Shoreditch's The Light to return as The Light Bar

Morten Jensen, Darren Collins and chef Johnnie Collins are to relaunch the prominent Shoreditch High Street site as The Light Bar for outdoor dining on 12 April ahead of a full opening as early as 17 May. 

The interiors have been 'revived' by Macaulay Sinclair and retain the building’s double height interior, original mechanical pulley system, exposed steelwork and glazed brick. 

The main ground floor bar and restaurant features a steel staircase that leads to a newly added mezzanine level, housing the cocktail-focused Copper Bar while the top floor houses the Timber Loft, a dining area and events space that will be launched in June. 

Previously at  180 the Strand, Johnnie Collins has penned a menu that focuses on local produce and sustainability, using specifically grown fruit and vegetables from his garden in Warwickshire.

Meat and fish are sourced from small, dedicated suppliers and items such as bread and butter to fresh pasta, pickles, ferments and cultures, are made in-house. 

Dishes will include burrata, rhubarb and broad bean tops; grilled asparagus, Stepney Farm leaves, lovage dressing; Devon crab cappelletti, brown crab butter;  and Swaledale roast chicken with curry Sauce.

The cocktail list will feature drinks named in honour of the team’s 'favourite East London parties from the early 2000’s that have since become legendary'. 

Converted into a bar in 2000 by previous owners Oliver Williamson, James Goff and Ben Chesterfield, The Light was one of a number of venues that helped Shoreditch become famous for nightlife and dining.

Despite its success, the venue was forced to close in 2014 when redevelopment plans threatened to tear it down. 

After a successful campaign to #savethelight, led by Williamson and thousands of locals and several celebrities including artist Tracey Emin, the building is now protected as part of Hackney’s Shoreditch Conservation Area.