FOOD EDITION
backgrounds – over shared tables and tasty food and drinks. We have been inspired by this idea at Dishoom and it extends to our menu. We adore serving dishes cooked in Parsi, Muslim, Hindu and Christian traditions, which jostle together on our tables for space.” For both cousins, opening a bar had been a decades-long dream, and Cambridge proved the perfect location to continue this new venture. “When I think back to my early twenties, I vividly remember Cambridge pub crawls and gate-crashing college parties. I have very rosy memories of hanging out there, and I’m so excited to return with our own Permit Room.” On the menu Described as an all-day bar-cafe, Permit Room differs from ordinary Dishoom restaurants in that the menu is primarily designed to work around drinking. “You might like to come in, have a few drinks and enjoy some of the menu alongside, but equally, we’ll be there to sort out your hangover with a bacon naan roll the next morning,” Shamil says. Meanwhile, his Permit Room go-to is the crispy spinach chaat: “I love the tangy crispiness of it.” In addition, there’s a full menu of bar snacks, curries (including the classic Dishoom chicken ruby), larger sharing plates and sweet treats to choose from, like the mango lassi soft serve in a waffle cone garnished with sugar-coated fennel. Served in an atmospheric setting of chic, 70s retro interiors dotted with artwork from Bombayites and Cambridge locals alike, there’s inevitably a knock-out line-up of cocktails to decide between. Paying homage to Bombay’s colourful drinking past, take your pick of invigorating highballs, reimagined classics, on the rocks and teetotal options. Wherever possible, the brand puts local collaborations front and centre, featuring IPAs and lagers from nearby favourites Wylde Sky Brewing & Taproom, while coffee is sourced from Wood St Coffee in Saffron Walden. Above all, music plays a major role. Revellers can let loose with weekly DJ sets, including a strong vinyl programme delivered in partnership with a local record store. A happening enclave that’s convivial and cosmopolitan, you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason to leave. “We want Permit Room to have a relaxed vibe, where guests can come in for breakfast and stay for many hours, longer than anticipated.” Permit Room Cambridge opens on 20 June. 17 Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TB DRINKS AND NIBBLES The perfect spot for a catch-up, the Permit Room serves an array of cocktails, delicious bar snacks and more
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JUNE 2024 33
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