Delicious tipples and teetotals, expertly crafted by our Daru-walla, nodding humbly to Bombay. Wines of good character, made by forward-thinking persons, and an eclectic selection of beers too.
A scandalous three-martini lunch? Commander Kawas Nanavati was tried in 1959 for the murder of his wife’s lover. The trial – and the trio – captivated Bombay, fuelling much cocktail chatter. We make three modestly sized martinis in their memory. Dramatis personae: THE LOVER A passionate mingling of Dishoom Vermouth infused with a touch of lady's fingers, Fords London Dry Gin and black pepper tincture (for the shots fired). Richly decorated with a green olive. THE WIFE Classic affair of Stranger & Sons Gin and Carpano Dry Vermouth laced with Poire William and the much coveted Axia Spirit – known for its jealousy inciting qualities. A lipstick-red roquito pepper is added for a touch of sweetness. THE COMMANDER Smart dry martini of Angostura Amaro Liqueur, Fino Sherry and Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin for the hurrahed and cuckolded Commander Nanavati. Pink hue, punctuated with a black olive. (V)
Swashbuckling mix of Cointreau, cranberry and Finlandia Vodka, with chilli and lime shrub. A nostalgic nod to films starring stuntwoman 'Fearless Nadia', who captivated 1940s Bombay. (Ve, V)
London Dry Gin shaken with Rose’s lime and celery bitters, finished with fresh dill. The gimlet is an old-established drink devised for sailors to avoid scurvy – you too can benefit. (Ve, V)
Tequila el Jimador and lime juice shaken with clarified tamarind and subtle spice. Magic dust on one half of the rim. Admire the subtleties of mango. And switch the tequila with Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin, for that smoky feeling. (Ve, V)
Sincerely dry sour of Amrut and Nikka Days whiskies, with Dishoom Plum Liqueur and eggless (aquafaba) foam. Historians: Amrut distillery was founded in the year between India’s Independence and Bombay’s Prohibition. Vegans: enjoy. (Ve, V)
Baba’s espresso meets Finlandia Vodka, with molasses bitters, chai syrup, white sesame tincture and a smattering of black sesame. (Ve, V)
Sparkling wine atop fresh passion fruit liqueur, lashed with vanilla bitters and laced with Finlandia Vodka. An otherwise well-known cock-tail affair, here up-dated. (Ve, V)
A tipple for any time of day or night, such is its allure. Beneath deep foam is sparkling wine with juicy mango and guava syrup. A hint of kokum, India’s ancient cooling fruit. (V)
Tanqueray’s Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin on ice with sparkling wine, shiso cordial, white balsamic syrup, soda and a ruffle of shiso leaf. Tall, pale pink, light and less inebriating than most. (Ve, V)
Classic ice-crush of coconut cream and pineapple juice dances with dragon fruit and pawpaw. Blushing pink, with a warm heart of Flor de Caña 4 Rum. Adorned with crimson dragon fruit. (Ve, V)
Be not fooled by innocent appearances! Crystal-clear muddle of Flor de Caña 4 Rum, dry white vermouth, soda and house-made mojito cordial. A bushel of fresh mint pleases noses. (Ve, V)
Not unlike a Nimbu Pani, this cloudy quencher of lime-leaf cordial and soda is laced with Stranger & Sons Gin and a dash of Italicus Bergamot Rosolio Liqueur. Decked out with lime two ways: fragrant leaf and sturdy wheel. (Ve, V)
Heady holiday of Beefeater Dry Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, Manzanilla dry sherry, apricot liqueur and Calvados. In a wistful moment, some will recall northern India’s hilltop apples.
Clarified yet creamy, cooling blend of Brugal 1888 Rum, almond milk, black pepper and cardamom bitters – not to mention fragrant Thandai syrup. Adorned with fresh cardamom leaf. (Ve, V)
With coconut-washed Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Medjool-date liqueur, this newly-fashioned old hat is light, strong and smooth. “High-class Bombay in a glass” – so they say. (V)
Delicate green with oat cream, pistachio butter and aromatic gin from Stranger & Sons’ Third Eye Distillery in Goa. A comforting drink one can sink into, much like a pale sofa. (V)
For a bold new nation, a jubilant libation: H by Hine VSOP Cognac, Earl Grey, lime, cinnamon and black cardamom. Hitherto made only for gatherings of four or more people, but today also procurable in individual glasses. Do not hesitate to enquire. (Ve, V)
A Teetotal Tipple looks like alcohol, but does not contain one single drop. (Mr Dhoble would approve.)
