Simmons, E1

On approach, the place exhibits the usual ‘Barbie Doll’ pink glow common to the brand, but in fact this was the City of Carlisle, established 1620 and rebuilt here in 1881 for Truman’s. It had been known as the Dublin in the ‘20s - ‘30s, on account of its Irish landlord and the place closed sometime between the mid-‘40s and early ‘80s to become a restaurant called Rosemary Lane, Royal Mint Street’s original name. It's a simple interior, with a modern floor and much in the way of shiny wall tiles and floral wallpaper. Lighting is contemporary, the whole dominated by a rotating glitterball in the shape of a skull. Surprisingly though, there is some rather attractive dark wood panelling, along with an ornate carved wood fireplace surround. Furniture is mainly tall, fashioned from little children’s school desks, covered with graffiti and judging by the language, not the product of said children, who must have been far closer in age to the customers than me. Décor amounted to little more than framed promotional prints and glowing neon fluorescent signs, with spirit bottles on tables containing flowers. There’s no real ale of course, me opting for a half of Neck Oil (£3.00) served by a friendly barmaid. If you like cocktail bars – and shiny rotating skulls – this could be the place for you. It’s obviously no longer a pub, but it’s better than the neighbouring Black Horse, which is.

Official site of Simmons - www.simmonsbar.co.uk

Official site of Simmons - www.simmonsbar.co.uk