Ever since it was opened its first restaurant (in London’s Covent Garden) in 2010, Dishoom has managed to maintain admirably high levels of hype for its Irani café-inspired Indian restaurants. A decade and a half later, it’s still an occasion when Dishoom opens a new ‘café’.
Now, for the first time ever, the chain is heading to Liverpool. The Liverpool Echo reports that a planning application has been submitted to open a Dishoom outpost at Exchange Court on Dale Street.
Well, kind of. Liverpool won’t be getting a full-fledged Dishoom – instead the city is set to receive a Permit Room, which is Dishoom’s sister-chain concept. Permit Rooms are influenced by 1960s and 1970s Bombay, all-day café-bars with offerings from breakfast to night (and often in-house DJs). They’re typically more centred around a bar, featuring a greater range of cocktails and small plates.
There are currently 11 proper Dishooms in the UK, and four Permit Rooms. As of September 2025 the only Dishoom in northern England is in Manchester, though there are two outposts further north in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
We don’t know much else about Liverpool’s Permit Room. An opening date hasn’t yet been announced, though the venue is apparently hiring roles.
Dishoom’s continued expansion in the UK comes as the chain confirms plans to open in the USA. Find out all about its upcoming New York opening here.
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