Colonel Saab Afternoon Tea – Indian Style offers a distinctive twist on the classic British ritual, set inside a richly decorated dining room in Holborn. The ornate interior, characterized by dramatic chandeliers and burgundy walls, creates a lively and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a unique dining experience. The walls, adorned with colourful plates and antique artworks, including a vintage wooden temple window, reflect the owners’ love of Indian culture and travel. The overall effect is a lively scene that celebrates the beauty of Indian heritage, making it an ideal setting to spice up a relationship or enjoy a special occasion.
Atmosphere and décor
The restaurant’s interior is dominated by dramatic chandeliers and burgundy walls lined with colourful plates and antique artworks. Among the displays are photographs of Army Officer Colonel Manbeer Choudhary and his wife Binny, who inspired owner Roop Pratap Choudhary. A vintage wooden temple window adds a further touch of Indian heritage, highlighting the owners’ attention to detail in creating an immersive cultural experience. The use of rich, bold colours and detailed patterns creates a sense of opulence, while the antique artworks and vintage pieces add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The overall effect is a lively, romantic setting that reflects the owners’ love of Indian culture and travel.
Menu highlights
The tea service includes ten items, a mix of savoury and sweet treats. The pink‑hued Aloo bonds slider features masala‑spiced potato balls and tamarind, accompanied by coriander sauce. A Tikona samosa, also filled with spiced mashed potatoes, is served with the same sauce and delivers a bold flavour. The combination of flavours and textures in these dishes creates a truly immersive culinary experience, with the crunch of the samosa giving way to a soft, spicy interior. A Bombay‑style grilled sandwich with spiced cottage cheese and mozzarella appears on the menu, though the reviewer chose not to finish it, highlighting the generous portion sizes and variety of options available.
Among the snack‑type items, a crunchy chakli biscuit—shaped like a spiral and made from gram flour, rice and lentils—was paired with a fruit‑infused Persian pomegranate tea. The sweet selection includes a coconut‑and‑rose laddu, a bite‑size fruit tart, and a South Indian lentil‑and‑jaggery paysam pudding. The standout dessert is a mud‑cake cup presented as an edible chocolate plant pot, topped with a gulab jamun tiramisi‑style piece. This creative twist on traditional desserts adds a touch of whimsy and fun to the afternoon tea experience, making it a truly unique and memorable occasion.
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Traditional tea etiquette is honoured with a “raison” scone, complete with strawberry jam and cream, ensuring that the service retains a familiar British element despite its Indian flair. The inclusion of this classic component provides a sense of continuity and familiarity, allowing diners to appreciate the innovative twists on traditional afternoon tea offerings. The combination of Indian and British elements creates a fascinating cultural exchange, with the spices and flavours of India blending seamlessly with the traditional British love of tea and scones.
At ÂŁ35 per person, the experience is positioned as good value, especially given the variety of items. The review notes that most diners will not finish all ten treats in one sitting, and the leftover items can be taken home for later enjoyment. This flexibility and generosity make the afternoon tea experience feel like a gift that keeps on giving, with the opportunity to savour the flavours and textures of the dishes at a later time. The fact that the treats can be taken away also adds a practical element to the experience, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a special treat at home or on-the-go.
From a broader perspective, the rise of culturally blended afternoon teas reflects a growing appetite among diners for experiences that combine familiar formats with new flavours. This trend allows restaurants to showcase culinary heritage while catering to a market that values novelty alongside tradition. The blending of cultural influences and culinary traditions creates a unique and exciting dining experience, with the opportunity to discover new flavours and ingredients. As the demand for innovative and immersive dining experiences continues to grow, the concept of culturally blended afternoon teas is likely to become an increasingly popular trend in the culinary world.
Colonel Saab Restaurant is located at 193‑197 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7BD, making it easily accessible for those looking to experience the unique charm of Indian-style afternoon tea in the heart of the city. With its richly decorated dining room, lively atmosphere, and creative menu offerings, Colonel Saab is an ideal destination for anyone looking to spice up their afternoon tea experience and indulge in a truly unique and memorable culinary adventure.
