A new Indian restaurant is ready to open opposite Oxford's Westgate Centre.

Popular chain Dishoom is opening a Permit Room in New Inn Hall Street.

The Bombay-inspired restaurant group has signed a 25-year lease on a new site at North Bailey House, which is part of the new Clarendon Quarter.

READ MORE: Popular Indian restaurant chain is coming to Oxford

Property agents Savills completed the deal on behalf of landlord Lothbury Investment Management.

General manager Richard Fernandes said he was "delighted" to be opening the new restaurant.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Invited guests are the first diners before a 'soft' opening starts on Saturday.

There will be 50 per cent off for five days from Saturday, before the restaurant opens properly on Friday, October 25.

Mr Fernandes added: "Everything is coming together very well - there is plenty of space inside - room for 115 covers, and 24 outside.

"I think the space was previously occupied by an Argos store.

READ MORE: Village gastro pub now on the market 

"We have 12 full-time chefs and 45 team members out on the floor - some of them are students working part-time.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "The first Dishoom opened in Covent Garden in 2010 serving Bombay-inspired food and there are now 10 Dishoom restaurants and three Permit Rooms including Oxford."

The website for the new restaurant in Oxford says: "Wedged newly into one of Oxford’s oldest streets, an all-day bar-café tucks into a colourful stream of food.

"Brunch, lunch, dinner, late, our menu is made to be washed down with cold beers and cocktails. Both expertly crafted.

"On the decks, local DJs fill the air with rootsy beats and neighbourhood revelry. Swing by. A quick drink, light bite, or long, leisurely night – Permit Room is open to all."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) The new Permit Room takes its influence from 1960s and 1970s Bombay.

Permit Room was the unofficial name for rooms where liquor could be bought and relates to the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949.

Dishes on the menu include Dishoom Chicken Ruby - tender chicken in a makhani sauce (£15.50). The Chef's Lamb Curry costs £16.50.

The website adds: " Indulge in Dishoom faves like Chicken Ruby and House Black Daal. A Feni Martini or Sober Negroni if still room.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "And for the morning after the night before, a bacon naan roll and strong cup of coffee, made by our friends New Ground just down the road. Ethically sourced, deeply bracing."

The restaurant will be open from Monday to Thursday, 9am-11pm; Friday to Saturday, 9am-midnight; and Sunday, 9am-11pm.

North Bailey House is a new mixed-use development providing office and retail accommodation.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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