Simmons comes to us from a different time. A simpler time. The King’s Cross bar opened in 2013, the same year that Little Nan’s Bar served a similar niche as a pop-up in what was then called the Deptford Bunker: cocktails served in chintzy teapots against a colourful, thrift shop-style backdrop. Nan’s has gone legit as an award-winning destination in a permanent space, while there now are loads of swish branches of Simmons throughout London, with one in Manchester. The original King’s Cross gaff, though, has retained its retro vibe, with a skull-shaped glitterball, a neon Top of the Pops logo on the wall and that trusty old SEGA Megadrive ready to rock’n’roll. King’s Cross – and much of London, in fact – has shapeshifted since 2013, but Simmons is forever.
When is Happy Hour?
This place is famous for its Happy Hour, which stretches the term, gloriously, from 4pm to 9pm Sunday to Friday.
What’s nearby?
There’s an old-fashioned black-and-white photobooth tucked at the back of Coal Drop’s Yard. Infinitely more fun after a teapot full of booze.
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