Thanks to Covid, the much anticipated Dishoom was the grand opening that never was.

Due to open back on April 1, the acclaimed Indian cafe chain, had only just opened for soft launch diners when it was forced to close at the start of lockdown.

Now it will be hoping for second time lucky when it finally opens on Thursday, August 6.

Ahead of the official launch date, there will be a soft launch period where can get 50% off the food bill.

The half price deal is available from Saturday, July 18  to Wednesday, August 5.

The Dishoom chain which in London, Edinburgh and Manchester,  'pays homage to Irani cafe culture in Bombay'.

It was founded in Covent Garden in 2010 by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar and credited with spearheading the casual Indian street food trend.

The new restaurant in One Chamberlain Square includes a 'Permit Room' bar and an outdoor terrace - which sounds like the perfect place for a bit of social distancing.

But what about the food and drink?

The restaurant all day menu is described as 'Bombay comfort food and drink'. Dishes include their renowned bacon naan for breakfast, Vada Pav - the ultimate Indian burger, chicken biryani as well as grilled meat and fish dishes served up with Dishoom's famous Gunpowder potatoes - made with deggi mirch chilli powder.

Birmingham Special: Mutton curry at Dishoom

There is also a Birmingham Special dish - Mutton Chaap Korma exclusive to diners in Brum.

Drinks wise there are teetotal tipples, chai, coolers  and a selection of cocktails including East India Gimlet and a Viceroy's Old Fashioned.

Dishoom Birmingham is part of the ongoing £700 million Paradise development in the city centre - which has resumed building work. 

As part of the development London Vinoteca wine bar and restaurant will open at Two Chamberlain Square, opposite Dishoom  later this year. No official opening date has yet been given.

Other restaurants which were forced to put their opening on hold due to lockdown include Pulperia steak restaurant from Aktar Islam. The Brindleyplace eatery opened Saturday, July 4.

A Dishoom spokeswoman said: "During the soft launch (a most critical stage of preparation and training) we will be offering guests 50% off food. We sincerely look forward welcoming guests to our new home."

Online bookings can be made now for any group size up to six. Reservations can be made online.

There will also be space kept for walk-ins at all times of the day. Bookings will not be taken for the outdoor terrace, but will be offered on arrival on a first-come, first- served basis.