One of the UK’s most cherished restaurant brands is set to open in Leeds this August, bringing the warmth, energy and spirit of Bombay’s historic Irani cafés to the heart of the city. Dishoom will begin welcoming guests to its new Leeds café from 3rd August as part of a soft-opening period, during which diners can enjoy 50% off food.
The official opening will take place on 14th August. The restaurant is located between the Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter shopping centres at 68–78 Vicar Lane, marking a long-awaited arrival for the much-loved group.
As with every Dishoom location, the Leeds café is rooted in a distinctive story. This one draws inspiration from the remarkable real-life events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that scattered gold bars across the city. Some of the missing gold was never recovered, with stories suggesting pieces were found embedded in buildings or quietly claimed and repurposed by locals.
The Leeds café imagines what might have become of that lost fortune, weaving subtle references into its interiors and artwork. Guests can expect touches of mid-century glamour alongside playful nods to Bombay’s golden age, creating a setting that reflects both history and imagination.
The menu will offer all-day dining, from breakfast through to late-night meals, centred on a carefully curated selection of Bombay comfort food inspired by cafés, street stalls, grills and family kitchens. Walk-ins will be warmly welcomed throughout the day, with space reserved for spontaneous visits in keeping with Dishoom’s relaxed and inclusive approach to dining.
Guests will be able to enjoy a range of well-known Dishoom favourites, including the Bacon Naan Roll, the richly flavoured Chicken Ruby curry and the signature House Black Daal. There will also be sharing feasts designed for larger groups, featuring dishes such as Keema Pau, Chicken Berry Britannia, Roomali Roti and Pistachio Kulfi.
Alongside the food, the café will serve an extensive drinks menu. Cocktails include the India Gimlet, made with London Dry gin, lime, celery bitters and dill, and the Kohinoor Mojito, a fresh take on the classic with Takamaka Seychelles rum and house-made cordial. There will also be wine, Kingfisher beer and other refreshments, as well as the restaurant’s well-loved house chai.
The opening continues Dishoom’s longstanding ethos of bringing people together over food, echoing the spirit of the original Irani cafés of Bombay, which welcomed people from all walks of life to gather side by side.
Co-founder Shamil Thakrar said Leeds is a city full of warmth, creativity and character, with a strong culture of coming together to share food and drink. He described the new café as a long-held ambition and said the story behind it reflects a moment of tragedy, resilience and unexpected fortune in Bombay’s history. He added that the team looks forward to welcoming the people of Leeds to experience a space that pays tribute to the city’s heritage.
The café will open daily from morning until late, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, chai and late-night drinks. While Dishoom operates primarily as a walk-in venue, reservations will be available for breakfast and lunch, with a limited number of evening bookings from 6pm. Guests can also sign up to receive further updates ahead of the opening.
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