Our Story

Two chefs behind the kitchen counter

We are Friends

Two chefs behind the kitchen counter What happens when Bogotá’s colour and energy meets Brussels’ cosy bar culture in East London? Simpl is the answer.

Juan grew up in Colombia, Emil in Belgium. They met in a London kitchen, became best friends and started running small pop‑ups — arepas next to frites, panela and passionfruit alongside Belgian beers.

Simpl is that dream turned real: a London cocktail and snack bar where Colombian soul and Belgian comfort share the same bar, always focused on good drinks, simple food and a room full of friends.

Chef cutting red bell peppers
Bartender serving cocktail
Chef handmaking pasta
A bartender pouring liquor into a shot glass
Chef cutting red bell peppers
Bartender serving cocktail
Chef handmaking pasta
A bartender pouring liquor into a shot glass

We’re not trying to be “fusion” or to follow trends. Simpl is just the honest mix of where we’ve lived and what we love: Colombian flavours, Belgian classics and London’s restless energy. Come for a quick drink at the bar or stay for snacks and stories — either way, we want it to feel like your friend’s place, not a formal restaurant.

Meet the team

Portrait of a woman standing at a bar

Chelsea

Operations

Chelsea keeps Simpl running smoothly behind the scenes and on the floor. From reservations and events to making sure every service feels relaxed and welcoming, she’s the one holding the whole room together so you can just sit down, order and enjoy the night.

Portrait of a woman standing at a bar

Chelsea

Operations

Chelsea keeps Simpl running smoothly behind the scenes and on the floor. From reservations and events to making sure every service feels relaxed and welcoming, she’s the one holding the whole room together so you can just sit down, order and enjoy the night.

Portrait of a man stirring a pan

Juan

Kitchen & flavour

Juan brings the warmth of Bogotá into the kitchen. He grew up around street food, family recipes and big shared tables, and his plates are full of bright sauces, crunchy bites and Colombian flavours reworked with London ingredients.

Portrait of a man stirring a pan

Juan

Kitchen & flavour

Juan brings the warmth of Bogotá into the kitchen. He grew up around street food, family recipes and big shared tables, and his plates are full of bright sauces, crunchy bites and Colombian flavours reworked with London ingredients.

Portrait of a bartender pouring a cocktail

Emil

Bar & drinks

Emil grew up in Belgium, where long nights in cosy bars and great beer were a way of life. At Simpl he’s behind the bar, pouring Belgian favourites and mixing cocktails that quietly twist the classics with Colombian ingredients and a little London attitude.

Portrait of a bartender pouring a cocktail

Emil

Bar & drinks

Emil grew up in Belgium, where long nights in cosy bars and great beer were a way of life. At Simpl he’s behind the bar, pouring Belgian favourites and mixing cocktails that quietly twist the classics with Colombian ingredients and a little London attitude.

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