Simmons bars have travelled 200 miles to open up their new northern branch in Deansgate. This classic London-based chain is renowned for its bar/club atmosphere, making it an after work hotspot for young professionals. Serving cocktails, beer and pizza, and with an area for live music and a DJ booth, both of which played at the event we attended, there is everything you could ever need. The venue also has two bars, a karaoke room and an iconic Deansgate smoking area, all rather successfully encapsulated by unlikely aesthetic blends of old English style and tropical themes.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with a glass of prosecco while we waited for our first cocktails. We tried the Spiced Painkiller which was a tropical delight, combining coconut with various fruit juices. The glass was a ‘shelled coconut’ and contributed to the kitschy vibe that Simmons has perfected. Similarly, we loved the Lychee Mar-tea-ni, with its inventive tea-cup presentation, which was complemented perfectly by a sweet rose flavour. Finally, the Mojito was made excellently in the classic style, an easy choice for the mint and lime lovers.
However, the star of the night had to be the spicy margarita, which met a perfect balance of sweet and tart. It was garnished with a green chilli and provided that iconic spicy kick, whilst coriander added a unique flavour.
After loitering for pizza we realised we may not be in luck. We decided to ask some other partygoers their thoughts on the @holyslicehotpizza. The verdict was that it is medium-thickness, doughy with a crispy bottom and crust. The brand message is ‘anti-flop’, heralding the value of thick, structurally-integral slices. The small pepperoni cups were a crowd-favourite, as they collected small pools of meaty, oily goodness.
Pricewise, £5 for a ‘mega-slice’ was considered rather extortionate, seeing as local fast food joints do a full 9 inch margarita for £5. Whilst not to my personal pizza preferences, the hatch is a fun and interesting addition to the bar and promises convenient, quality food without having to leave the premises
Alongside their cocktails and live music, was one of our favourite additions to Simmons Manchester: their karaoke bar. Soundproofed with a TV and microphones, it’s the perfect respite from the loud chatter and pumping music, offering party goers a chance to let loose with friends. This karaoke feature perfectly integrates their playful aesthetic approach, while ensuring that Simmons has something for everyone.
Whilst we certainly had an enjoyable night at the newest Simmons location, it may not be a go-to for students. The cocktails were delicious and creative, but expensive, averaging at about £10 a drink. Furthermore, the draught beer list was limited and only included lagers: Camden Hells and Stella Artois. There were, however, a few more bottled beer options. Its distance from the main student area of Fallowfield may make it somewhat less appealing, since there are more localised venues which sell drinks and play good music for less than half the price, such as HandleBar or Haus.
Nevertheless, Simmons would be perfect for a birthday location or for those living near the city centre. Although the club-like vibe definitely built up as the night went on, the venue guarantees a good time even early in the night when it’s not crowded, making it great for large groups wanting to cater to everyone. Therefore, despite their appeal to a more young professional clientele, an evening at Simmons could undoubtedly be a worth-while and lively night out for anyone.
Simmons bars are open Sundays-Thursdays 4pm-2am, Fridays 4pm-4am and Saturdays 12pm-4am.
