Please note, The Devil's Darling is now closed (Time Out editors, Sep 2019)
Question: is there really any need for yet another cocktail bar in Shoreditch? Of course, the answer is yes, particularly when we’re talking about The Devil’s Darling. It’s part of The Napoleon – a cool hotel with only one suite (yup, just one). Sat on the first floor, the bar – one of three! – is a dimly lit, small room dominated by a huge painting of the French emperor’s coronation. Get a seat at the rather splendid green marble bar itself; you may be able to influence which vintage vinyl will next hit the turntable spinning at the end of it.
Advertised as a ‘classic cocktail’ joint, the DD’s daily drinks list features only three tipples, so it’s no surprise there’s a strong encouragement to test the bar staff’s knowledge by ordering your favourites ‘off-menu’. How about syrup, rather than a sugar cube, in your sazerac? If you’ve the time and inclination these matters can, and will be, discussed with a passion. Drinks in general came in at around £11; a snip, really, as free bar snacks were abundant. A Harvard and a dry martini were both as good as it gets, reminding you that this is a top quality hotel bar. Even if it does only have one bedroom.