on both - kind of sweet, which could be okay, but the cocktails just were not memorable or interesting compared to other cocktail bars around the world with such good standings. I say this not to be nasty, but for this bar to up their game as far as passion for ingredients and flavors are concerned. Add some spices/flavors/spiced rims or interesting top elements to bring complexity to your drinks. Look to what's going on at cocktail bars like the Violet Hour in Chicago or Himkok in Oslo or just about any cocktail bar in San Francisco to up the quality of your cocktails and your place will be off the charts!

Caroline L.

Yelp

Really cool bar with a nice cocktail list (they change monthly) and weird, but awesome decor: stuffed animals, skeletons, old posters... My friend and I didn't know which cocktails to choose and the waiter really helped us with his recommendations: we ended up sharing 6 and be really merry when our other friends joined. One thing I really appreciate: the cocktail menu tells you which barmaid is serving on the night, I found this overly nice from the place to credit their staff. Price wise, you're in shoreditch so it's the usual tenner for a cocktail. This is a great spot for a first date: if you have nothing to talk about you can still talk about the unicorn skeleton.

Trekforbeer B.

Yelp

True local spot and feel. Big menu but I wasn't drawn to a ton. The drink I had was good but not a place I needed to stay long. I can see why its a industry recommend.

Katie H.

Yelp

The first time I came to Satan's Whiskers I wasn't able to go inside as it was so crowded. The façade is quite intimidating with a very small sign, suggesting that only those in the know would come here. The whole bar is a perfect example of hipster experience done right. The staff are attentive, the cocktails are delicious and weird animals leer at you from the walls. The snake headed chicken was a favourite of mine, but I really wanted to have a skull in a beanie. As a sideline lover of hipsters and hipster 'culture' I was enamoured with this place. You'd best book a table if you want to visit, even if only for cocktails as it is very popular and gets busy quickly. I got lucky on my second trip and was allowed a place near the bar to sample their delights. I will be coming back here again, and again.

Kevin L.

Yelp

So happy to find this cocktail joint with some buzz was just a quick jaunt from my flat. Taxidermied animals in clothes, skulls, and plenty of comfortable seating set the tone for the night. We each got two cocktails and lingered over them, and everyone else seemed to be a hot date. The cocktail menu changes on the daily, so no point reciting to you what was in my drink, but everything was mighty tasty. My favorite involved orgeat and champagne, so it was all almonds, rose water, and bubbles, no complaints here. The little chocolate tile before you pay your bill is a nice touch!

Isabella M.

Yelp

Great drinks and staff! I heard that they have pretty good food too so I'm curious about trying because if the food is good as the drinks them it's heaven :) I got a drink make with banana and I never have tried anything like it, it makes me wanna go to Hawaii somehow, haha (y)

Thomas A.

Yelp

There's a line in the taxidermy world where good becomes crap and crap becomes good again. This passes all the lines. I've tried to come in a few times on busier days to the sound of 'YOU DIDN'T BOOK??? SORRYYYYY' and was rather discouraged for... well, years actually. I don't always plan my cocktails (do you? does anyone? apparently someone in Hackney does)- so I was happy to finally go in on a quieter night and find that there was space for us. Glad we did go in as the place is really good- a solid cocktail menu that you can ignore in lieu of bantering with your server for recommendations and hip hop tunes to keep you shimmying in your seat. I'm a fan.

Jens S.

