Citizens of North London rejoice! Simmons cocktail bar, at the Kings Cross end of Caledonian Road, has become a firm favourite for the after-work cocktail crowd in recent years and has now expended, with a second bar opening on Camden High Street. Directly opposite Koko at the Mornington Crescent end of town, there’s now an alternative drinking den to visit before heading on to a gig or club night.
Camden’s nightlife is legendary if you like live music or spit ‘n’ sawdust dive bars but the area has long been crying out for a cocktail bar, somewhere to perhaps take a girl on a date where your shoes won’t stick to the carpet or visits to the toilet make you feel like a test for hepatitis is necessary (we’re looking at you, The World’s End).
Simmons, however, is a classier affair, demonstrated as soon as you enter with a giant rotating glitterball skull dominating the centre of the ceiling. ‘Retro’ is the word to describe both the decor and the feel of the bar, with chintzy wallpaper and cocktails served in teapots appealing to the vintage crowd, while the old school board games and an original SNES appealed to the 1980’s kids amongst us.
Most impressively of all though, happy hour here lasts for five hours, kicking off from 4pm daily! Beer, wine and spirits all start from £2.50, or two cocktails for £10. We do love a good bargain! The cocktail list contains many classic cocktails but also has drinks created especially for the new venue. Our personal favourites were the classic Long Island Iced Tea, and also a combination of bourbon and strawberries – very sweet but very moreish. CRACKIN’
7 Camden High Street, NW1 7JE
www.simmonsbar.co.uk