The Light Bar, a dearly missed Shoreditch icon, has reopened its doors after nearly a decade of being closed.
After a long winter of lockdowns, countless London bars and restaurants geared up to reopen for outdoor dining in April, and then finally for indoor dining in May. For The Light Bar, however, it was a really long time coming: the popular Shoreditch venue just celebrated its grand reopening after a seven year-long break, and it looks like it was well worth the wait.
Located on the (normally) buzzing Shoreditch High Street, the restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace has relaunched under new independent ownership after closing in 2014 due to redevelopment plans threatening to tear it down. Remembered by many as an East End staple since 2000, the venue was originally built in 1893 to generate electricity for the UK’s first powered train station, Liverpool Street’s Great Eastern Railways. In fact, the site had such significance in the borough that it’s believed to have inspired Shoreditch’s famous motto adopted in 1900, “More Light, More Power”.
Today, The Light Bar has returned with the promise of once again becoming a “social and culinary destination for good times”, and the newly unveiled interior is looking grand. Inside the building, you’ll find remnants of the venue’s history, such as its preserved original mechanical pulley system, exposed steelwork and glazed brick. With lots of natural light and modern details, the three newly decorated floors have a rustic and comfortable, yet contemporary flair.
Since April 12, guests were able to enjoy The Light Bar’s delicious local food and seasonal drinks on their spacious outdoor terrace, and can now also gather in three fun indoor areas.
Enjoy a sunny lunch or dinner date on the main ground floor, dubbed the “Engine Hall”. Aside from a fresh, sustainability-focused menu, they have beers on tap and wines from small producers, served all day long.
Right above the Engine Hall, you’ll find the exciting cocktail-focused “Copper Bar”, serving mixed drinks named after legendary early 2000’s East London parties.
Finally, in the top floor’s skylight-adorned “Timber Loft” hides a cosy dining area and events space which opens for private hire only on June 21, but has been teased to hold some surprises for the future.
Make a reservation for The Light Bar here, and rewelcome this former hot spot back into the neighborhood!
Location: 233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ. Nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: Monday 4pm – 12am, Tuesday – Saturday 12pm – 12am, Sunday 12pm – 10pm.
More information: from their website.