Yelp

London is the city that contributes 5 of the Top 10 bars in the world in 2016. That list includes institutions such as The American Bar in the Savoy and the Connaught, the Hipster bar Happiness Forgets, and Dandelyan and The Gibson, new bars that push the boundaries of Mixology. All of them great experiences, but Satan's Whiskers is the bar to come back to again and again. It's unpretentious and seems to have effortlessly developed its own natural style. The menu changes on a daily basis and is built on a database of more than 400 cocktails, hundreds of classics, masterfully adapted, and some brilliant creations by the current and previous bar team (Lost Cause is one of my new favourites), all prepared with fresh ingredients, great attention to detail and a no-frills professional bar tending style. Dan (never seen him not wearing a Hawaiian shirt) is a genius behind the bar and certainly one of the most productive bartenders I have ever witnessed, while providing excellent service to his guests. His young team is obviously having fun at work and are more concerned about every single drink they prepare rather than how cool they look behind the bar. So you get divine drinks, great bar food (scotch eggs, beef burger), a relaxed atmosphere and a daily changing cocktail menu providing you with ample opportunity to explore new libations. Oh yes, and all that at very fair prices. My favourite bar in London.

Eoin O.

Yelp

I was very excited to come across this - a cocktail bar in the Bethnal Green area. It's a great location for it - the only other similar bar is in Viajante across the road, which has a completely different vibe. The hip-hop soundtrack initially feels at odds with the environment, but you soon adapt to it. The place looks amazing - muted lighting with weird taxidermy all over the shop. The service is excellent - staff were constantly roaming the room to ensure you were served as soon as you needed to. Drinks were produced and delivered in a very efficient manner. As noted elsewhere, the menu changes daily. It comes in four sections: fizz-based (I approve of the use of prosecco over champagne), SW's variations on the classic cocktail, shorts and longs. Most of my selections came from the second section as I prefer my drinks strong and served straight-up, but I'm sure everyone's tastes would be catered for with this array. Nothing on the menu was over £8. Can't wait to go back.

Alex M.

Yelp

Place has incredible ambience with awesome cocktails and good prices all around. For the quality of the drinks and variety you can't really do better. From the outside looks divey but inside is a great cocktail bar with varied decor ranging from a Unicorn skeleton to a huitzchol jaguar. Also if they have St Lawrence, order it. It is the greatest.

Jack D.

Yelp

The most excellent of cocktails in a place you might not expect. This joint is almost hidden, no real signs pointing this out and just blends into the shops and local takeaways. Saying that, it's worth your time finding it as the cocktails are ON point. The mezcal margarita is the best choice and currently my go-to. A vast selection with all the favourites and some extra in house concoctions thrown in. Added to this some amazing roasted almonds to keep the hunger levels down. Strong.

Rachel S.

Yelp

My friend and I were staying in an Airbnb that was essentially right above this place. The skeleton of a unicorn caught our eye, so on our last night in town we stopped by on our way home. We sat at the bar and shared 4 different cocktails, all moderately priced and delicious (and the whole menu looked good)! The bartender and both of the servers were all very friendly, and even provided water without us having to ask. Our bar space was kept clean and service was especially speedy. Wish we'd stopped in earlier so we could have gone back!

Suz Y.

Yelp

Taxidermied animals in beanies, vintage alcohol posters, and hip-hop. Where are the cat whiskers though? The menu changes daily and even includes your servers names. The food was just okay but nothing to rave about. Also reasonably priced from 2-3 for a side and 5-7 for smaller entrees. Now the drinks. My first drink was a cocktail named 'Bunker' with rye, grapefruit, and grenadine, it was really just quite strong. I took my sweet time to avoid the horrible Asian glow. My friend already had 3 by the time I finally finished. A few of the short drinks were more on the bitter side but the long drinks are generally sweeter and more flavorful. We had 5 drinks, two entrees, and a side and all together it was 55. Not cheap but still in the acceptable range. You can tell they are serious about their drinks. The bar was maybe 30% full on a Tuesday night but it still took them about 15 min to make the drinks each time. But, they are worth the wait! I dont know if I'd enjoy this place if it was packed.

E J.

Yelp

First date or a night out with friends, this place is one of the coolest cocktail bars in London. There is taxidermy dotted around the bar and it's walls, old school hi-hop playing and close quarters tables, but all of these little things add up to one brilliant night out. Some may be put off by sitting so close to strangers, but if nothing else you should take it as an opportunity to break with London tradition, make eye contact and talk to new people. Get the low down on what others are drinking, try and get through as much of the menu as you can - just make sure you're able to walk to the kerb to grab a taxi in the wee hours of the morning. Trust me, you'll be there that long.

