Founded by brewer Ryan Robbins and his business partner Luke Scanlon, St John at Hackney Brewery (named after the neighbouring church, and not affiliated in any way with Fergus Henderson's restaurant group) will span two railway arches in the newly renovated Hackney Central arches.
Launching on 16 June, it will serve craft beers at the bar, alongside Greek/Cypriot restaurant Ɛlα.
The brainchild of Emilio Stavrou, Ɛlα serves small plates and sharing dishes including a variety of skewers and kebabs cooked over charcoal on a custom-made barbecue.
Dishes will include ethically sourced chicken thigh or pork neck kebabs, served with freshly made pitas; sauces; and salads including orzo with anari (a type of Greek cheese); and Cypriot cabbage salad. A vegan option of tempeh marinated in oregano, oil, lemon and garlic will also be available.
In keeping with its history as an industrial railway arch, the bar and restaurant will features exposed brickwork, with the roof structure providing the framework for an arched wooden ceiling.
Seating will be made from upcycled pews from neighbouring St John at Hackney Church, with a handcrafted counter and bar serving fresh beer tapped from the brewery tanks.
The central counter will also host Ɛlα’s open barbecue and a dining counter where food will be served.
The brewery’s neighbouring church, St John at Hackney Brewery, is central to the operation, having assisted in getting the project off the ground by connecting the partners behind the business.
St John at Hackney Brewery will host the church’s Lighthouse Project while the church is being renovated, which is a weekly lunch club for the homeless, held by Sam and Sam Clark from Morito and Moro.