Is Simmons the cocktail-bar equivalent of the Byron burger chain? New branches seem to be popping up all over the shop. But unlike the burger barons, Simmons’ premises are pretty much identical in look. That’s granny’s 1960s bungalow kitsch, mirrored skull disco glitter-balls and, here, a curvaceous, plumed Vegas show girl sculpted in dazzling neon. From humble beginnings at the matchbox-sized King’s Cross original, Simmons has nailed a formula – neither too hipster cool nor mass-market mediocre – that’s now packing in City folk at this sweet wee lounge off Petticoat Lane. Teapot ’tails and punches served in top hats are part of the appeal – as are low prices for the likes of Bikini Martini (with vodka and Chambord), Sloe Sailor (sloe gin and spiced rum) and the classics. London craft beers at £2.50, two-for-one selected cocktails and a bottle of wine for £10 during (extremely elastic) happy ‘hour’, seal the deal.