Situated within Brighton’s busy Lanes is the newly opened establishment, The Permit Room, offering a combination of bar, café and restaurant experiences. It’s part of the Dishoom family, which pays homage to the food of Bombay, Irani cafés and with each new Dishoom café opening, the restaurant design centres around an aspect of Bombay history or culture.
The Permit Room follows this inspiration, as this new restaurant draws inspiration from the permit rooms of Bombay in the 1970s. If you’re looking to unwind after a busy day with a refreshing cocktail or indulge in delicious Indian cuisine, all within a funky, 70s-inspired setting, the Permit Room is the place for you.
The exterior: Retro meets modern
Upon entering the Permit Room, it was impossible not to notice the building’s beautiful and vibrant exterior. The building’s unique architectural structure remains reminiscent of the past. However, the design has undoubtedly undergone a modern transformation. Leaving you curious to know what lies beyond.
It features simple outdoor seating, decorative plants and a radiant colour scheme of coral orange and beige, echoing the retro charm of the 70s. I immediately thought this would be perfect for the summer months!
The Interior: The Essence of 1970s Bombay
Stepping into the building with my partner, we were instantly met with feelings of ease and relaxation. The lighting was dim, the restaurant was busy but not chaotic- enough to know you have entered a hotspot in town- and the smell of aromatic spices lingered in the air.
The hostess warmly welcomed us and showed us to our table. We walked through a small cafe section at first and this followed into a larger dining area, designed around a beautiful, wooden bar, finished with an impressive set of vinyl DJ decks. Honouring the permit rooms of 1970s Bombay, you will undoubtedly sense this influence within the restaurant, but with a modern twist.
The drinks at the permit room in brighton: Creative and great variety
The Permit room offers an extensive and unique drinks menu. It is split into categories of Twisted Classics, Frozen Lipsters, Highballs and more. There are so many creative cocktails to choose from such as the Chai Cafe Martini, incorporating coffee, chai spices, banana rum on a bed of crema and the Kiwi Colada Shimmy, a twist on the pineapple-coconut classic, with kiwi, rum lemongrass and ginger.
There are also several refreshing Lassi options which are ideal for pairing with spicy cuisine. Along with a selection of wines and beers, collaborated with local Brighton breweries.
To drink, we had the House Chai. I looked forward to the Chai as it’s my favourite beverage. It did not disappoint, being warm, spicy, and delightful. While we did not order any alcoholic drinks, a nearby diner said that her cocktail was amazing. So, I’ll take her word for it!
The food: Full of flavour and spice
Like the beverages, the food menu provides lots of different options, and these are tailored to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian choices. We kicked off our meal with the Chicken Pick-Me-Ups. An Indo-Chinese-inspired dish, featuring marinated and battered, deep-fried chicken, served alongside sweet red-chili chutney. The chicken was perfectly crispy, with juicy, seasoned chicken within, leaving a spicy feeling in my mouth. My only regret was not ordering two!
Next, we had the Dishoom Chicken Ruby which consisted of soft chicken, served in a silky makhani sauce. We indulged in this alongside some steamed basmati rice, plain naan and Chilli Butter-Bhutta. The sauce carried a perfect blend of sweetness and spiciness, with tender bits of chicken hidden amongst the sauce. I especially enjoyed dipping the naan bread into the curry and pairing it with the basmati rice.
Also, the corn on the cob, a basic vegetable, was elevated with a Chowpatty-inspired twist. The corn was charcoal grilled, buttery and finished with a lime dipped in salt and chilli.
On the whole, the experience was thoroughly enjoyable; despite the busy environment, the food was served quickly, and the flavours were subtly spicy and delicious.
Music at the permit room in Brighton: Funky and lively atmosphere
During the meal, two DJs headed to the section of the bar where the decks were and began setting up. Soon, the laid-back but lively atmosphere swiftly changed, bringing a funky, disco-inspired atmosphere. Although the music was loud, you were still able to hold a conversation, while experiencing a groovy vibe.
The Permit Room has a Resident DJ every Thursday, playing tunes ranging from Funk, New Wave, Bollywood Funk and more! As well as guest DJ appearances in partnership with Going South.
Perhaps, the music might be too loud for those seeking a quieter evening; if you’re aiming for a quiet date night, make sure to check if there will be music on during the evening.
Overall experience: Thoroughly enjoyable
Price-wise, the menu is fairly reasonable, with the most expensive things on the menu priced at £23 and £13.50. While the average cocktail costs around £10.
However, given the exceptional service, flavorful menu, and inventive cocktails, combined with the funky, 70s-inspired atmosphere, the prices are certainly justified.
The waiter for the evening was very friendly and attentive, explaining any menu items that we were unsure about. Also, throughout the evening our glasses were never left empty.
Overall, my experience at the Permit Room in Brighton was delightful. I felt instantly welcomed, the service was great, and the food was beautifully seasoned and delicious. With funky music and an effortlessly cool, retro setting, there is much to enjoy at this restaurant.
It’s perfect for a work-from-home day or students looking to study, with a side of House Chai or double bacon naan roll, as breakfast is available till 11:45.
But equally, it’s also the place to be for a fun, groovy night out and, with the kitchen open until 10.30 pm, you can order a cheeky snack before diving into the cocktails.
Anyone seeking great Indian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and resident DJs, all within a funky, 70s Bombay-inspired setting, the Permit Room in Brighton is the perfect place for you.
Address: 32 East St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HL
Website: https://www.permitroom.co.uk/
