NOVEMBER. 1967. Heathrow airport. A young man leans against the Oceanic terminal’s high windows, waiting for the final call for BOAC flight 774 to Bombay. He takes a long drag on his cigarette and stares into the heavy rain driving down onto the tarmac.
The passing travellers are openly curious to see a tall, striking Indian (actually, an Irani – not that they’d understand the distinction) dressed in stylish clothes. The women’s eyes linger on him. They look away. Look again. Smile a little when he catches them. Today he doesn’t smile back.
BEGIN YOUR DAY AT DISHOOM with breakfast, which might be a Bacon Naan Roll, a Kejriwal or a Big Bombay. Then lunch lightly on Roomali Rolls and Salad Plates, or linger with a feast. Refresh your afternoon with a drop of Chai and a small plate or two. Dine early or dine late. Or just join us for a tipple – perhaps an India Gimlet, a Permit Room Old-fashioned, or our very good Dishoom IPA?
What a terrific trip! In the ’60s, young Indians started hankering after Western styles and ‘beat’ bands in Bombay belted out versions of the latest rock’n’roll hits. There aren’t many records left of that scene, but it is fondly remembered by those who were there (and whose photographs and mementoes you can see on the walls of Dishoom Carnaby). Through the design and story of this café, and the accompanying Slip-Disc vinyl album release, we wanted to share this little-known but very cool intersection of time, place and culture with you.
Read more.
Dishoom Carnaby
22 Kingly Street
London
W1B 5QP
Tel: 0207 420 9322