Colonel Saab | Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio | London
Blending Heritage with Modern Elegance : The Vision of Tushar Joshi at Colonel Saab, London
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 Utkarsha 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.
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, they are enveloped in an ambience where nostalgia meets luxury. The soft strains of vintage jazz music, curated artwork reflective of India’s diverse heritage, and museum-worthy artefacts invite diners into a world where the past and present coexist. 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.
Interior Lover Team’s view on the Project
Nestled in Holborn and at Trafalgar Square, London, Colonel Saab is a fine-dining Indian restaurant designed by Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio, led by Tushar Pravin Joshi. Spanning 3500 sq. ft. in Holborn and 4500 sq. ft. at Trafalgar Square, the interiors are a seamless blend of Indian heritage and contemporary sophistication. The design reflects a thematic narrative of nobility and luxury, expressed through layered textures, museum-worthy artefacts, and traditional craftsmanship.
Every element is thoughtfully curated—from handwoven Khim Khwab fabrics and Zardozi embroidery to dual-finish brass and glass lighting, offering an immersive spatial experience rooted in India’s diverse cultural tapestry. The visual storytelling continues with an 18th-century carved teakwood, inlaid with white metal, acting as a symbolic anchor for the space. Crystal chandeliers and period details enhance the palatial tone, while the ambience is elevated by vintage music and curated artwork. Each corner celebrates Indian tradition interpreted through a modern lens.
FACT FILE
Project Name : Colonel Saab- Fine Dine Indian Restaurant
Design Firm : Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio
Principal Designer : Tusshar Pravin Joshi
Project Area : Holborn – 3500 Sqft / Trafalgar Square – 4500 Sqft
Project Location : Holborn & Trafalgar Square – London- United Kingdom
Project Type: Hospitality- Fine Dine Indian Restaurant
About Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio
Tushar Pravin Joshi
Founder & Managing Director, Utkarsh Vastukaran Designs
For Tushar Pravin Joshi, design has always been more than just aesthetics. To him, design is functionality, accessibility, information, and emotion—a seamless intersection of usability and visual appeal. As the Founder and MD of Utkarsh Vastukaran Designs, Tushar leads with the belief that every space should tell a story that resonates with the people who inhabit it.
Utkarsh Vastukaran Design Studio
Each of these projects is a testament to his ability to balance beauty and function while capturing the soul of the space through textures, materials, and cultural context.
At Utkarsh, he and his team adopt a deeply personalized and research-driven design approach. For residential projects, they build detailed profiles of each principal occupant, delving into lifestyle, preferences, and practical needs. For commercial and hospitality projects, the team works closely with stakeholders to address objectives, feasibility, aesthetics, and compliance. This holistic methodology ensures every space is purpose-driven, emotionally resonant, and future-ready.
