Permit Room Bar London Review: A Bombay-Inspired Cocktail Bar

Permit Room Bar in London, an offshoot of the famous Dishoom group, has significantly marked the city’s dining scene. Inspired by the post-prohibition bars of Bombay, known as “permit rooms,” this establishment blends history, ambience, and culinary excellence.

The concept of “permit rooms” dates back to the late 1940s in Bombay, following the introduction of alcohol prohibition. During this era, individuals required personal licenses, or “permits,” to consume alcohol legally in designated establishments. Dishoom’s Permit Room pays homage to these historic venues, aiming to recreate the atmosphere of Bombay’s clandestine bars. While Dishoom has expanded its footprint across the UK, including locations in Brighton and Oxford, the Permit Room in London stands out by focusing on a bar-centric experience complemented by a curated food menu.

The Permit Room’s exterior presents a modest façade reminiscent of a quaint café. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by an expansive interior combining retro aesthetics and modern sensibilities. The design features rich wood panelling, vintage-inspired furnishings, and walls adorned with eclectic artwork. The layout includes cosy nooks and communal tables, catering to intimate gatherings and larger groups. The bar area, a focal point of the establishment, showcases an impressive array of spirits, hinting at the cocktail delights in the store.

Permit Room Bar London Menu

One of Permit Room’s defining features is its innovative cocktail program. The menu offers diverse drinks that tribute classic Indian flavours while incorporating contemporary mixology techniques. For instance, the Permit Room Clover Club blends gin, raspberry, and lemon, topped with a cardamom and coconut-infused foam, balancing sweet and tart notes. Another notable concoction is the Thums Up Sazerac, which combines rye whiskey, cognac, and absinthe, sweetened with a reduction of Thums Up, a popular Indian cola, resulting in a unique twist on the traditional Sazerac.

While Permit Room emphasizes its beverage offerings, the food menu complements the drinks. Embracing a tapas-style approach, the menu features small, shareable plates that draw inspiration from various regions of India. Highlights include Lamb Samosas, crispy pastries filled with spiced minced lamb and onions, and a refreshing coriander chutney. The Prawn Recheado are marinated in a tangy Goan-style masala, grilled to perfection, and accompanied by a lime wedge.

Try the Chicken Ruby, tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, and best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. The House Black Daal, a slow-cooked lentil dish, creamy and flavorful, showcases the depth of traditional Indian cooking techniques. The menu also caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options.

Permit Room Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Permit Room below.

Permit Room Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Indian

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Nothing Hill

Address: 186 Portobello Road, London W11 1LA

Website: https://www.permitroom.co.uk/