Dominic G.

Yelp

I'd been driving past this cocktail bar for a while before finally venturing in to find that rarest of things, a wonderful cocktail bar, with vibe, amazing drinks, good food and friendly staff within walking distance from my house. Well that's great for me but why should you consider travelling there from somewhere else? In my view the best reason is because of the same factors. It is all those things whilst still feeling like a local neighbourhood bar. You can sit in small booth tables or at the bar itself and in a perfectly relaxed manner just enjoy the wonderful drink on offer. The menu changes regularly, the bar staff really know their stuff (seriously, have a chat with them before ordering!) and you won't feel cramped or crowded. In a few words, it's just right.

Amy P.

Yelp

This bar is cute and cozy with good music and the service is fantastic. Extensive cocktail list that changes daily so they always have something new for people to try. They also have a small selection of beer and wine for the less adventurous. The food was excellent too, they have snacks such as olives and fries as well as a more fulsome menu that includes burgers and the like. It's not cheap but not out of order for this type of place. It would be a really good date place! So, why 3 stars? I honestly didn't appreciate the taxidermied animals with huge penises stuck onto them, things on their crotches, and cigarettes. And I enjoy looking at taxidermy. But this just bordered on the obscene and I found it to be crude, disrespectful, and not funny. Sorry.

Rebecca P.

Yelp

Satan's Whiskers is the breed of clandestine London cocktail bar so inconspicuous that it would be impossible to stumble upon haphazardly. There's no website and even its location is questionable (although Paradise Row is situated nearby and is now drawing the savvy crowds to Bethnal Green). Indistinguishable from the surrounding rundown facades of dingy pubs and taxi offices, Satan's Whiskers is identifiable only by modicum signage (and a pseudo blue plaque affixed to the exterior). I was taken here for pre-dinner cocktails on my birthday and had a couple of punchy negronis. Inside, the décor is diner/restaurant style seating with a dash of taxidermy and general kitsch- it's moody, but more spacious and relaxed than I expected. It was busy quite early on a Thursday night, but the staff were attentive and we were immediately seated and brought a jug of water; they were also tolerant of embarrassingly ceremonious unwrapping of gifts and our general indecisiveness over the impressive drinks menu. Their selection of cocktails ranged from spins on the classics to more adventurous house specialties. We were seated at a table, but there were booths available for larger groups and space at the bar for single punters. The range of drinks was impressive and the menu was dated- implying that the offerings must rotate- and prices very reasonable. If I recall correctly, both of our drinks were under a tenner each. We stayed long enough for two drinks and had to rush off to make our dinner reservation, but this is a seriously cool joint that is worth dropping into, especially if you want to impress a friend with a solid cocktail in a relaxed but undeniably trendy ambiance. Oh- but they do take reservations if you have the sense to ring in advance- and I would recommend it given how quickly it was filling up.

Chris G.

Yelp

I came here, both before and after my visit to the Resistance Gallery, and both times I left disappointed. Admittedly, I had not booked beforehand, but upon entering, I took a seat at the bar and was told to wait for a table to be available. I waited ages and was not kept in touch with how long the process of waiting may take. So eventually had to leave to go to the Resistance Gallery. Upon returning later, still very much determined to experience this place, I repeated the same method as earlier. This time I did actually manage to get a drink, and very nice it was too. I did wait for a huge amount of time from the drink to arrive, but when it did, it was great. I must say it was not overly expensive in comparison to other London cocktail prices, however I do feel for the location, level of customer service & decor in the place it was in line to be slightly cheaper anyway. I would definitely return to Satan's Whiskers. However, next time I will most definitely book ahead and get there early. Maybe I will be in a position to write a much favourable review!

Laura S.

