There's many impressive buildings in Manchester that have been repurposed over the years - but perhaps none more mysterious than Manchester Hall.
The Grade II listed grandeur of Manchester Hall - once the secret meeting place of the ancient brotherhood of the Freemasons- makes a fitting setting for the Indian restaurant, Dishoom.
Manchester Hall is located on Bridge Street at the edge of Spinningfields, an imposing art deco building immediately recognisable on the street.
It was the most ambitious Freemason's Hall in the North West, split into five suites, with a main room, ante room and dining hall. It also contained club rooms, boardrooms, offices, a museum and a library.
Now worlds away from the past of secret handshakes, mysterious rituals, the building is home to not only Dishoom, but also Mason’s Bar, Vanitas and Honest Burgers.
Dishoom has tried to bring the elements from the two colliding worlds together, by making use of the building’s history.
The bar's tiled yellow floor is an exact replica of the floor of Mumbai's Masonic Lodge, and wood and glass partitions have been installed in order to protect and preserve original features such as the domed ceiling.
The grand hall at the back of the restaurant, was formerly the Freemason’s Derby Room and is now the Bro Cursetjee Dining Hall, named after the first Indian Mason, with spectacular stained glass windows.
The décor includes trinkets from Indian markets, and specially-commissioned replica portraits of the Indian Masons' Grand Masters.
"We know people may not know these details but I think you feel the attention to detail," said Dishoom co-founder Shamil Thakrar, speaking previously to Manchester Evening News.
"We go to the things we love as a way to evoke Bombay. You might not see it or recognise it as Indian but all together I think it gives you a sense of a different time or place.
"History and heritage is sometimes a bit fusty but if you treat it in a way that's not preachy and take all these detailed references in a way that's playful, I think it can really engage people."
The all-day menu boasts a selection of small plates such as lamb samosas, okra fries and chilli chicken, as well as larger dishes like biryanis, paneers, grilled produce, all paired with a wide variety of sides.
The weekend breakfast items put a twist on the classic British fry-up, with naan rolls stuffed with a choice of fillings, as well as ‘The Big Bombay’ which promises a plate will be laden with akuri, char-striped smoked streaky bacon, sausages, masala beans, grilled field mushrooms, grilled tomato and buttered, home-made buns.
Guests can choose from an extensive cocktail menu, including the Dishoom Espresso Martini, an Old Fashioned and the India Gimlet, inspired by the old-established drink devised for sailors to evade scurvy.
There’s also a wide range of wine, spirits and local beers available too, as well as a whole menu of ‘Teetotal Tipples’ for designated drivers or those who don’t drink.
Since the restaurant opened in 2018, it has garnered much praise from Mancunians and visitors alike.
One reviewer said: “This was our first visit to Dishoom and we were hoping for something memorable to mark a significant birthday. I’m pleased to say that we were not disappointed.
“The food was just incredible: generous, flavoursome and beautifully presented. The service was exceptional with a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
“Oh, and the Old Fashioned was a true thing of wonder!”
Another added: “This is a beautiful restaurant in a gorgeous building with a lovely atmosphere.
“The food is to die for. I had a gluten free Big Bombay-the eggs are the best eggs I’ve ever eaten-and my husband had a bacon naan and hasn’t shut up about it since.
“We also had the chai which was perfectly spiced and went down a treat and two of the breakfast cocktails which were so complex and refreshing.”
Dishoom is located at 32 Bridge Street, M3 3BT. For more information and booking options, visit their website here.
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