Designing a space that seamlessly honours cultural legacy while reflecting a refined, contemporary sensibility is an intricate and thoughtful endeavour. Yet, this is precisely what Mr. Tushar Joshi, Principal Designer at Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio, has accomplished with grace and precision in his design of Colonel Saab—a landmark Indian heritage restaurant located at the iconic Trafalgar Square in Central London.
This Heritage Restaurant In Trafalgar Square Blends Heritage With Modern Elegance | Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio
Commissioned by hospitality entrepreneur Roop Pratap Choudhary, Colonel Saab represents more than just fine dining; it is an artistic homage to the soul of India, interpreted through a global, sophisticated lens.
The conceptual foundation of the space stems from the personal journeys of Mr. Choudhary’s parents—Colonel Manbeer Choudhary and Mrs. Binny Choudhary—whose extensive travels across India inspired a rich tapestry of experiences, memories, and collected artefacts. These stories form the emotional core of the restaurant’s visual language.
“As guests step inside, an ambience where nostalgia meets luxury envelops them.” “Vintage jazz, curated Indian art, and museum-worthy artefacts welcome diners into a world where past meets present.”
Mr. Joshi’s masterful use of bold textures, handwoven Khim Khwab fabrics, intricate Zardozi embroidery, and finely crafted dual-finish brass and glass lighting fixtures brings depth and cultural authenticity to every corner of the space.
A focal point of the design is an 18th-century hand-carved teak wood temple door, inlaid with white metal, sourced from the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
It stands as a powerful symbol of time, tradition, and transition. The opulence continues in the grand “grab-and-go” section, where cascading crystal chandeliers create a palatial impression at the entrance.
Mr. Joshi defines the design ethos of Colonel Saab as “Nobility and Luxury”—a sentiment that resonates throughout. By blending traditional Indian elements with global design sophistication, he has crafted a timeless, immersive experience.
Colonel Saab not only tells a story of family, legacy, and culture—it elevates Indian aesthetics to the global stage with unmatched elegance.
Fact File
Designed by: Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio
Project Type: Restaurant/Bar/Cafe
Project Name: Colonel Saab
Location: Holborn & Trafalgar Square – London- United Kingdom
Project Size: Holborn – 3500 Sq.ft / Trafalgar Square – 4500 Sq.ft
Principal Designer: Tusshar Pravin Joshi
Firm’s Instagram Link: Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio
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