Yelp

Cocktails in London can be hard to get right but this is an immaculate exception! The vibe is always on point with moody lighting, cool music and a buzzy crowd. It's best to go on a weekday evening often Sunday afternoon. Otherwise they are ridiculously full and you will have a hard time getting space to sit. All of the drinks I've tried were delicious. Some of the decor is on the racier side so maybe leave your mother-in-law at home. (Although mine loved it.) ;)

Joseph D.

Yelp

After being a local at this establishment for 5 months I've never been so sad to write a Yelp review, it takes a lot to make me write a bad one. The service we usually got was ok and never really bothered me too much. But recently we received the worst service I've ever experienced, it was absolutely appalling. All 3 guys in the bar were incredibly rude (especially the Scottish guy with a top knot). I will never be returning here. I could go on and on about the things they did but I'd just say best thing to do is avoid this place, such a shame as it has potential to be a great bar. I'd recommend going somewhere else (heaps of places in the area) if you want a warm friendly environment with great drinks.

Camilla H.

Yelp

Great cocktails, great hiphop and a bird with a snake for a head for company. What's not to like?

Adam M.

Yelp

The exterior looks kind of forbidding and it's really quite hard to get a good sense of what the bar is like inside. Well, it's a hipster cocktail bar. Taxidermied stuff, weird posters - the whole aesthetic. Which works pretty well. Mostly, though, it's about the cocktails. The menu is pretty long, provoking agonies of choice, but everyone liked what they got. Space can be something of an issue, though. It's not a particularly big bar, so be wary if there are more than 4 or 5 of you and you turn up without booking.

John S.

Yelp

Finest cocktail bar in London or maybe anywhere....if you dig great cocktails, hip hop music and an eclectic vibe, this is the place for you. Food and snacks are also very tasty. Service is fantastic. Authentic place, ran with love for a cool atmosphere and great drinks. Never change.

William T.

Yelp

Nice bar, cocktails were ok, the music is good (hip hop) Service is very friendly. Will come back!

Ada C.

Yelp

What a grown up feeling cocktail bar - I loved it! Really nice low lighting that didn't feel too much, Satan's Whiskers has a daily changing menu of cocktails. We had some really lovely drinks (all within the £7-8 range) and the service was spot on as well. Definitely

Janice L.

Yelp

You can easily pass by this cocktail bar tucked on Bethnal Green road without noticing. Just across from the Town Hall hotel, this place serves up some good old cocktails. Wide range to choose from, they also serve up some wine selection (although cocktails are always a great choice y'all). They may need an extra staff or two, but lovely drinks, chill crowd, and not to mention, they also serve up a nice food menu.

Antony V.

Yelp

Best cocktails in East London, hands down! Try the 'Penicillin', divine. Great old skool hip hop soundtrack. Hyper friendly bartenders.

Hannah R.

Yelp

Brilliant cocktails, great food and awesome decor, this place is an absolute gem. It looks like a dive bar from the outside and is really small and intimate inside. Tables for two are spread around with taxidermy all over the place, often dressed up in interesting outfits. The music, old school hip hop, fits really well and that staff are super friendly. Definitely recommend!

Steve H.

Yelp

Went back to London for a week and really pleased to see this bar exists. I've always said the thing London is missing that NY has is a good chilled cocktail bar. This place has got it right, good drinks, good atmosphere and not over crowded.

The 15 Best Cocktail Bars In London

On the Grid : Satan's whiskers

London

The First Timer’s Guide To Drinking In London - London - The Infatuation

Satan’s Whiskers Review - Hackney - London - The Infatuation

"Fat Joe sang that love’s about us, and it’s about trust babe, and you’re more than likely to hear this in Satan’s Whiskers. This trendy Bethnal Green cocktail bar is an easy choice on Friday and Saturday nights, thanks to the winning combination of a bop-worthy hip hop soundtrack and cocktails under a tenner. Be aware that it’s pretty much perma-busy, more often than not with couples staying until the 12am closing time, before asking the inevitable, ‘yours or mine?’." - Jake Missing