Simmons Bar | Kings Cross — Restaurant in London

My friend and I turned up to this bar and were ID’d which I’m sure is normal practice. We are both have South Asian appearances.

The bouncer looked darker skinned himself, potentially Jamaican based off other reviews. This was the most thoroughly checked either of us have ever been at a bar in the UK.

Following being ID’d, all of our bags were checked, every single jacket pocket, and my water was even tipped out. It seemed out of the ordinary. We explained our surprise and said we felt racially profiled. The bouncer was very defensive telling us not to bring race into this. He said that all other bars will do these same checks. My backpack was also dropped on the ground accidentally.

We finally made it inside and as there were no seats we had no choice but to stand. We explained our concern to the bartender who was also quick to explain they check everyone. When we looked outside we saw that others walking in were not checked. In fact we saw two girls walk in who looked 15.

We felt uncomfortable seeing the bartender discussing with the bouncer outside and looking over at us.

After we finished our beer we just left. We did not feel welcome there.

We since went to another bar around the corner and did not get checked at all (contrary to what the bouncer had said).

Recommend the bar does not racially profile their customers. We understand the importance of ID’ing everyone but the level of checking they did showed their suspicion of us...

It wasn't the first time visiting this place and never had any issues. I've always had good times, unfortunately though I cannot say the same about the last time. Week day, spent already £100 between 2 and the level of rudeness was beyond anything imaginable. The 2 bartenders had the energy of 100 years old man, no motivated , no a smile or thank you. The worst has come when I got served by a girl with blue hair and ripped jeans. Asked for 2 pornostair martini and while she was making the drinks ( not even filling the jigger ) I've simply asked if I could have the prosecco on the side, and over friendly has replied " Mate, the prosecco come on the site , is like asking if the mojito comes with lime". After serving the drinks, she pourer the flattest prosecco I've ever seen in my life. I've gently asked if she could changed as was the end of the bottle and left in the fridge without a cork either. I got a very rude no as an answer, so I refused to pay the drink, she then decided to go at the back, and then downstairs to grab another bottle after probably the manager told her off.

After everything Ive say thank you, and of course paid for the drinks. I have over 12years experience in hospitality and the customer services in this place was something unbelievable. Paying £9 for...

We came here for a few drinks before dinner elsewhere, and although it was very quiet, we can definitely see why this place is popular. The decor is great with school desks as tables and various nods to the 80s (including an old school console downstairs and a tv showing back to the future, presumably on repeat). The real draw here though are the prices - £2.50 for wine and beer for 5 glorious hours and £10 for 2 cocktails. Just bear in mind that the beer and wine prices do not apply on a Saturday, and if you're getting the cocktail deal they have to be 2 of the same. The only reason why the place loses a star from me is because the staff seem cold and disinterested. Maybe that's just me but I believe a smile goes a long way and we didn't get a single one from the bartender, nor a greeting, nor any conversation. And again, after ordering drinks I approached a staff member and asked if there was seating downstairs too and he looked extremely annoyed at having to speak to me and only answered with a curt 'yeah.' I think if the attitude could be improved this bar would be a 5 star option for a cheap and fun night...