Luke Johnson Acquires The Light Cinema Chain

Luke Johnson, a prominent hospitality entrepreneur, has acquired The Light, a UK cinema and leisure operator, with plans to invest £15 million over the next two years to double its size. The Light currently operates 13 venues that combine traditional cinema offerings with competitive socializing features such as bowling, mini golf, and climbing. Johnson emphasized the growth potential of this unique entertainment model amidst ongoing disruptions in the cinema industry. The backing from Melcorpo, along with a restructured banking facility, supports this ambitious growth plan. Johnson, known for his previous ventures with Pizza Express and Gail's, believes this combination of experiences offers a compelling opportunity for consumers and landlords alike. The investment aims to provide long-term solutions to the challenges facing cinema locations, moving away from short-term fixes.