The Light Bar is set in an old Victorian power station built in 1893. Across three floors, we serve modern food using seasonal produce from local suppliers and a dedicated drinks list from quality producers.
Our Mission
An iconic building, re-born.
Independently owned by a new team Morten Jensen & Darren Collins, long-standing Hackney residents, the team have lovingly restored this landmark building. Proud to be able to create another chapter in its legacy.
Set over three floors, our mission is to create a place for everyone to enjoy - where the space is fun, the food is generous and the drinks flow. Good vibes only.
Our Building
Formerly known as the Great Eastern Electric Light Generating Station - this is the only remaining power station of its type in the UK. Built in 1893 by the Great Eastern Railway (GER) it was the site of Colonel REB Crompton’s world famous electrical engines.
The building, initially known as the Norton Folgate Power Station, played a pioneering role in the development of electric power, and from 1900 the borough of Shoreditch used it as inspiration for its motto ‘More Light, More Power’.
This Victorian Power station also played an important role in the evolution of the GER. Generating the first electric light to Liverpool Street Station as well as adjoining Great Eastern Hotel and later Bishopsgate Goodsyard until 1932. Its chimney was demolished in 1934 and the generating equipment removed.
Light Bar in 1903.
The Light 2000 - 2014
The original Light Bar and Restaurant was one of the places that made Shoreditch what it is famous for today. It was an epic venue. Run by Oliver Williamson and his business partners James Goff and Ben Chesterfield - they were the first to convert the power station into a bar and restaurant.
We spent many a night here ourselves. Secret Sundaze was a regular gig, along with other legendary club nights like The Loft from NYC. It was a well loved favourite haunt for those that were around in the early 2000’s - with queues around the block every weekend.
Despite its success and historical significance, the building was threatened with demolition in 2012. Oliver and his team fought back and campaigned to #savethelight. Thousands of locals and several celebrities, including artist Tracey Emin, joined in and the building was saved. However they were still forced to close the venue despite their efforts to save the building.
The original Light Bar closed its doors in March 2014 (you can listen to their last DJ set here). Since then the building remained empty - being used as part of the construction site for the neighbouring new Foster & Partner developments. Thanks to the original team’s huge efforts, the building is now protected as part of Hackney’s Shoreditch Conservation Area and hopefully will not be threatened again.
Our new business here is a true labour of love, for so many involved. We want to bring a bit of that original Shoreditch feeling back to the space, and mix it with something new. We’re hugely grateful to the team behind the first Light Bar for saving this beautiful building. It’s an honour to carry both its past and more recent legacy into a new era.