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.
In his breast pocket sits a folded telegram. “Your father has passed. Come home. We need you.”
It has been several years since he first came to London from Bombay.
He picks up the small leather case carrying his favourite threads from Mates Boutique and Lord John. He thinks of his guitars, the trunks full of LPs, the artworks he has carefully collected.
The air stewardess smiles at him and checks his boarding pass.
He pauses for a second and pulls the papers out of his breast pocket. He gazes at the return ticket in his hand.
...what a terrific trip! In the ‘60s, young Indians started hankering after Western styles. ‘Beat’ bands in Bombay belted out versions of the latest rock’n’roll hits. A whirlwind of excitement shook both London and Bombay.
Dishoom Carnaby – and its accompanying vinyl ‘Slip Disc’ – shares this little-known intersection of time, place and culture. Open all day, every day, serving Bombay comfort food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening tipples. All are welcome.
Begin your day at Dishoom with breakfast, which might be a Bacon Naan Roll or spicy Keema Per Eedu. Then, lunch deliciously on a Paneer Roomali Roll and fancy Salads, 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 or the Premier Padmini Negroni, served on the rocks.
Methi Gosht and Paratha
Chargrilled pieces of lamb, unhurriedly cooked in the richness of fragrant fenugreek, tomato, onion and warm spices. Served with flaky-buttery paratha and fresh kachumber. This our respectful homage to a notable dish at Bombay’s Sunraj Permit Room.
Kohinoor Fizz
Dishoom gooseberry syrup with lime, London Dry Gin, a wash of Aperol topped off with sparkling wine. A diamond fizz cushioned with egg white. Slips down nicely with all dishes. You will wish to dance all through the night at Slip Disc.
Reservations
at Carnaby
Dishoom is mostly a walk-in café. All are welcome, any time, no reservations needed. However, if you'd like to make a reservation, groups of any size may book during the day. After 6pm, we accept bookings for groups of six or more.
London, 1963. Seduced by the city, he had found himself drawn into a world where anything and everything was possible. Heady discussions into the early hours about changing the world, music and revolution, tripping at sunrise on Primrose Hill…There aren’t many records left of that scene, but it is fondly remembered by the photographs and mementoes on our walls.
ABOVE: This poster was designed by Darryl Kirby for Reaction for their first concert in 1966
ABOVE: Dolly and Dilip walking down Regent Street. This is the cover to our Dishoom ‘Slip Disc’ vinyl
ABOVE: Air India posters typical of the 1970s
ABOVE: Mignonne Fernando was the lead singer of the Jetliners from Sri Lanka and became a sensational success in Bombay
ABOVE: Asha Puthli – the wild child of 60s India
ABOVE: Dolly Thakore walking through Notting Hill in the 1960s
Bombay via London
Planning your visit
Dishoom Carnaby
22 Kingly Street
London
W1B 5QP
Tel: 0207 420 9322
Monday–Thursday 8am to 11pm
Friday 8am to 12am
Saturday 9am to 12am
Sunday 9am to 11pm
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus
Nearest Bus Stop: Conduit Street / Hamleys Toy Store (Stop M)
Outdoor seating (dogs allowed)
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Step-free access to the front door
Loo on the same floor as the dining area
Disabled loo
We accept bookings online up to four months in advance for up to 20 guests and accept enquiries for 20+. For larger parties or for specific event requests, do get in touch with us directly to book.
For a moment, you ask yourself – is this Bombay, or London, or somewhere in between?
The story continues
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