A first look at Dishoom Kensington

Popular restaurant heads out west

It's not just an Indian restaurant.

Dishoom pays a loving homage to the Irani cafes that were once a significant part of life in Bombay and there is no doubt that the ever so popular luxe chain is doing a good job of upholding these cafes' legacy.

And its opening in Kensington's Barkers Building is a much-anticipated one, adding an all-day dining offering to the area.

We're talking breakfasts with a twist (and unlimited masala chai) and filling lunches and dinner (with an option to go light or have a feast).

Spoilt for choice (Dishoom)

Dishoom also takes its drinks menu very seriously. There is an impressive array of drinks to choose from. They have flavourful and colourful lassi and cocktails (and those who do not drink alcohol are not left behind as they also have a variety of tipples to choose from).

Each Dishoom has a specialty. Kensington's is Mutton pepper fry.

Kensington special: Mutton pepper fry with paratha (Dishoom)

Dishoom Kensington opened its doors for a soft launch around the last week of November. And it is accompanied by an immersive Indian noir to launch the new restaurant.

In collaboration with Swamp Productions, Night at the Bombay Roxy transports its audience to a cafe and jazz club in 1940s Bombay, featuring an ensemble of actors and musicians. The team turned their passions and inspirations for jazz, Art Deco and Bombay into an actual piece of theatre.

Actors Vikash Bhai as Cyrus and Sophie Khan Levy as Ursula striking a pose in the Bombay Roxy. (Dishoom)

Each performance is accompanied by a meal, featuring cocktails and a menu of classic Bombay dishes, as well as plenty of live jazz.

‘Night at the Bombay Roxy’ is at Dishoom Kensington until 14 December. Dishoom officially opens 15 December, 4 Derry St, Kensington, London W8 5SE.