A new bar is set to open on Deansgate soon, promising an intoxicating combination of ‘cocktails, dreams and disco’.
This is Simmons, a wildly successful name from down in London, and it’s finally making its way up north to Manchester.
You can’t miss the location – they’ve slapped a gigantic mirror, daubed with neon pink writing, outside the site where the bar is being built.
Now the capital’s go-to party palace, Simmons will bring the ‘biggest happy hour’ in Manchester to Deansgate when it opens its 400-capacity venue.
That means two-for-one cocktails, £2.50 spirit and mixers (or £5 doubles), £3 beer and wine, and £12 bottles of wine, plus cocktail teapots for £15.
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The Simmons happy hour runs until 9pm Sunday to Friday, while on Saturdays it’s two-for-one cocktails and £15 teapots until 9pm.
The brand is famed for its kitsch, colourful interiors, with hot pink neon lights, bold wallpapers, and always a disco ball.
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There are already 22 locations across London but this will be the first Simmons bar to open outside the capital.
An existing Simmons bar in London before it heads to Manchester. Credit: Simmons
On their website, Simmons says: “Hi my name’s Simmons, I’m well known for being the best bar group in London (and probably the world).
“I’m a late night cocktail bar offering you the perfect place for after work drinks or a cheeky dance, people like me because I look real good and sell nice drinks.
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“People say I am sexy and good looking but I just shrug it off and don’t let my ego get too big, no one likes a show off.
“I am located in lots of different places across London, I can be hired out for private parties and I have a notoriously eclectic musical taste; ranging from hip-hop, to disco, to funk, to 80’s, to 90’s to classic party bangers!
Simmons happy hour deals in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside another London Simmons. Credit: Simmons
“Come check me out, sip on a cocktail in a teacup and play on my SEGA Megadrive.”
Owner Nick Campbell said: “Manchester leads the way when it comes to nightlife, and we’re excited to be able to be a part of it.
“We are keen to launch as we mean to go on, with a series of high-energy parties, including our famous free bar, which is first come, first served.”
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Sneak peeks of the work taking place in Manchester show that the former Botanist site will be transformed with Deansgate’s biggest dance floor, surrounded by raised stages for dancing.
If you head down to Deansgate and scan the QR code outside the bar (or, you know, just click this link) you can secure your spot on the list for their free bar launch parties.
Yeah, we said free bar.
Simmons will open on 24 October on Deansgate in Manchester city centre.
Manchester’s Cat Cafe issues lengthy response to anti-industry statement
Danny Jones
Manchester’s soon-to-return Cat Cafe has shared a lengthy statement responding to the recent suggestion made by leading animal charities that their particular line of business should become a thing of the past.
Cat Cafe Manchester (CCM) closed its city centre premises back in January 2021 like so many others suffering from the post-pandemic struggle, but there are still several other feline-focused coffee shops and similar set-ups located up and down the country.
With that in mind and after the Manchester location announced a comeback later this year – in a prime location on Deansgate, no less – the discussion surrounding the niche industry has turned to issues regarding animal rights, welfare and overall quality of life.
However, rather than simply firing back at the likes of the RSPCA and Cats Protection over their concerns and belief that these venues should be “phased out”, the company has come out to agree with their overarching point whilst still assuring that their sites “are different”.
As you can see in an extensive reply, the brand begins by writing: “We are in strong agreement that there needs to be more regulation in the industry, as we believe many cafes are operating in manners that are harmful to cats.”
They detail how they don’t support ventures that operate by simply piggybacking on vital animal rescue procedures, citing that around 90% of the UK’s cat cafes simply ship prospective pets in and out, creating a stressful environment for its furry residents.
In contrast, Cat Cafe MCR go on to insist that “cats in our cafes are pedigree, as they are best suited to an indoor-only environment [as opposed to rescues who often benefit from outdoor time], and they are bred for temperament, meaning our cats need a lot of attention from people, and also enjoy the company of other cats.
“Our cafes have windows for natural light and there is plenty of space off the cafe floor for cats to get away from customers. They are provided with enough resources spread out throughout a very large building to reduce any competitive behaviour. Our cats are never ever kept in cages – as is the case in some Cat Cafes.”
CCM also explained how the behaviour of their in-house cats is analysed weekly, adding that “if we feel any cat in our cafe is not happy and is showing signs of stress, we would immediately remove them from the environment.”
Besides the obvious soothing quality of the experience for regular customers, cafes like theirs and the canine equivalent CuppaPug in Salford are extremely helpful in providing animal-assisted therapy for people struggling with mental health conditions and those categorised as neurodiverse.
Cat Cafe drew their response to a close by inviting both of the charities in question to work with them in creating new guidelines and strict rules when it comes to animal welfare in these spaces.
They concluded by declaring that not only are they “incredibly difficult to run responsibly” when done properly but that “Cat Cafes are not all the same, and they should not be opened without serious thought and consideration for the cats’ welfare.”
We are still unclear as to when exactly Cat Cafe Manchester will reopen but all we know is that the team will be as dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience for both the animals and visitors when it does.
Shoppers fume as Lipton Ice Tea axes ‘best’ flavour
Daisy Jackson
Another day, another heartbreaking discontinued brand – and this time it’s Lipton Ice Tea letting us down.
The popular soft drink company announced yesterday that one of its best-selling flavours, which many fans argue is its best flavour full stop, will soon cease to exist.
There are a lot of unhappy ice tea fans out there today…
Lipton Ice Tea broke the news yesterday that its Peach flavoured drink is being discontinued, and gave absolutely no logical reasoning for it.
The summer staple, perfect poolside drink, hangover cure, sweet and fruity fix in a bottle, is leaving our fridges.
They wrote in a post titled ‘Rest in Peach’: “You may have heard that our iconic Peach Lipton Ice Tea flavour is getting discontinued. We know – it hurts (sorry if we’ve ruined your go-to afternoon chill bev).”
Lipton Ice Tea then continued: “But don’t worry, the rest of your faves are still here to keep you refreshed.
“And who knows? Maybe one day, Peach will make a legendary comeback. We appreciate your understanding during this period of adjustment and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
One gutted fan commented: “how tf does a company discontinue arguably it’s best seller.”
Another said: “This is like Coca Cola discontinuing Coke.”
Someone else wrote: “PLEASE tell me this is a joke don’t play with my emotions like this xxx”
And one person said: “Please rethink this decision im going to throw up.”
On TikTok, someone said: “With Lipton Peach Iced Tea gone, a part of me feels lost. It was a comforting escape in this hectic world, and now every empty shelf reminds me of the void it’s left behind.”
Daisy Jackson -
27th September 2024 
