Popular cocktail chain collapses into administration after announcing four site closures

Scottish Sun

06-08-2025

A COCKTAIL chain has fallen into administration, with four sites shutting their doors for good.
Simmons has appointed advisory firm Kroll to oversee the administration, company filings show.
1
Simmons Bars has fallen into administration and will close four sites for good
Credit: Alamy
In its most recent audited accounts, the company posted a loss of £749,000 for the year to the end of March 2024, reversing a profit of just under £2 million the previous year.
Last week Simmons revealed plans to close at least four sites to focus on its best performing venues.
It is not yet clear which locations are at risk.
The chain has venues across London and one in Manchester and offers cocktails, brunches and karaoke at its 21 locations.
Read more on hospitality
HOT WATER Another blow for Wagamama's founder as celeb-loved restaurant on edge of COLLAPSE
Last week Nick Campbell, who founded the company in 2021, said the move would "streamline its portfolio and strengthen its financial position".
He said: "As part of the process, we've taken the tough decision to exit four leases, allowing management to focus resources on our strongest performing venues.
"Alongside this, we've secured additional investment to support future expansion and operational improvements across the estate."
Tough times for UK pubs
Many of Britain's pub and bar chains are feeling the impact of the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
The hike in costs of every day goods has meant that punters have less money to part with at the till.
Meanwhile, hikes to employers' National Insurance Contributions that were introduced in April have piled further pressure onto businesses that are already struggling.
Last month The Coconut Tree announced that it would be wound down after defaulting on its Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA).
The Sri Lankan restaurant group entered into the agreement last July, according to a report in Restaurant Online.
As a result, the group was required to initially repay £27,000 a month for the first three months.
Meanwhile, Oakman Inns & Restaurants fell into administration, with six sites shutting their doors for good.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire
FIVE years on from the pandemic and UK hospitality groups are still picking up the pieces.
While restrictions and social distancing are well in the past, businesses are now dealing with a plethora of other issues such as hikes to National Insurance and customers having little money to part with at the till.
Brewdog will close 10 pubs this weekend, including its flagship site in Aberdeen and a branch.
Elsewhere, French-inspired brasserie Côte is being auctioned off by private equity firm Partners Group.
The company is working together with Interpath Advisory to seek out fresh investors for the embattled restaurant chain, Sky News first reported.
The chain has more than 70 sites across the UK, down from close to 100 shortly before it collapsed into insolvency five years ago.About 60 of its remaining sites are thought to be profitable - meaning there is a risk of more closures.
It will see a total of 19 sites either sold or closed forever.
The group blamed the hangover from the pandemic and elevated interest rates and costs for its financial struggles.
The Cosy Club at Ipswich's Buttermarket Shopping Centre also announced it had made the "very difficult decision" to close its doors on May 31.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of Fuller's said the group had hiked the price of a pint of beer after being hit with £8million in extra costs as a result of the hike to National Insurance.
Simon Emeny, exclusively told The Sun prices would likely rise by 10p to offset its added costs.
The British Beer and Pub Association has warned that rising costs mean that one UK pub a day could close and 5,600 jobs are at risk.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [e-mail].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories