Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar recently enjoyed an indulgent dining experience at Colonel Saab, a renowned Indian fine dining restaurant located in the heart of London, during their visit to Wimbledon. The restaurant, blending artful interiors with regional Indian flavours, shared a series of photographs of the celebrity couple on its official Instagram account.
All about Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s favourite London restaurant
Colonel Saab, situated in London’s Holborn and Trafalgar Square, is more than just a restaurant. It offers an immersive cultural journey through its carefully curated ambiance and meticulously crafted menu. Paying tribute to India’s rich heritage, the restaurant is adorned with antiques and artifacts personally collected by the family of founder Roop Partap Choudhary during their travels across the Indian subcontinent. Each piece on display is a story in itself, evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply with guests of Indian origin and international visitors alike, including celebrities from both Bollywood and Hollywood.
Colonel Saab’s decor
The Holborn outlet features an impressive temple door from South India as a central focal point, while a silver door sourced from a temple in Gujarat adds character to the staircase area. Meanwhile, the Trafalgar Square branch welcomes patrons with a dramatic canopy of hand-blown chandeliers from Firozabad, creating a spectacular visual experience right from the entrance.
Colonel Saab’s menu
The restaurant’s À La Carte menu celebrates the diversity of Indian cuisine, offering signature dishes such as Colonel Saab’s Butter Chicken, Sunday Lamb Curry, Paneer Pakeezah, and Falahari Curry Kofta. Guests can also enjoy a distinctive chai experience, paying homage to the colonial-era tea traditions of India. For dessert lovers, offerings like Rose Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai Milk Cakes round off the meal with a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
About Colonel Saab
Colonel Saab is the brainchild of Roop Partap Choudhary, a second-generation hotelier and Executive Director of the Jewel Group of Hotels. He also oversees Noormahal Palace in Karnal, a luxury hotel that has garnered acclaim for its royal architecture and hospitality. Inspired by his father, Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, an Indian Army veteran with a distinguished 25-year career, Roop envisioned Colonel Saab as a tribute to his parents and their love for India’s cultural and culinary heritage.
A seasoned professional in the hospitality industry, Roop Partap Choudhary has previously worked with premier establishments such as ITC Maurya, Kingdom of Dreams, and Galaxy Hotel. His design sensibilities and appreciation for heritage are reflected not only in Colonel Saab but also in the grandeur of Noormahal Palace. His contributions to the field have earned him recognition on international platforms, including his role as a judge for the prestigious Start-up Awards National Series in the UK.
Colonel Saab has quickly risen through the ranks and has been listed among the top 10 Indian restaurants in London.
