Dishoom is officially coming to Liverpool. The much-loved restaurant group has announced that Permit Room Liverpool will open its doors in early March, marking Dishoom’s first venture in the city.
Set within Exchange Court at No.1 Dale Street — the former Royal Bank of Scotland building — the all-day bar-café brings the infectious energy of Bombay’s iconic permit rooms to the heart of Liverpool, blending cocktails, comfort food, music and local collaboration under one roof.
Designed as a lively space from morning through late night, Permit Room Liverpool will serve Dishoom’s signature Permit Room cocktails alongside an all-day food menu. Guests can expect everything from flavour-packed bar snacks and comforting curries to Dishoom favourites, plus Breakfast Naan Rolls and bottomless House Chai for the morning-after crowd.
Brian Trolip, CEO of Dishoom, said: “We’ve wanted to bring Dishoom to Liverpool for a long time, and Permit Room felt like the perfect way to do it. Our Permit Rooms are lively and rooted in the spirit of Bombay’s drinking culture – a place for cocktails, comfort food and connection, all day long. We can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the city.”
The opening also marks a new chapter for Exchange Court. Emmie Woods, Development Manager at Bruntwood, which owns and manages the building, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Dishoom’s vibrant Permit Room concept to Exchange Court. Its arrival brings fresh energy to the area and will draw even more people into the heart of the city.”
A nod to Bombay’s drinking history
Permit Rooms take their name from a unique chapter in Bombay’s history. In 1949, the Prohibition Act banned the sale of alcohol, but that didn’t stop the city’s nightlife. Cocktails were discreetly poured in living rooms, snacks were endlessly replenished, and the odd hafta (bribe) kept things running smoothly. When restrictions eased in the 1960s and 70s, the Permit Room was born — a place for shared plates, cold beers and conversation, long into the night. That spirit is central to the Liverpool opening.
Food for sharing (and recovering)
The menu balances relaxed bar food with more substantial dishes. Snack highlights include Crispy Spinach Chaat, layered with sweet yoghurt, tangy chutneys, pomegranate seeds and sev. Curries range from the rich Chef’s Lamb Curry to the coconutty Prawn Moilee, inspired by South Indian home cooking.
A centrepiece for sharing is the Permit Room special Chicken Tandoori, served half or whole, grilled to a perfect char with kachumber and green chutney. Dishoom classics such as the iconic Black Daal and creamy Mattar Paneer also make an appearance.
For mornings, the menu leans indulgent. Alongside Breakfast Naan Rolls is The Full Permit — a hearty fry-up featuring spiced Akuri, smoky streaky bacon, Shropshire pork sausages, masala beans and homemade buttered buns. Sweet-toothed guests can opt for Permit Room French Toast, a cinnamon-spiced brioche filled with melting cheese and finished with spicy-hot honey.
Cocktails, beer towers and teetotal treats
Drinks are central to the Permit Room experience. The cocktail list caters to all tastes, from Short & Boozy serves to Twisted Classics and refreshing Highballs. Standout drinks include the Blushing Dawn Paloma, made with kumquat juice, chilli-infused tequila and mezcal, and the Thums Up Sazerac, sweetened with a splash of the iconic Indian soda.
Beer fans can look forward to a strong selection, including Kingfisher Beer Towers — three litres of chilled beer served straight to the table, made for groups.
For non-drinkers, the Teetotal menu offers equally thoughtful options, such as the Sober Summer Negroni and the No-Hafta Kiwi Colada, proving alcohol-free doesn’t mean character-free.
Local collaborations will play a key role across the drinks offering, with Liverpool partnerships set to be announced soon.
A space made for music and movement
Inside, Permit Room Liverpool blends retro-industrial design with warmth and personality. Exposed concrete and wood panelling sit alongside walls filled with art from local Liverpool artists, contemporary Bombay creatives and emerging South Asian talent. Vinyl sleeves, gig posters and personal photographs add a layer of nostalgia and lived-in charm.
Music will be a big part of the atmosphere. Expect resident local DJs each week and a playlist that moves effortlessly between funk, punk, hip-hop, Bollywood, disco and soul. In short: come for a bite, stay for a beer, end up dancing.
Opening offers and bookings
Ahead of the official launch, guests can enjoy 50% off food during a soft launch period in late February. Reservations for the soft launch — and for dates beyond — will open in early February. Permit Room Liverpool will welcome both bookings and walk-ins, all day, every day.
Further announcements, including the exact opening date and new menu details, will be revealed closer to launch.
Permit Room Liverpool opens early March at Exchange Court, Dale Street — and it’s shaping up to be one of the city’s most anticipated openings of the year.
For more information visit permitroom.co.uk/locations/liverpool.
