We Were Easily Bribed By Dishoom

Dishoom offered us a complimentary meal in return for a review on our blog to showcase their dog-friendly bone-fidos, and with our incredibly low ethical standards we could hardly wait to jump at the opportunity.

Curry house chain Dishoom opened their latest restaurant in Brighton in November 2023, called Permit Room (named for the Mumbai bars where only permit holders could get drinks after the 1949 Bombay Prohibition Act). Lurking in the lanes, it’s the perfect spot for foodies, and of particular interest to us, foodies with dogs.

Here’s why you and your pup need to check it out, even if you haven’t been slipped a free feed.

Warm Service and Dog Treats

The hospitality at Dishoom’s Permit Room is outstanding. The first thing you see is an enormous jar of dog treats at the door, plus a bowl of water is right there (maybe the treats are a bit dry? We asked the dog but he had his mouth full) and on request inside.

Get a Load of Their Delicious Human Food

Normally it would be insane to go for a curry at 9am, but Dishoom’s Permit Room opens early so you can start your day with an, er, traditional Indian coffee from Tigermoth in Lewes. Their breakfast offerings, like the fresh Breakfast Naan, are – we hear – a crowd favourite. We didn’t try that though, so you’ll have to let us know if they are any good.

Instead, we managed to make it there for the lunch time menu. We tried the Prawn Moilee, a dish bursting with flavour of coconut and spices. We also ordered the rich and comforting House Black Daal and the warm and fluffy Garlic Naan, which was the perfect accompaniment absolutely banging.

The vegetarian of us eschewed the cursed sea insects and opted for the Veggie Samosas, Jackfruit Pulao, and Charred Sweet Potato. The Dahi Bhalla Chaat was an impactful mix of flavours, with a sweet and crunchy twist that was so tasty we could have eaten like eight more of them.

You may notice there wasn’t a lot in it for the dog so far. Probably for the best as some of these things were spicy, but if you’re reading this Dishoom, how about an in–house dog snack? No bad ideas in a brainstorm, you can have that one for free.

Booze!

Even less dog-suitable were their renowned cocktails. Voted ‘Best Cocktails’ at the BRAVO Awards, these drinks are expertly crafted and pack a punch. We sampled the Chai Café Martini. It was sweet, full of spiced flavour, and topped with a crema that added a lovely bit of texture to the drink. And a little piece of banana, which makes this a health shake in our opinion.

Oh! We had a half of their Dishoom IPA which was superb, strong recommend. Amazing we can remember any of this meal tbh.

Ambience

The interior, with its warm wood accents and vibrant posters, creates a cozy yet lively environment, even at lunch time on a Tuesday.

Look, they even have a picture of a dog on the wall:

The weather was typical of a Brighton summer on our visit, terrible, so we sat inside. But Permit Room’s outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a meal with your pup by your side, and there were a couple braving it while we were there.

On sunny days during warmer months than, ugh, July, the Aunty Bar roof terrace is open to enjoy the sunshine.

Final Thoughts

Disregarding the fact that we didn’t have to pay for any of this feast, the combination of delicious food at Permit Room, alongside their outstanding cocktails, and a warm, dog-welcoming environment makes it a top choice for dog owners looking for a really fancy curry in the town centre.

Thanks Dishoom! We will be back, even if we have to pay for it ourselves.

If you own a restaurant or bar or frankly any sort of establishment remember we are open to further bribes, just get in touch via our contact form.