Bombay Blues Meet West London: Inside Permit Room Portobello

If you have ever wanted to experience how old-school Bombay kicks back and cuts loose without booking a long-haul flight, West London has you covered. Brought to you by the team behind the beloved Dishoom family, Permit Room Portobello is an all-day bar-café that brings a vibrant slice of retro Indian cafe culture straight to 186 Portobello Road.

More than just a place to grab a bite, Permit Room operates as a lively neighbourhood hub combining heavy-hitting bar snacks, soulful music, and a distinctly laid-back spirit.

A Tribute to Bombay’s Retro Drinking Holes

The concept pays homage to the historic "permit rooms" of 1970s Bombay—those legendary establishments where patrons once required a medical liquor permit for the "preservation or maintenance of health". Today, the vibe is far more relaxed, focusing entirely on community, great food, and electric energy.

Curved boldly around a bustling corner of Portobello Road, the space welcomes guests from morning coffee right through to late-night cocktails.

The Menu: Snacks, Chaats, and Dishoom Faves

Whether you are dropping in for a leisurely breakfast or settling in for a sprawling dinner with friends, the menu is built for sharing and indulgence:

• Morning Bites: Start your day with comforting classics like Crumpety Eggs Kejriwal or hot Permit Room French Toast paired with smoky bacon.

• Picky & Crispy Starters: Kick things off with their signature Masala Nuts, Chilli Cheesy Garlic Naan Bites, Crispy Spinach Chaat, or the ever-popular Permit Room Fried Chicken tossed in podi masala.

• The Main Event: Dive into hearty Ruby Murrays, including the classic Dishoom Chicken Ruby, Lamb Chettinad, Prawn Moilee, and comforting biryanis like the Chicken Berry Britannia.

• Drinks with a Punch: Wash it all down with creative cocktails—such as the coconut-washed New Permit Room Old-Fashioned or a Thums Up Sazerac—alongside local craft beers and inventive teetotal options.
  

More Than Just a Restaurant

Permit Room Portobello pulses with rhythm and culture long after the sun goes down:

• Music & DJ Nights: Every Thursday and Saturday, the venue turns up the volume. Curated by London-based producer and DJ Rohan Rakhit (resident at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM and a key force behind the South Asian underground collective DAYTIMERS), the soundtrack blends soul, jazz, disco, and hip-hop.

• Carrom Nights: Every Tuesday from 8 PM onwards, guests can gather around for a game of Carrom—Bombay's signature tabletop game—making for a brilliant mid-week hangout.

• Private Dining & Lodgings: Looking to throw a party? The stylish first floor can accommodate up to 50 guests for private celebrations. If you want to make a night of it, Permit Room Lodgings upstairs features two serene en-suite bedrooms and a cosy living room sitting right above the bar-café.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you are strolling through the famous weekend market or looking for your new favourite neighbourhood local, Permit Room Portobello is ready for you.

• Where: 186 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LA

• Nearest Stations: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate

• Vibe: Casual, cool, inclusive, and dog-friendly

Drop in for a quick chai, stay for the late-night snacks, and soak in the electric atmosphere!