The bar stated it could return ‘underneath the appropriate situations’.
Iconic bar chain with 15 venues abruptly closes in main UK metropolis (Picture: Getty)
A retro bar with 15 places throughout the UK has abruptly closed its solely venue exterior of London. An indication was posted to Simmons Bar in Manchester asserting its imminent closure within the common nightlife district of Deansgate, leaving clients “gutted”.
Having began its life as a bar under the flat of its founder, Simmons has change into recognized for its cocktails, throwback playlists and retro theme, together with nostalgic sport consoles for patrons to play whereas partying. Simmons made its first transfer exterior the capital to Manchester in October 2024, close to different bar venues together with Be At One and Slug and Lettuce.
Simmons was based in 2012 underneath the flat of its proprietor (Picture: Google Maps)
The chain stated that whereas it cherished town, it could return “underneath the appropriate situations”. The discover learn: “After a lot consideration, we’ve made the troublesome determination to shut our doorways. It’s by no means simple to say goodbye.
“We’re extremely happy with what the crew constructed right here and so grateful to them, in addition to everybody who joined us over the previous 12 months. We’ve had some unforgettable nights.”
Upset clients reacted to the information on-line, with one writing: “Gutted to see it go. It was all the time busy at weekends and had such a enjoyable vibe.”
Simmons first crashed onto the nightlife scene in 2012 when Nick Campbell opened the primary bar beneath his flat in King’s Cross.
It comes amid wider closures throughout the UK hospitality business, with operators complaining of pressures because of increased vitality payments, minimal wage and Nationwide Insurance coverage contributions.
Revolution Bar has additionally simply introduced the closure of 21 venues after the corporate fell into administration. The Revel Collective, which additionally owns Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs, put itself on the market in October after going through “difficult financial situations”. It cited choices taken by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Labour’s first Finances in 2024.
Complaints have come from throughout the business concerning the struggles venues are going through. Wetherspoon has beforehand referred to as for motion on rising vitality payments, which it stated meant income had been decrease than earlier than the pandemic, regardless of an upturn in gross sales.
Knowledge from shopper analysis agency NIQ confirmed that 382 hospitality corporations shut down within the ultimate three months of 2025, a mean of greater than 4 a day.
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Rahcel Reeves introduced a assist package deal for pubs on January 27, to chop enterprise charges by 15% from April, following business backlash over spiralling prices.
Ms Reeves stated: “If we’re going to revive the pleasure in our communities, we’d like our pubs and our excessive streets to thrive. We’re backing British pubs with further assist, and our new Excessive Streets Technique will assist deal with the long-term challenges that our much-loved retail, leisure and hospitality companies have confronted.”
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