Last Updated on April 26, 2025
Say goodbye to your Sunday scaries…
Sundays are often my favourite day of the week. It’s a day free from the pressures to do anything other than take it easy, prepare for the week ahead and recover from the lingering effects of Saturday’s antics. Most importantly though, it’s a day to indulge in copious amounts of good food. So, when asked to review Light Bar’s newly introduced ‘Sunday Sessions’ – an exclusive Sunday menu, crafted by Head Chef Ali Borer (formerly Smoking Goat) who brings his A-Game, pairing Asian flavours with the finest British produce – you can only imagine my excitement.
It was a glorious day when I met my friend at Old Street station, the sun was shining (finally) and spirits were high. We strolled leisurely up Shoreditch High Street, acknowledging how refreshing it was to take in the area and appreciate our surroundings, rather than just its infamous array of bars…
The venue itself is rich in history which spans over a decade. Originally named The Light, it was a cornerstone of Shoreditch’s nightlife from its inception in 2000 until its closure in the early 2010s. The impressive three-story building, formerly a railway power is now an independent bar with dining over three spaces: the Engine Hall, Copper Bar, and Timber Loft. On entering, it’s clear that time has transformed the hard-edged Victorian necessities into stylish ‘Shoreditch‘ style touches. The bare brickwork, iron fittings, and huge arched windows, exuded industrial magnificence.
The ground-floor space, known as The Engine Room, is huge yet still manages to feel intimate thanks to cosy lighting, furnished with navy leather and bronze features and a large bar taking centre stage. To my surprise the space is flooded with natural light that gushes in from floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a lovely and airy space for diners to enjoy. However, as appealing as this was, we all know that sunshine in London is rare, so we chose to sit outside on the terrace along with most of the other guests.
Taking in our surroundings is thirsty work, so we quickly turned to the drinks menu. There’s an impressive cocktail list here, but my friend was set on a Bloody Mary, after all ‘no brunch is complete without one’. High-quality tomato juice, with a sweet and slightly tangy base, was complimented by the sharpness of freshly squeezed lemon and Worchester sauce with just the right hint of spice. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of lemon – we agreed this tasted just as good as it looked.
A margarita girl myself, I chose the Hibiscus & Red Berry Champagne Margarita. Vivir Bianco, hibiscus, raspberries and Veuve Clicquot champagne, served on the rocks. An extravagant take on the classic, the addition of hibiscus bought vibrant floral notes, topped off with the bubbly elegance of champagne, this was delightfully refreshing and slipped down a treat.
When it comes to the food, at just £30 per person for two courses plus sides, these Sunday Sessions really are a treat. Everything is designed for sharing which we love, and there is enough choice on the menu to suit all tastes without it being overwhelming. Ready to get stuck in, we kicked off with the Fried Oyster Mushrooms – our waiter’s personal recommendation. Immaculately presented, this dish was a work of art. Resting atop of a spiced togarashi crumb and dill sauce, the mushrooms were so lightly fried you could almost consider them healthy, sprinkled with a tofu and ginger dressing which complimented the earthy tones of the mushrooms perfectly.
Next came the Beef Tartare with Shiitake Mushrooms and Jerusalem Artichoke Crisps. Beautifully presented, our mouths watered just looking at it. The dish had a wonderful combination of flavours: melt-in-the-mouth beef paired with the slight tartness of apple, and shallots with a smoky undertone from the buttery shiitake mushrooms enhanced by a sweet soy sauce. Delicate swirls of Japanese mayo on the top added a layer of creamy richness. We applauded the Asian twist on this classic and could have eaten it ten times over, especially with artichoke crisps that were ideal for mopping up the leftover sauce.
Excited to try more cocktails, I went for the Hysteria and my friend the Light Negroni. Both drinks arrived almost instantaneously and happened to be totally in sync when it came to the aesthetic with glorious colours of orange and yellow. The Hysteria (pictured right) comprised of Vivir reposado tequila, kumquat triple sec, aperol, lime and splash of sparkling. I’d go as far to say that this was one of the best cocktails I’ve had, perfect for summer with just the right balance of alcohol and sweetness, making it dangerously easy to drink. The light negroni packed a punch with Amores mezcal, cocchi americano, suze, coffee and orange bitters. Perhaps a bit too strong if you’re nursing a sore head, but undeniably a winner if a kick is what you are after.
Now for the mains. We started with the Slow-Grilled Monkfish which was grilled to perfection, with tender almost buttery flesh that fell apart our forks, complimented wonderfully with smoky notes from the grilling process and a zingy sauce.
Next came the chilli-glazed Somerset Saxon roasted chicken. We were grateful to be sharing at this point because the portion was very generous – easily enough for two. No complaints here though, as we tucked into expertly cooked and succulent meat, seasoned perfectly with gorgeous crispy skin. Don’t forget to dip the chicken into the fermented chilli peppercorn sauce for extra indulgence – necessary for any Sunday meal.
For me, a meal is really completed by the side dishes and Light Bar did not disappoint. The Beer Fat Roast Pink Potatoes had a crispy exterior, flaked with rosemary salt, giving way to a light, warm and fluffy centre. The mixed leaf salad with chilli vinaigrette added a necessary touch of greenery to balance the meal. But the standout was the Cauliflower Cheese. In my opinion, you can never have too much cheese in this dish, and nothing is worse than when it’s lacking. Thankfully, they got the memo. Every bite was as cheesy as the last, with the spice cutting through the richness, while the cauliflower retained a perfect bite. Unlike us, if you have room for pudding, don’t miss the Vietnamese doughnut—definitely something for next time.
If you’re a fan of landmark buildings with rich history, good cocktails and seriously delicious food at a reasonable price, then head to Light Bar’s Sunday sessions. A big fan of the classic Sunday roast, this Asian-inspired twist is just as good as it sounds and will more than satisfy that Sunday comfort food craving.
The Light Bar and Dining
233 Shoreditch High St,
London E1 6PJ
Leave a Reply