Sparkling Darjeeling green tea, smoky Lapsang, and Kingfisher 0% lager, with lemon and a dash of maple syrup. Somewhat shandy-like, yet 100% abstemious, no permit required. (Ve, V)
Glittering like the lights around the bay, this easy-breezy sunset tonic is lengthened with citrussy Crossip non-alcoholic spirit, Cabernet Rosé grape juice and soda. (Ve, V)
An elegant glass of Baba’s espresso with complex black cardamom, cinnamon syrup and a warm, gingery kick. Enhances sobriety. (V)
Green apple and apricot, no-alcohol gin, no-alcohol vermouth, no-alcohol bitter syrup. Dishoom hand-made them all, singing no, no, no. Dressed with crisp desiccated apple, yes. (V)
Transparent and innocent: house-made mojito cordial of mint, cardamom and lime, mixed with soda and non-alcoholic aperitivo. Bejewelled with a crisp lime wheel and a posy of fragrant mint. (V)
Frozen pineapple-coconut classic – with lime juice, syrup of pitaya (dragon fruit) and papaya two ways (purée and garnish). Plenty of shimmy, but no rummy. (Ve, V)
Insist on having a ‘beautiful history’ (bella storia)! Old-established family co-operative grows organic Garganega grapes to make this refreshing aperitivo akin to Prosecco. Extra dry. 125ml / 750ml (Ve, V)
A high-class organic extra-dry Prosecco made with hand-picked Glera grapes, no added sulphites. Pale straw hue, toasted apple notes, fresh clean palate. Unhesitatingly perfect in all respects. 125ml / 750ml (Ve, V)
Hand-harvested Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, grown by the Chiquet family in Champagne since 1746. Golden hue, fine long-lasting mousse, rounded red fruits, floral nuances, zesty racy freshness... Pre-eminent. 750ml
Alcohol-free organic sparkling wine of Muscat Blanc and Rivaner grapes, with the giddy name of ‘Funky Sausage’ (one must ask the Selbach family for precise meaning). Light, balanced, German. <0.5% 750ml (Ve, V)
175ml glass / 500ml carafe / 750ml bottle All wines can be served in 125ml measures
White Rioja’s most important grape, Viura, gives rise to this very light, refreshing snifter. Pairs pleasingly with coconut curry, etc., etc., etc. (Ve, V)
Aromas of white flowers and a pithy citrus finish. With Vermentino and Colombard grapes in harmony, you can be satisfied. Dry. (Ve, V)
The coolness of the Dolomites is sure to marry well with your spicy food. Classic and refreshing. One could not quarrel with a detail. (Ve, V)
Off-dry attack, ripe orchard-fruit palate, a textured pithy finish. Organic, modern and complex, changing characterfully as you drink. Make hay: Tempranillo Blanco is astoundingly rare to find. (Ve, V)
Melon, citrus, then white blossom. Organic and vegan. The loopy name has a story: winemaker Ben’s sister Kate (aka ‘Bob’) was a woman of honesty and joie-de-vivre. A richly expressive character. (Ve, V)
175ml glass / 500ml carafe / 750ml bottle All wines can be served in 125ml measures
Pale peachy blossom colour. A happy nose, pleasant and full of promise. Slightly saline on the palate. Southern French charm at moderate terms. (Ve, V)
Cool altitudes and herbal fields are at play in this unendingly drinkable delight. Organic, balanced, refreshing and elegant beyond compare. All who are drinking it are swearing by it. (Ve, V)
175ml glass / 500ml carafe / 750ml bottle. All wines can be served in 125ml measures.
Brambles and dusty incense, with white pepper, but markedly soft and light. Lower alcohol than others in this line. Affable and quaffable. (Ve, V)
Hedgerow fruit, plum and cocoa, with soft tannins. Garnet-red to behold. Fresh and agreeable with or without food. (Ve, V)
There is no mistaking the full-bodied, rich and powerful character. And yet there is velvet. Organic, biodynamic, obtainable for vegans and other persons. (Ve, V)
Enticing rose-garden bouquet. Delectation of plum, liquorice, spice and very red fruit. A paragon of mellowness and refreshment. Earnestly, the more you are having of it, the more you are desiring of it. Organic and vegan also. (Ve, V)
Sappy woodfire, leather, tar and spice give way to mellow cocoa and liquorice in this rich Vino Passito made with partially air-dried Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. Darkly divine with House Black Daal. (Ve, V)
175ml glass / 500ml carafe / 750ml bottle All wines can be served in 125ml measures
Sauvignon Blanc with structure and rich amber colour thanks to 14 days hob-nobbing with grape-skins. Subtleties of bruised apple, mango and cinnamon – a boon to curry and buttery dishes. Organic, biodynamic and vegan. (Ve, V)
This mild and malty easy-drinking lager is India’s choicest favourite. 4.5% 330ml / 650ml (Ve, V)
