Dishoom finally announces Leeds opening date - and diners can get 50% off food
Dishoom is finally landing in Leeds
A hugely popular Indian restaurant with devoted followings in Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Birmingham is finally landing in Leeds this summer.
Dishoom, one of the city's most anticipated restaurant openings of the year, has announced it will welcome its first guests in August, with diners able to enjoy discounted meals during a soft-launch period.
“As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story,” the team said. “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.”
The story is reflected in the restaurant's sleek interior, which features subtle references to glamorous mid-century design and playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
Guests at Dishoom Leeds can expect the brand’s signature all-day dining, from breakfast through to late-night dinners inspired by Bombay’s bustling Irani cafés.
Co-founder Shamil Thakrar, also known as Head Babu, added: “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.”
Dishoom will first welcome guests to its Leeds café on Vicar Lane from August 3, when diners will be able to enjoy 50 per cent off food during an initial soft-opening period. The restaurant will officially open on August 14.