Dishoom Permit Room on Trinity Street in Cambridge is much more than a café or a bar — it’s an all‑day social hub infused with the spirit of Bombay’s iconic permit rooms, where people gather for good food, great drinks and wonderful company any time of day.
Part of the wider Dishoom family of restaurants, this Cambridge outpost celebrates a laid‑back Bombay vibe with live music, local beers, creative cocktails and a menu packed with flavourful dishes made for sharing. Whether you’re in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late‑night drinks, Permit Room shifts effortlessly between social café and lively bar as the day progresses.
🍽️ All‑Day Menu — From Breakfast Naan Rolls to Bombay Classics
From the moment it opens at around 9:00 AM each day, Permit Room invites guests to linger over breakfast naan rolls and steaming cups of chai before transitioning into a vibrant lunchtime and evening crowd.
The menu is a tribute to Indian comfort food and Bombay street‑style favourites. You’ll find a mix of light bites and more robust offerings, from crispy chicken pick‑me‑ups and savoury chaats to rich curries, daal, salads and sharing plates.
Guests have praised crowd‑pleasing dishes like the house‑special black daal, aromatic curries and creative snacks that balance spice and texture beautifully.
Alongside the food, the drinks programme blends craft cocktails — including classic highballs and bespoke Permit Room mixes — with local beers, organic wines and refreshing soft drinks. Whether you’re sipping an India Gimlet or a chilled beer, there’s a drink to suit every mood.
🍹 Atmosphere & Vibe — Casual, Lively & Bombay‑Infused
Walk through the distinctive mustard‑yellow door and you’ll feel a shift in tempo — retro colours, curated artwork and eclectic music set the scene. DJs often take to the decks, spinning genres that range from disco and soul to funk and classic 70s tracks, adding to the laid‑back yet lively ambience.
Permit Room attracts a diverse crowd — from students and locals to visitors exploring Cambridge’s historic streets — making it ideal for meetups, brunches, dinner dates or post‑work drinks. The space feels social without being overwhelming, with plenty of cosy corners for conversation as well as buzzing areas closer to the bar.
It’s also dog‑friendly, meaning your four‑legged companions are welcome to join in (with some guidelines).
📸 Photo Gallery — Moments from Dishoom Permit Room
🔍 Insider’s Guide — Tips for Visiting
🕐 Best Times to Visit
- Morning & Breakfast: Start your day with exotic naan rolls and chai — perfect for a leisurely start.
- Lunch & Early Dinner: Great for casual meals with friends or colleagues.
- Evening & Drinks: Fridays and weekends see later closing times (often into late evening), ideal for cocktails and social get‑togethers.
🍽️ What to Try
- Classic Indian snacks and chaats for sharing.
- Crowd‑pleasing favourites like black daal.
- Signature cocktails or house wines to complement your meal.
📌 Tips for a Great Time
- Booking: Walk‑ins are welcome, but reservations can help for larger groups.
- Dog‑Friendly: Bring your pup (with appropriate etiquette).
- Live Music Nights: Check local listings if you’d like live DJs or music events.
🧡 In Conclusion — A Vibe‑Filled Culinary Stop in Cambridge
Dishoom Permit Room is more than a place to eat — it’s a social destination where Bombay‑inspired cuisine, creative drinks and lively music come together in a relaxed yet vibrant setting. Whether you’re after breakfast, a mid‑day feast or a late‑night cocktail, this all‑day bar‑café offers delicious food, great atmosphere and a welcoming vibe in the heart of Cambridge.