When Hackney restaurant Nest announced its move from Hackney to Shoreditch, their old space on Morning Lane suddenly became available and a new restaurant duo have taken it over. Jack O'Connor and Joshua Ralphs both met while working at Larry's in Peckham where Jack was head chef. Their combined CV is a tour of London's hippest restaurants like Flor, Lasdun and Jolene, so news that they're opening their own place, Big Night, certainly piqued our interest.
Big Night takes its inspiration from Japanese izakayas but they'll be taking seasonal British produce, putting it on sticks and cooking over a charcoal grill. "The food will be simple, loud and fun," they say, "perfect to be eaten with a beer in hand and friends at your side.
"The tables will be communal, you'll be asking your neighbour to pass the chilli oil and cheering the whole table with a round of shots and sauerkraut. The energy will be lively and generous, the music loud and the lights low."
It's not the first time someone has opened an izakaya-inspired spot on Morning Lane (remember Peg?) but this does sound like a lot of fun so we're feeling very positive vibes about it. To begin with, they'll be opening from Thursday to Sunday. And, if you love the produce you've tried you'll also be able to buy their seasonal house ferments to take home with you.
More about Big Night
Where is it? 177 Morning Lane, London E9 6LH
When does it open? 11 January 2024
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @reallybignight
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