Simmons to begin national rollout after securing Manchester site

Simmons Bars, the London cocktail bar operator, is to begin its national rollout with an opening in Manchester. Propel has learned that the Nick Campbell-led company, which is backed by Lonsdale Capital Partners, has secured The Botanist site at 78 Deansgate for an opening at the end of September. Simmons Bars, which operates 23 sites in the capital, said the move into Manchester was a “really positive step for the business” and that it was continuing to look at a number of further opportunities both in and outside of London. Campbell told Propel: “We’re excited to begin the national rollout of the Simmons Bars brand. Manchester was always first on the list for a location outside of London and we’re really happy to have been able to secure a great site in a great location. The venue holds a late licence (3am Thursday to Saturday), covers 7,500 square feet over ground floor and basement (with a further 2,500 square feet that is sublet to Point Blank), and sits right in the middle of a selection of great operators – Be At One, Roxy Ballroom, Wetherspoons and Slug & Lettuce.” Campbell said that despite challenging market conditions, trade has “remained resilient”. He said: “It has picked up nicely as the year has progressed. Our new spring/summer menu has recently launched, which included the expansion of our market leading ‘Happy Hour’; adding in offers on shot paddles and expanding the selection of cocktails in our two for one offer to our full range, all the while maintaining our entry price of £2.50 for a spirit and mixer. We are also in the process of developing our own Simmons Bars app that we hope to launch in the not-too-distant future.” Earlier this year, the company appointed Greta Kachkouche, formerly of Stonegate Group, Revolution Bars Group and Novus, as its new operations director. Richard Negus, of AG&G, acted on the Deansgate deal.