Dishoom, Leeds: Indian restaurant chain to open cafe in Yorkshire city centre this August
The Indian restaurant chain Dishoom will be opening its first cafe in Leeds city centre this August.
The new Dishoom cafe will be bringing the spirit of Bombay’s old Irani cafes to the heart of Leeds.
Dishoom will first welcome guests to its highly anticipated Leeds cafe from August 3, 2026, with diners able to get 50 per cent off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on August 14.
It will be located between the Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter shopping centres on 68-78 Vicar Lane and will be the first branch to open in Yorkshire.
As with every Dishoom cafe, the Leeds restaurant starts with a story; this one takes inspiration from the 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.
The legend states that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some were discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, including the breakfast through to late evening feasting, the cafe will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafes, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Walk-ins are welcome all day to encourage guests to be spontaneous, with tables set aside each day for guests to pass by and be seated quickly.
Guests can expect to order Dishoom’s most popular dishes including the bacon naan roll, chicken Ruby curry and sizeable feasts made for sharing among groups of 10 or more, featuring dishes such as Keema Pau, House Black Daal, chicken berry Britania, Roomali Roti and pistachio kulfi.
Alongside Bombay comfort food and cafe favourites, guests can also discover an extensive drinks list including Dishoom’s classic India Gimlet, crafted with London Dry Gin, Rose’s lime, celery bitters and fresh dill and the Kohinoor Mojito, a bright twist on the classic with Takamaka Seychelles Rum Blanc, dry white vermouth and house-made mojito cordial.
There are other drinks available too including orange wine, crisp Kingfisher beer and a hot glass of Dishoom’s house chai.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as head Babu at Dishoom, said: “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 is mostly a walk-in cafe. Reservations will be available for breakfast and lunch, with limited evening bookings available from 6pm.