Dishoom's Permit Room is coming to Exchange Court, Liverpool

We're pleased to announce Permit Room Liverpool, which will open its doors in early March, marking it Dishoom's first opening in the city. Located at our Exchange Court building, this all-day bar-café brings the charm of Bombay’s iconic permit rooms to the city, with local collaborations and music to set the perfect backdrop.

The Permit Room promises a lively atmosphere with its signature Permit Room cocktails and all-day food offering. From drinking snacks and flavourful curries, to beloved Dishoom favourites, as well as breakfast Naan Rolls and bottomless House Chai for the morning after. “We’ve wanted to bring Dishoom to Liverpool for a long time, and Permit Room felt like the perfect way to do it,” said Brian Trolip, Dishoom CEO. “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.”

Emmie Woods, Development Manager at Bruntwood, which owns and manages Exchange Court, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Dishoom’s vibrant Permit Room concept to Exchange Court. Its arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the building, bringing fresh energy to the area and drawing even more people into the heart of the city.”

In celebration of the opening, guests can enjoy 50% off food during the soft launch period in late February before the official opening in early March. Reservations for the soft launch and beyond will be made available early February. Permit Room Liverpool will offer bookings as well as walk-ins all day, everyday.

Heritage

In 1949 Bombay, The Prohibition Act was passed and the sale of liquor was banned. Yet amidst these restrictions, undeterred citizens found their haven late into the night, with the clink of ice in glasses and the constant refilling of snacks. Aunties were the secret joy keepers, deftly serving up cocktails and ice-cold beers from the comfort of their living rooms, slipping the odd hafta (bribe) to a police officer.

As time passed and the 1960s and 1970s ushered in a new era, restrictions on drinking began to ease. The Permit Room of Bombay arrived.

Food

Whether it's for a light bite or a leisurely meal, guests will find plenty to choose from. The Permit Room menu showcases seriously good bar snacks, moreish curries and some larger plates – plus a few choice fan favourites from the Dishoom menu. Snack on Crispy Spinach Chaat – crispy-fried babyleaf spinach, layered with sweet yoghurt, tangy chutneys and a scattering of pomegranate seeds and sev. Curries include the Chef’s Lamb Curry, with its rich masala sauce, and the coconutty Prawn Moilee inspired by South Indian home-cooking. Made for sharing is the Permit Room special: Half or Whole Chicken Tandoori grilled to the perfect char and served with fresh kachumber and green chutney. Dishoom classics on the menu include the iconic Black Daal and creamy Mattar Paneer.

And for the morning after, nothing beats Dishoom’s comforting Breakfast Naan Rolls or The Full Permit, a hearty fry-up with nicely spiced Akuri, smoky streaky bacon, Shropshire pork sausages, masala beans, and homemade buttered buns. For a touch of sweetness, Permit Room’s French Toast is sweet and savoury, with cinnamon-spiced brioche filled with melting cheese and drizzled with spicy-hot honey. Served with crispy, streaky bacon, and fresh berries.

Cocktails and Drinks

The Permit Room wouldn't be complete without its expertly crafted drinks, an integral part of the experience. Designed for every kind of drinker, there are Short and Boozy options for a more potent sip, Twisted Classics with innovative takes on traditional serves, and Highballs for something light and refreshing. Highlights include the Blushing Dawn Paloma, with kumquat juice, chilli-infused tequila, and a hit of mezcal – smoky, but smooth; and the Thums Up Sazerac, an old-school classic, sweetened with a splash of Thums Up soda from India.

Beer lovers, rejoice: a fantastic array is available, and for bigger groups, the Kingfisher Beer Towers will get the party started, with three litres of India’s golden goodness, on tap, chilled, and served at the table.

For those skipping the booze, the Teetotal section offers equally as considered options, from the Sober Summer Negroni to the No-Hafta Kiwi Colada - alcohol-free yet full of character. Local collaborations are at the heart of the drinks menu, with exciting upcoming Liverpool collaborations being announced soon.

Interiors

The interiors are warm and inviting, blending a retro-industrial vibe with exposed concrete and wood panelling. The walls showcase a vibrant mix of art, featuring works from local Liverpool artists, contemporary creators from Bombay, and emerging South Asian talent. Alongside paintings, graphic pieces, and photography, expect vinyl covers, Bombay gig posters, and personal photos from friends and family, adding a touch of charm and nostalgia to the space.

Music

If you’re at Permit Room, be prepared to shimmy. Permit Room Liverpool will host local resident DJs on the decks each week, and will have an upbeat playlist mixing everything from funk, punk and hip-hop, to Bollywood, disco and soul. Come for a bite, beer, boogie.

Further announcements, including exact opening dates, new menu highlights and booking details, will be shared nearer to launch.