Simmons Bar

Free Guide: A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.

A brief summary of Simmons Bar | Old Street

A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.

Simmons Bar on Old Street is a lively cocktail bar known for its retro-inspired décor and energetic atmosphere. Located in East London’s Shoreditch area, it offers a broad range of creative cocktails and a casual, fun nightlife experience. Popular with a young crowd, it operates late into the night, making it a hotspot for after-work drinks and weekend socializing.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
4.7 Excellent · 1,605 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon4 pm–12 am
  • Tue4 pm–12 am
  • Wed4 pm–12 am
  • Thu4 pm–1 am
  • Fri4 pm–2 am
  • Sat12 pm–2 am
  • Sun12 pm–3 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
233a Old St, London EC1V 9HE
Phone
Website

Getting there

Public Transport

Take the London Underground to Old Street Station on the Northern Line. From the station, it is a 3 to 5 minute walk to Simmons Bar. Tube services run frequently with fares typically ranging from £2.50 to £5 depending on travel zones.

Bus

Several bus routes serve Old Street, including routes 43, 205, and 214. Buses run every 10 to 20 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency at night. A single bus fare costs around £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber can drop you directly at Simmons Bar. Travel times vary with traffic but typically range from 10 to 25 minutes from central London. Expect fares starting around £10 depending on distance and time of day.

Walking

If you are staying nearby in Shoreditch or the City, walking to Simmons Bar is feasible and pleasant, taking 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is urban and accessible but can be busy during peak hours.

Discover more about Simmons Bar | Old Street

A Retro-Inspired Cocktail Haven in Shoreditch

Simmons Bar at 233a Old Street is a cocktail bar that embraces a retro aesthetic, offering a stripped-back, casual environment where guests can enjoy a wide variety of creative drinks. The interior features a simple, unpretentious design that focuses on the vibrant energy of the crowd and the quality of cocktails rather than opulent décor. This bar has become a staple in East London’s nightlife, especially popular among a younger demographic seeking a lively yet approachable venue.

Atmosphere and Crowd Dynamics

The bar is known for its upbeat music and lively atmosphere, often filled with groups of friends and after-work crowds. It tends to attract a young, energetic clientele who appreciate the casual vibe and the late-night hours. The venue comes alive especially on weekends and evenings, with music that keeps the energy high and the social scene buzzing. Despite some mixed feedback on service, the bar’s ambiance remains a key draw for many visitors.

Drink Selection and Experience

Simmons Bar offers an extensive cocktail menu featuring both classic and innovative concoctions. The drinks are crafted to appeal to a broad range of tastes, often with playful twists and colorful presentations. This focus on cocktails over beer or wine distinguishes it from traditional pubs in the area. The bar’s late opening hours, from afternoon into the early morning, make it a favored spot for those looking to extend their night out.

Location and Surroundings

Situated in the heart of Shoreditch, Simmons Bar benefits from its proximity to Old Street Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. The surrounding area is a mix of ongoing urban development and established nightlife venues, contributing to a dynamic and sometimes bustling street scene. While the immediate vicinity may be affected by construction and roadworks, the bar itself remains a popular destination within this evolving neighborhood.

Challenges and Reputation

While Simmons Bar enjoys popularity for its cocktails and atmosphere, it has faced criticism regarding customer service and venue management. Some visitors have reported issues such as slow service and unclean glasses, as well as aggressive security staff. These concerns have been noted in reviews but have not diminished the bar’s appeal to its core audience who value its energetic vibe and drink offerings.

Overall Appeal and Nightlife Role

Simmons Bar plays a significant role in Shoreditch’s nightlife as a casual, fun-filled cocktail venue. Its retro charm, combined with a focus on creative drinks and a lively crowd, makes it a go-to spot for those seeking a spirited night out in East London. Whether for pre-drinks or a late-night session, it offers a distinctive experience within a vibrant urban setting.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 3am or at 8am or at 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 67% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 78% of the busiest month
  5. May: 89% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 100% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 89% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 78% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 78% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 67% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 67% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 78% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 67% of the busiest hour
  3. 2am: 44% of the busiest hour
  4. 3am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 8am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  6. 9am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  7. 10am: 33% of the busiest hour
  8. 11am: 44% of the busiest hour
  9. 12pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  10. 1pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  11. 2pm: 44% of the busiest hour
  12. 3pm: 44% of the busiest hour
  13. 4pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  14. 5pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  15. 6pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  16. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 8pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  18. 9pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  19. 10pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  20. 11pm: 67% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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