Permit Room is is inspired by the post-prohibition bars in India
How the proposed Permit Room could look (Macauley Sinclair)(Image: (Macauley Sinclair))
Indian restaurant Dishoom is bringing its Permit Room sister concept to the city centre. The all day bar-café is inspired by the post-prohibition bars in India and will be the company’s first foray into Liverpool.
The brand was formed in 2010, with the first Permit Room sister locations opened in 2023. There are currently 11 restaurants and four spin off sites across the UK as of this month. A licensing application was launched for a bar-cafe to be installed at Exchange Court on Dale Street.
According to a document submitted to the city council’s planning team, “the venues are vibrant and inclusive spaces centred around high-quality drinks, inventive small plates, and a lively social atmosphere.”
General manager and floor manager job roles have now appeared on the company’s website confirming the opening. The descriptions read: “We’re thrilled to be opening our brand-new Permit Room in Liverpool, and we’re on the lookout for a brilliant opening GM to lead the team!
“We are proud to be recognised as one of the best places to work in Hospitality. Looking after people is at the core of what we do and we work hard to make life at Dishoom the best it can be.
“Since 2010, our restaurants have celebrated the Irani cafes and all of the food and drink of Bombay.”
How the proposed Permit Room could look (Macauley Sinclair)(Image: Macauley Sinclair)
Images previously shared by the ECHO gave the first look at plans for the restaurant.
The main dining area would be positioned along Dale Street with customer access via a central staircase, which leads into a small lobby incorporating a buggy store, welcome area, and waiter station.
A variety of seating types is proposed throughout, including fixed booths, banquette and bench seating, and low level timber screening to define areas while maintaining openness and flexibility.
A design and access statement for the proposed works on Dale Street said the site presents “an ideal setting for the Permit Room concept, combining a highly accessible city centre location with a richly detailed historic interior that can be sensitively adapted for contemporary use.”
How the proposed Permit Room could look (Macauley Sinclair)(Image: (Macauley Sinclair))
It added: “The building’s scale, architecture, and significance provide an excellent backdrop for the Permit Room’s distinctive atmosphere, while the proposed interventions will enhance and conserve the building’s special interest.”
An opening date is yet to be announced.