Simmons | Shoreditch

Simmons Bar has a great vibe and the Soho location didn’t disappoint. We visited around 1pm on a Saturday and it was lively but not too packed which was perfect. The bar is quite small but the staff were really friendly and welcoming. They had all the windows open onto the street which gave it a nice open-air feel and the music added to the laid-back fun atmosphere. Simmons always has great drink deals and quirky decor which makes it a fun place to stop whether you’re just starting out or already into your day. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Absolutely shocking experience. My friends and I (three girls and one guy—my partner) entered the bar and were waved through without being asked to pay. Two of my friends went in to use the bathroom, while I waited by the door for my partner. When he came in, we were about to enter when a bouncer suddenly and aggressively grabbed him, shoved him outside, and began yelling at him. He was calm and cooperative, but understandably startled, as no one had informed us there was a cover charge. He immediately apologised and offered to pay once he realised, but the bouncer continued to physically shove and harass him. It was violent, completely unnecessary, and deeply upsetting to witness. I stepped outside to ask what was going on and explained that I hadn’t paid either—none of us had even been told there was a £5 entry fee. The bouncer insisted she had told us, but none of us heard this. I politely asked if I could wait by the door to let my friends know, but was aggressively told to wait outside, which I did. I then texted my friends and partner to let them know. My partner came out to apologise again, and I calmly explained to another staff member that the physical aggression was completely disproportionate. Eventually, the manager came out, and we were given a refund, which I appreciated. However, I’m still deeply disturbed by how my partner was treated. He was calm, respectful, and cooperative throughout, yet was met with shocking aggression and physical force. This felt like an abuse of power and a total lack of professionalism. No one deserves to be treated that way, especially over a simple misunderstanding. I would not return, and I sincerely hope the venue addresses this behaviour.