Simmons Bar in Camden is everything you would expect from the bar that has
Simmons Bar in Camden is everything you would expect from the bar that has made a name for itself at its launch branch in King’s Cross.
Cue more retro décor, vintage lamp shades and graffitied school desks which customers can add to with their own comments. All very similar to the King’s Cross branch and its retro-gaming theme, with a fruit machine behind the bar and games on offer for customers. The famous skull glitter ball from King’s Cross has sprung a second head for its sister branch.
It’s easy to see why they’re so popular and able to branch out – I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a few more branches opening elsewhere in the not too distant future.
To add to the retro-feel, and for the less social, there is a Playstation for customers to play on. The bar also has board games for you to play on.
What to drink?
Simmons’ classic cocktails are all on the menu – the cocktails out of tea cups are the bars’ most popular sellers. If there’s a group of you then these are a good idea, they come on a tea tray and cost around £20.
Some of the best teapots (wherever they can squeeze in ‘tea’: G&Tea, Long Island Iced Tea etc.) include their Martinis. ‘Apple-Tea-Ni’, made from Rum, lime juice, sparkling apple juice, mint leaves and granny smith apples and ‘French Mar-Tea-Ni’- Vodka or Gin, Chambord and Pineapple Juice are particularly good.
There’s plenty of choice but Simmons also do some of the best mojitos in London, you have the classic or fruity twists such as strawberry or apple & blueberry – I’d heartily recommend the raspberry.
For those with a sweet tooth there are also a desert-inspire range: the toffee apple, the Toblerone, strawberry cake and even a chocolate cake shooter.
Our tip: try the Espresso Martini (£8.50) – vodka, kahlua, fresh espresso, sugar syrup and coffee beans.
All are served in funky tumblers or Simmons’ staple retro teacups.
On a budget?
Join the after-work crowd or try and blend in with the hipsters every day of the week for Simmons’ daily five-hour (yes, FIVE) ‘happy hour’ (4-9 pm).
Happy hour drinks are from £2.50, two of the same selected cocktails are £10.00 or from £7.50 after 9pm. Teapots serving four, £20.
A successful launch night on Halloween had locals flocking in to check out the chain’s new offering. Loyal regular punters also came along to scout out what the new branch looked like.
Although the small space still wasn’t fully furbished it was heaving with cocktail lovers – setting the tone for nights to come.
Able to hold under 100 people, the Camden branch is small enough to be cosy but perfect for a good night out. The great thing about Simmons is its effortless fun vibes that make it stand out from the growing number of stuffy, take-themselves-too-seriously bars in London. It’s the kind of bar you can go to kick-off a big night or stay in all night.
Where?
Handily located right on Camden High Street, Simmons is right across from Mornington Crescent tube station and an easy distance from Camden Town tube station too.
Coming to both Simmons bars soon: VCR players with a collection of old classics for punters to watch, including Police Academy, Back To The Future and Ben Dover’s Outdoor Escapades 3.
Have you been to to Simmons? Have your say in the comments section below.
Image: Rozina Sabur
