Welcome to Yorkshire
News • July 22nd, 2026
|A new dining experience is coming to Leeds city centre with the opening of Dishoom, a restaurant inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay. Set to welcome its first guests on 14 August 2026, Dishoom Leeds is located in a stunning Grade II listed building on Vicar Lane. The restaurant's interior has been transformed thanks to the expertise of Yorkshire-based lighting design specialist, LightsOn.Design, who have crafted a luxurious lighting scheme that complements the historic architecture of the building.
Designing The Atmosphere
The project began in October 2025 and took nine months to complete. LightsOn.Design was tasked with designing the lighting for all front-of-house areas, including the entrance, dining spaces, bar, front kitchen, bathrooms, and the exterior. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the restaurant feels inviting and reflects the warm atmosphere that Dishoom is famous for.
By using a mix of bespoke lighting solutions and vintage decorative lights sourced from Bombay, the design aims to create a unique ambiance. These vintage lights were not only restored but also integrated into the overall lighting scheme, enhancing the restaurant's character.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the biggest challenges faced during the project was working within the constraints of a Grade II listed building. High ceilings posed a unique difficulty, as the design team needed to ensure that the lighting respected the building's historic features while still providing a warm and welcoming environment. Darren Parnaby, Design Director at LightsOn.Design, explained, "We needed to create a scheme that respected the building's historic character while delivering the warm, welcoming atmosphere Dishoom is known for." This required developing bespoke lighting that could direct light precisely where it was needed without losing the intimacy of the space.
Smart Lighting Controls
To further enhance the dining experience, intelligent lighting controls were incorporated into the design. These controls allow the lighting to adapt throughout the day, transitioning smoothly from brighter settings during breakfast to a softer, more intimate glow in the evening. This not only improves the atmosphere but also promotes energy efficiency, making the restaurant more environmentally friendly.
A Long-Standing Partnership
LightsOn.Design has been working with Dishoom for over 13 years, helping to shape the lighting design across the restaurant group's various locations.
Lenny Dennis, the project manager at Dishoom, emphasised the importance of lighting in creating the right atmosphere for guests
"Lighting is central to the atmosphere and experience we create for our guests, so it is important that every restaurant reflects both the character of its building and the Dishoom brand."
The successful completion of the Leeds location reinforces the strong partnership between the two companies, showcasing their shared commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Looking Ahead
The opening of Dishoom Leeds marks yet another addition to LightsOn.Design's impressive portfolio of high-profile hospitality projects, which includes other well-known names like The Alchemist, Burger and Lobster, and Tattu. As the restaurant prepares to open its doors to the public, it promises to deliver a unique dining experience that combines the charm of its historic surroundings with the vibrant atmosphere that Dishoom is known for.
As the excitement builds for the grand opening, it is clear that Dishoom Leeds will not only enhance the dining scene in Leeds but also showcase the exceptional talent of local businesses like LightsOn.Design, further solidifying Yorkshire's reputation for creativity and innovation in the hospitality sector.