Delectable IPA with fruity citrus notes and a clean bitterness. Bold and vigorous in character. 5.0% 330ml (Ve, V)
Mondo explores tropical territory. From Mosaic and Simcoe hops, plenty of oats and late-dry-hopping pours forth juicy hazy golden goodness. 4.8% 330ml (Ve, V)
Inspired by timeworn porter recipes that washed up in India, made modern by Kernel Brewery. Indulge in notes of chocolate, coffee, tobacco and leather. 6.0% 330ml (Ve, V)
Bitter marmalade on toast with subtle aroma of warm mangoes, washed down with bright citrus. Long-lasting hops. Zesty, vegan and refreshingly sippable, morning to night. 3.4%, 330ml (Ve, V)
An UnBarred x Permit Room collaboration – exceedingly drinkable, slightly tart. Prized pineapple perked up with a twist of cracked black pepper and vanilla spice. Enriched with a little buttery-biscuit crumble. 5.5% 440ml (Ve, V)
Crafted by skilled workmanship in Herefordshire. Very mellow fruitfulness, best cider apples, kissed by the maturing sun. Pairs well with feisty food. 4.8% 500ml (Ve, V)
Reborn John Barleycorn trips gently on lion’s mane mushroom and calming ashwagandha. Malty, citrussy and alcohol-low, an effervescent brew for clear beer-like good moods. 0.5%, 330ml (Ve, V)
Same-same but different. The sober sister to India's favourite. 330ml / 0.0% (Ve, V)
Fried lentils, spices, nuts and sev. (V)
Sprinkled with magic masala and served with lime. (V)
The traditional Holi drink. Ours is with ginger, shredded mint and hints of spice – but with cheerful dashes of CBD botanical bitters in place of the traditional half oz. of reliable supply. Let minds be calmed and not altered. (V)
First-class yoghurt-drink with mango and a sprinkling of fennel seeds. (V)
Sweet and subtle as a perfumed love-letter. (V)
Creamy yoghurt, salted and gently spiced with crushed cumin. (V)
Light lemon drink to quench the thirst. Made with fresh juice, salt, sugar and soda. (Ve, V)
Kokum fruit juice, chilli, citrus and salt, stirred all together for some time and left to rest before being strained over cubed ice. (Ve, V)
Long and sparkling, with the fresh tang of passion fruit, lime and coriander, finished with a generous splash of soda. (Ve, V)
Watermelon is muddled with spearmint and lime, then thrown over cubes of ice. (Ve, V)
Bombay’s favourite cola, in bottles nicely worn from recycling. Indian import, mostly available. 300ml (Ve, V)
Fizzy lemon drink. “Contains no fruit”. Indian import, mostly available. 300ml (Ve, V)
“A cold drink is the answer to most problems,” according to Pallonji’s. Indian import, mostly available. 300ml (Ve, V)
Sparkling balance of sharp pink grapefruit, lime and salt, brimming with health benefits first discovered on the prickly pear cactus in Mexico. Embrace your digestive inmates! 330ml (Ve, V)
Devon spring water bottled in recycled glass by Frank Water, a charity that donates all profits to safe water projects in India and Nepal. 750ml (Ve, V)
No poppycock.
Fiery tonic. Put pep in your step. (Ve, V)
Harmonising, healing, mind and body pleasing. (Ve, V)
All things nice: warming comfort and satisfying spice. Made the traditional way, or with oat milk. All who have tried it, swear by it. (V)
A charming couplet of dark chocolate and spicy chai. (V)
The finest tea grown organically on the rolling hills of the Darjeeling region. Gentle in fragrance, unmatched in prestige. (Ve, V)
Assam is the most well-liked tea-leaf in India. Malty, brisk and bright. (Ve, V)
A spearmint steeper to cleanse the palate. (Ve, V)
Fresh vigour and increased joie-de-vivre. (V)
The charming couplet goes a little madcap with Slane Irish Whiskey. (V)
Turmeric, black pepper and jaggery frothed milk. Nani’s golden remedy. (V)
Silky sips of clean, green feel-goodness, pure like Kohinoor. (V)
Arabica beans from a single forest estate on the misty hilltops of Chikmagalur in Karnataka – where Sufi mystic, Baba Budan, sowed the smuggled seeds of India’s first coffee in 1670. Mingled with Brazilian Minas. Smooth notes of milk chocolate, orange and jaggery.
Kindly ask your server for oat milk if desired. (Ve, V)
Consult your server about our finest grade guest filter coffees – hot or iced. (Ve, V)
(V) Suitable for vegetarians (Ve) Suitable for vegans.
If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements please let us know. Dishes suitable for vegan diets and gluten and dairy-intolerances are available.
An optional service charge of 12.5% will be added to your bill. Every penny of this goes to the team. (Service charge is entirely optional. If you feel the service is in any way lacking, you need only ask, and the charge will be removed.)