Bombay, 1923
A smartly dressed Englishman with pomaded black hair and a lantern jaw, sits on a bentwood chair. He breathes in the aroma of baking bread, takes a sip of his strong chai and studies his surroundings carefully. The man observing the café and sipping his chai is Sexton Blake, the world-renowned detective known for his penetrating intellect and his taste for fine cigars. He arrived in Bombay that morning, summoned by the note now placed in his jacket pocket from enemy-turned-ally, Beram. Its few but forceful words are etched into his memory.
Circling crows caw and the smell of spice, jasmine and dust mix outside the Lodge Rising Star of Western India. Founded in Bombay in 1843, the first Indian Masonic Lodge had Manockjee Cursetjee as the pioneering first member. Today, the Lodge meets in Bombay’s Freemasons’ Hall, where Bro. Cursetjee’s portrait hangs on the wall, watchfully. Through Dishoom Manchester – itself built within a former Freemasons’ Hall – we hope to share a glimpse of Freemasonry in Bombay.
Begin your day at Dishoom with breakfast, which might be a Bacon Naan Roll, a Parsi Omelette or The Big Bombay. 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 – Pegs, Punches, Slings and Coolers deliciously disguise potent spirits.
Manchester Specials
Nihari – a famously hearty and robust dish – is synonymous with celebration. Made into a biryani, it is doubly so. Tender shank of lamb is layered with rice and caramelised onions then sealed beneath a pastry blanket. Enriched further with kaleji (chicken liver) raita and nihari gravy. Best when shared.
Named in honour of the dapper Parsi vigilante and master of disguise. The 'Tower of Silence' by Phiroshaw Jamsetjee Chevalier lets us know that Beram's drink of choice was a Brandy Punch, but taking into account the tastes of the 1920's, a cobbler is perhaps most suited, switching grape-based brandy for a grape-based sherry. Sultry tropicality of citrus and pineapple meets Solera sherry in a transcontinental crossing.
Reservations at Manchester
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.
Slightly away from the scene outside, a smartly dressed Englishman with pomaded black hair and a lantern jaw, studies his surroundings carefully. The café is opulently decorated, with marble tables and light pouring through enormous stained-glass windows throwing strange colours onto portraits on the wall. It is a place of calm in the crowded city – he is more relaxed than perhaps he should be.
ABOVE: Benjamin Guy Horniman, (1873 – 1948) was a British journalist and editor of the Bombay Chronicle, particularly notable for his support of Indian independence
ABOVE: Manockjee Cursetjee with his daughters Serene and Amy (L-R)
ABOVE: Co-founder Shamil’s father, Rashmi Thakrar
ABOVE: Alexandra Native Girls English Institution Bombay, 1890
ABOVE: Sir Phirozeshah Mehta. An Indian political leader, activist, and a leading lawyer of Bombay and was on the board of directors for the Alexandra Native Girls English Institution, set up by Manockjee
ABOVE: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, (1856 – 1920), was an Indian nationalist, journalist, teacher, social reformer, lawyer and the first leader of the Indian Independence Movement
Bombay via Manchester
Planning your visit
Dishoom Manchester
32 Bridge Street
Manchester
M3 3BT
Tel: 0161 537 3737
Monday–Thursday 8am to 11pm
Friday 8am to 12am
Saturday 9am to 12am
Sunday 9am to 11pm
Nearest Train Station: Salford Central
Nearest Bus Stop: Manchester Crown Court, Lower Byrom Street, Bridge St
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible lift
Wheelchair-accessible seating
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.
The old man, now moving very fast, places the tips of his three fingers precisely onto the plaque and pushes. Instantly, the wall rotates and swallows the two men up…he was hoodwinked.
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