Described by the list as the capital’s ‘original neighbourhood cocktail bar’, Satan’s Whiskers regained its crown at an awards ceremony hosted by cocktail and drinks expert Portia Freeman at The Underglobe in London last night (11 February).
It replaces last year’s winner, the Manchester-based Schofield’s Bar, which dropped back to number three, one place behind Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons at number two.
“We’re delighted to see Satan’s Whiskers back on top once again, marking the third time they’ve been voted number one,” says Ed Bedington, editor of Restaurant’s sister site The Morning Advertiser, which organises the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list
“It’s clear to see from the dedication and passion of the team there that it’s found its rightful place on the list.”
First launched in 2018, the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list showcases the best cocktail spots in the UK, as recognised by an academy of expert voters.
This year list features 12 new entries with the highest being Dram in Soho, which came in at number eight.
Liverpool made its mark by returning to the list this year with two new entries: Bar Glue at 38, and Sister Ray at 45.
Newcastle also returned with Mother Mercy re-entering the list at 42.
The Isle of Man also joined the list for the first time with Kiki Lounge entering the Top 50 at number 49.
Other winners on the night included Equal Parts in Hackney, which was named as One to Watch; Little Mercies in Crouch End, which picked up Sustainable Bar of the Year; and the Hideout in Bath, which was awarded the prize for Bar Team of the Year.
This year’s Rising Star was Mandi Tabatabai from The Cocktail Trading Co. in Shoreditch.
“I’d like to congratulate all the bars that have made the list this year, and our winners as well,” adds Bedington.
“It’s a tough industry out there, but these guys are flying the flag for excellence and exceptional experience for customers looking for a discerning night out.”
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars is sponsored by headline partner Franklin & Sons as well as associate partners Courvoisier, Fords Gin, Tequila Herradura, Monkey Shoulder, V Rum and Woodforde Reserve alongside brand partner plus Jack Daniel’s and brand partners Golden Egg Vodka and Vapoura Rum.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list 2025 in full
1. Satan's Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London
2. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
3. Schofield’s Bar, Manchester
4. Couch, Birmingham
5. Tayer + Elementary, Shoreditch, London
6. Swift, Soho, London
7. Passing Fancies, Birmingham
8. Dram, Soho, London
9. The Hideout, Bath
10. Lyaness, South Bank, London
11. Speak in Code, Manchester
12. Nauticus, Edinburgh
13. Three Sheets, Dalston, London
14. Amaro Bar, Kensington, London
15. Below Stairs, Leeds
16. Hey Palu, Edinburgh
17. Viajante 87, Notting Hill, London
18. Daddy Marmalades, Glasgow
19. Silverleaf, Spitafields, London
20. The Connaught Bar, Mayfair, London
21. Bar Termini, Soho, London
22. Blinker, Manchester
23. Filthy XIII. Bristol
24. Murder Inc, Soho, London
25. Stray, Manchester
26. Lab 22, Cardiff
27. Tabula Rasa, Leeds
28. Soma, Soho, London
29. Little Mercies, Crouch End, London
30. Nipperkin at NIJŪ, Mayfair, London
31. Kwãnt, Mayfair, London
32. Scarfes Bar, Holborn, London
33. The Absent Ear, Glasgow
34. Side Hustle, Covent Garden, London
35. 🔶🟥🔵, Hackney, London
36. Bramble Bar & Lounge, Edinburgh
37. The American bar at Gleneagles, Auchterarder
38. Bar Glue, Liverpool
39. Public, Sheffield
40. Red Light, Manchester
41. Twice Shy, Kensington, London
42. Mother Mercy, Newcastle
43. The Gate, Glasgow
44. Pearl at Park Hill, Sheffield
45. Sister Ray, Liverpool
46. Archive & Myth, Leicester Square, London
47. Happiness Forgets, Hoxton, London
48. Callooh Callay, Shoreditch, London
49. Kiki Lounge, Douglas, Isle of Man
50. 69 Colebrook Row, Islington, London