Why Permit Room Liverpool is BID’s Business of the Month for May

There’s been so much excitement about Permit Room’s all-day bar-café coming to the city, it’s hardly surprising it’s been chosen as Business of the Month for May.

But it’s not just that the restaurant in Dale Street’s such a vibrant and fascinating addition to the hospitality scene that the Business Improvement District (BID) thinks it’s worth a celebration…

It’s that Liverpool is loving it too!

In just weeks since it was opened by Dishoom, Permit Room Liverpool has fast become one of the city’s most talked about dining destinations.

“The response has been phenomenal,” says general manager Thomas Dolby. “Throughout our soft launch we welcomed hundreds of guests through the doors and the feedback has been truly amazing.

“The warmth, the energy, and the love for the food and drinks has exceeded all expectations.”

Thomas adds: “We’re so proud to now be officially open and to bring the Permit Room experience to this incredible city.”

And here’s why BID – and we – are buzzing about Permit Room Liverpool:

Heart of the action

Permit Room Liverpool’s home is the former Royal Bank of Scotland Building at Exchange Court so it’s right next to the Town Hall and in prime position, close to the business district, the already-bustling Castle Street, Liverpool ONE and so many of the city’s major tourist attractions.

History and heritage

When the Prohibition Act was passed in Bombay in 1949, its people found a way of still socialising into the night. From the comfort of their own living rooms, they served up cocktails, beers and snacks – slipping the odd hafta (bribe) to any passing policeman. In the ‘60s and ‘70s restrictions relaxed but from those home havens, the Permit Room of Bombay had arrived.

All day drinks and dining

A fantastic partnership, Permit Room combines Bombay’s bar culture and the Permit Room charm with Dishoom’s well-known Indian cuisine and a lively drinks menu. Offering everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner and late night drinks, it’s a gorgeous go-to. You can book, but the venue will always hold back tables for walk-in guests, so you can drop in any time the mood takes you.

Fabulous Food

Whether it’s a light bite or a sumptuous feast, you’ll find something – lots of things – you’ll love. The Permit Room menu showcases seriously good bar snacks like Crispy Spinach Chaat (crispy-fried babyleaf spinach, layered with sweet yoghurt, tangy chutneys and a scattering of pomegranate seeds and sev) as well as larger plates including the Chef’s Lamb Curry with a rich masala sauce, and the coconutty Prawn Moilee inspired by South Indian home cooking. You can even get a half or whole Chicken Tandoori, grilled to perfection and classics like Dishoom’s iconic Black Daal and creamy Mattar Paneer.

If it’s breakfast you’re after, nothing beats the comforting Breakfast Naan Rolls, The Full Permit (a hearty fry up) or Permit Room’s delicious French Toast, a cinnamon-spiced brioche filled with melting cheese and drizzled with spicy-hot honey.

Cheers to cocktails and drinks

Expertly crafted drinks are at the heart of the Permit Room experience from boss Indian beers to cocktails designed for every drinker. Highlights include the Blushing Dawn Paloma, with kumquat juice, chilli-infused tequila and a hit of mezcal, or the Mango Lassi Punch, Old Monk rum (a Bombay favourite) with yoghurt and spicy mango syrup. Or, for those skipping the booze, the Teetotal section offers a refreshingly full selection of options from the Sober Summer Negroni or the No-Hafta Kiwi Colada – alcohol free but still promising sip after sip full of character. And of course, don’t forget the House Chai.

And the beat goes on

Along with banging beats and soulful rhythms throughout the day, when the lights go down Permit Room turns up the volume on its music, with everything from funk, punk, hip-hop, disco and Bollywood beats.

And while Permit Room Liverpool is a place to ponder and chill, regular resident DJs will make sure Permit Room Liverpool shapes up to be one of the most fun and fabulous places to party too.

Why Permit Room Liverpool is BID’s Business of the Month for May

There’s been so much excitement about Permit Room’s all-day bar-café coming to the city, it’s hardly surprising it’s been chosen as Business of the Month for May.