du Boulay Contracts were delighted to negotiate the fitout of this wonderful, historic building steeped in history in Shoreditch.
The building itself was built in 1893 as a power station Liverpool Street Station, the UK’s first powered train station. In 2000, it originally opened as The Light Bar. The venue became famous for its nightlife and, some say helped shape the culture in Shoreditch today. It then closed in 2014 following development plans for the adjacent tower were approved, which involved demolishing the Light Bar to make way for the Principle Tower.
A local backlash saved the building and allowed new owners to open the new Light Bar London venue.
We inherited an empty shell with a partial first floor in place. du Boulay Contracts infilled the remainder of the first floor, formed a new opening and installed two new, three level staircases and new mezzanine level to ground Ground, Mezz & First floor spaces. New mechanical, electrical & plumbing services were installed along with a fire lobby, all joinery elements (three bars, waiter stations, feature screens etc), sanitary accommodation and a food hoist.
du Boulay Contracts sensitively restored areas to bring the building to life. We were able to retain some wonderful existing finishes, brickwork and industrial details. We refurbished the existing concrete floor and laid a reclaimed timber throughout the mezzanine & first floor. Feature lit balustrades & staircases bring the place to life along with a bar on each level and kitchens to ground & first floor to deliver food and snacks to the guests.
The build started in January 2020 and was mid-way through during the initial Covid lockdown. Our team pulled off site until government guidance allowed us to return. We then worked in bubbles using appropriate PPE to ensure all operatives remained safe. We handed over the project in June 2020, which allowed the Light Bar to open for outside terrace dining.