BAR: Satan's Whiskers
Another bank holiday, another cocktail drinking session, this time at Satan's Whiskers in Bethnal Green. Known as London's "Bartender's Bar", Satan's Whiskers has been voted No 23 in the 2023 50 Best Bars list (making it third in the UK behind Tayer + Elementary and The Connaught bar), so I was eager to try the concoctions on offer. With a menu that changes daily, this neighborhood bar - with blinds permanently closed such that 5pm feels like midnight at any time of the year, and taxidermied animals giving the place a real speakeasy vibe - regulars at Satan's Whiskers can always find something surprising.
It being my first time, I went with one of the classics: Satan's Manhattan (pictured above), their take on a Manhattan, consisting simply of knob creek, sweet vermouth, and bitters. This was very alcoholic, and - not being such a fan of the taste of straight alcohol - was too much for me. The next drink I had, on the other hand, is exactly the type of cocktail I look for.
The After All consists of calvados, peach and lemon, and was light, subtle and refreshing. Elegant and refined, this is a delightful drink I could easily have had more of. Wanting the same kind of lightness but with a different flavour profile, I asked the bartender what they would recommend. Hence, the Penicillin, consisting of scotch, honey, lemon, ginger and peat.
As refreshing as the After All but with more heat and a chewy toothsome aspect that came across in the aftertaste, this was a worthy recommendation, and another great drink.
Finally - probably to the detriment of tomorrow Leo - I had a Frozen Pisco Sour. Consisting of Pisco, lemon, egg white, lime, and sugar (all blended), this was an alcoholic, zesty slushie that was probably surplus to requirements, but an enjoyable drink nonetheless.
Satan's Whiskers have friendly staff, a menu that caters to most every taste when it comes to cocktails, shorts and longs, and a welcoming atmosphere where you can easily spend a couple of hours, as I did this bank holiday Sunday.
Definitely worth a special trip.
