Dishoom – the beloved Indian restaurant group – has become something of a stalwart in the capital. First opened in Covent Garden in 2010, it has since  transformed into a portfolio of seven restaurants spanning from Canary Wharf to Battersea, and renowned for its naan bacon butties, unlimited chai, authentic Indian cuisine and immersive recreation of the traditional Irani cafes of Bombay. 

With old-school hospitality at the heart of its ethos, it was only a matter of time until Dishoom branched into accommodation. Enter Permit Room Lodgings: a chic apartment above the newly launched Dishoom Permit Room Portobello in Notting Hill, which is set to open this month. Designed by Macaulay Sinclair, the venue spans three floors featuring a bar and breakfast room, first-floor dining room and the lodgings, which stretch across two en-suite bedrooms and a separate living room – all designed to be a home away from home while promising all the very best bits of a classic hotel stay.

In India, lodgings houses were the early hotels of Bombay. Reminiscent of the Irani cafés which inspired Dishoom, they were run predominately by Parsi proprietors as far back as the 1860s. Paying homage to this history, the Dishoom and Macaulay Sinclair teams travelled to Mumbai to visit some of these traditional lodging houses, which in turn shaped the new Permit Room Lodgings. 

Inside, arched windows flood the 1970s-inspired space with natural light, while more than 30 pieces of reclaimed antique furniture are peppered throughout. Bedrooms are complete with king-sized beds while bathrooms feature mosaic tiles and Mauli Rituals amenities. Interiors nod to Kekee Manzil – the storied home of Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy and the epicentre of Bombay’s modern art movement since 1921 – and other historic Mumbai institutions such as New Vasantashram Lodging House and Bentley’s Hotel, both of which date back to the time of Indian independence. 

Artwork in the Lodgings is the result of a unique collaboration with Rajiv Menon Contemporary – the Los Angeles-based gallery dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from South Asia and its diasporas – while downstairs in the Permit Room restaurant, spot works by Mustafa Mohsin, Ahsan Javaid, Maya Varadaraj, and Nibha Akireddy. 

A bespoke drinks cabinet invites guests to whip up their own aperitif or digestif, while complimentary chai is just a phone call away. In-room magazines and books have been curated by Marylebone specialist newsagent, Shreeji News, and Notting Hill stalwart, Books for Cooks, while vinyls have been handpicked by Portobello-based Rough Trade West. 

Other highlights of a stay at the Lodgings include a Permit Room breakfast in bed (so you can enjoy those naan rolls without even leaving your duvet), daily turndown service and Permit Room’s Key to the City: a guide to London created by Dishoom, showcasing a selection of local hotspots, insider recommendations and exclusive perks. Last but not least, a key here allows you to queue jump at any Dishoom restaurant in the city. Book us in now. 

From £700 per night (two-night minimum stay). 

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