{Lifestyle} Dishoom - Bombay's Cafe in London

To add a little bit of Jazz to Shaadi-Esque, I am now starting a lifestyle section on the blog, (due to seriously high demand) reporting on lifestyle-Esque things such as Tasty, Swanky places you must visit in London. So let’s test the waters with what London has to offer - experience it with me.



Wednesday evening I met some friends at a fairly new establishment in Soho, Dishoom! Have you heard of it? You may recognise the name to be the sound Bollywood actors make when fighting in scenes - all very melodramatic! The ‘official’ definition is below;

*************************************************

DISHOOM /dishu:m/ n.

1. The old Bollywood sound effect produced when a hero lands a good punch, or when a bullet flies through the air
2. Similar to popular slang usage of the expression “Mojo”; e.g. “He’s got that Dishoom”

DISHOOM-WALLAH /dishu:m wālā/ n.

1. Someone with Dishoom

*************************************************

On arriving at Dishoom the very first thing I saw was the sign outside the restaurant and two painted bicycles resting on the wall. This made me chuckle a little too hard, it also seemed to be an attraction for passers by, as everyone would glance at the sign. See below ...



The front door was a very stylish glass entrance with a pretty sleek black design – oh so suave! A lovely decorated venue with leather booths, quirky decor, bollywood images framed on all walls, a quaint bar area downstairs away from the hustle and bustle of Central London. It just had a Chic India feel. This really is a place where anyone could feel comfortable. It was well themed, Indian music to fit, the atmosphere was relaxed and the staff were all very attentive and positive. I love good service, it sort of puts the cherry on top!



It all began with the drinks; Bollybellini's were the top on my list, a beautiful Rose, Raspberry and Lychee Sparking cocktail. I did not get to sample anything else, purely for my love of the Bollybellini although the Chaijito would have been one for the books!!

Ooh the menu, the menu was enough! You know when you go to some Indian restaurants and they have an encyclopedia of dishes, pretty much all very similar? Well Dishoom's menu was a selection of everything, every item tasted differently, satisfied a different craving and was utterly irresistible, filling and worth sharing.

Image Credit: Roche Communications and Dishoom

My Experience of Dishoom is that it does not in the slightest try to be something it is not. In fact it says exactly what it is. Traditionally a cafe: “Their faded elegance welcomed all – rich businessmen, sweaty taxi-wallahs and courting couples. Fans turned slowly. Bentwood chairs were reflected in stained mirrors, next to sepia family portraits. Students had breakfast. Families dined. Lawyers read briefs. Writers found their characters.” A real experience with true character.

Why not try this utterly tasty, fun and completely characterful restaurant and bar?!! Shaadi-Esque highly recommends it.

You can visit their website on www.dishoom.com - sample their menu and taste the Bombay Cafe.

Give Dishoom a call for reservations on 020 7420 9320.

Address: 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB

Try something different!! It'll be worth it.

Keeping you Inspired!

Rachyeta xxx