One of the UK’s most cherished restaurants is making its long-awaiting opening in Leeds this August, bringing the warmth, bustle and spirit of Bombay’s old Irani cafés to the heart of the city.
Dishoom will first welcome guests to its highly anticipated Leeds café from 3ʳᵈ August, with diners able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on 14th August. Taking residence between the Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter shopping centres on 68-78 Vicar Lane, the new café marks Dishoom’s long-awaited arrival in the city.
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces, perhaps, quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age. Guests can read the full story on Dishoom Leeds’ website here.
With all day dining available, including the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens. Walk-ins are warmly welcomed all day to encourage guests to embrace Dishoom’s more spontaneous way of dining, with tables set aside each day for guests to swing by and be seated swiftly.
Treasured guests can expect to dive into Dishoom favourites including the famed Bacon Naan Roll, melt-in-mouth Chicken Ruby curry and generously-sized feasts made for sharing among groups of 10 or more, featuring dishes such as Keema Pau, House Black Daal, Chicken Berry Britannia, Roomali Roti and Pistachio Kulfi.
Alongside Bombay comfort food and much-loved café favourites, guests can discover an extensive drinks list – from Dishoom’s classic India Gimlet, crafted with London Dry Gin, Rose’s lime, celery bitters and fresh dill, to the Kohinoor Mojito, a bright twist on the classic with Takamaka Seychelles Rum Blanc, dry white vermouth and house-made mojito cordial. Beyond cocktails are further drinks options including orange wine, crisp Kingfisher beer and plenty more. And of course, no meal is complete without a piping hot glass of Dishoom’s house chai.
The opening also continues Dishoom’s longstanding commitment to breaking down barriers and bringing people together over food, much like the Irani cafés that inspired it. Once found on nearly every corner of Bombay, these cafés welcomed people from all walks of life to sit shoulder-to-shoulder over chai and hearty meals.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
“The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
The Leeds café will be open daily from morning until late, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, chai and late-night tipples.
Dishoom is mostly a walk-in café, with guests welcome anytime. Reservations will be available for breakfast and lunch, with limited evening bookings available from 6pm.
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