COLONEL SAAB GM ATUL JOSHI'S INSIDER GUIDE TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Luxury Indian Restaurant's GM Shares the Ultimate Guide to the Best Cafes, Restaurants, Bars and Hidden Gems Near Trafalgar Square
Atul Joshi has been General Manager of luxury Indian dining concept Colonel Saab, since its inception three years ago, and is passionate about top quality food, drink and service.
Alongside restaurateur and hotelier Roop Partap Choudhary, Atul has seen their flagship Holborn restaurant named UK’s Best Asian Restaurant for two consecutive years, while their newest, larger restaurant just off Trafalgar Square has recently been named Best Newcomer of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards.
The William IV Street restaurant is a homage to Choudhary's travels across India with his mother, Mrs Binny Choudhary and father, Colonel Manbeer, who was given the honorific name ‘Colonel Saab’ - shared by the restaurants - while serving in the Indian Army.
Choudhary spent a year retracing his father’s footsteps across India by train, bus and car to curate contemporary twists on dishes passed down through the generations of people they met, with many regional specialities appearing for the first time on a London menu.
Atul has had a storied career in hospitality, spanning more than two decades, and he’s turned his discerning palate to the area around Colonel Saab, to bring us the ultimate guide to Trafalgar Square’s best places to eat and drink, from morning to night.
Colonel Saab, Trafalgar Square, 40, 42 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD
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COFFEE
Monmouth Coffee
Known for its consistent quality, Monmouth has been a staple of London’s coffee scene for decades. They specialise in brewed coffee made from a selection of carefully sourced beans, offering a purity and expertly crafted experience.
Monmouth Coffee, 27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU
BREAKFAST
The Wolseley
A nostalgic gem serving classic breakfast in an elegant Mayfair setting, a 15 minute stroll from our restaurant. Their Eggs Benedict is a highlight and very well priced for the area. Its vintage vibe and quality food makes it a go-to for classic breakfast lovers like me.
The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
LUNCH
Casa Do Frango
If you are craving Portuguese flavours, this spot is known for its signature Piri Piri chicken and other southern Portuguese delicacies. The casual yet stylish setting makes a person like me relaxed during a mid-day meal.
Casa Do Frango, 31-33 Heddon St, London W1B 4BN
DINNER
The OWO
Renowned, Michelin Star Chef Mauro Colagreco’s fine dining restaurant focuses on seasonal British produce. It has an intimate space called Mauro’s table, and Saison, which offers Mediterranean inspired cuisine, which is my must-go dinner spot in London. The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
DRINKS
The Nightjar
A speakeasy- style bar with a focus on vintage-inspired cocktails and live jazz is my perfect spot for a sophisticated night out.
Nightjar Carnaby, 49-51 Kingly St, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, London W1F 9PY
INSIDER TIP
Afternoon Tea at The Rosewood
Afternoon Tea at the Rosewood London, served in the elegant Mirror Room, is a renowned and luxurious experience. Currently offering The Art Afternoon Tea, this innovative menu draws inspiration from famous artworks, presenting desserts and pastries that are both visually stunning and delicious.
The experience starts with a selection of finger sandwiches, followed by freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd. The pastry selection steals the show, with art-inspired treats like a Banksy-themed chocolate cube and a Van Gogh-inspired almond blossom cake. The ambience is sophisticated, with mirrored walls and lounge-style seating, perfect for a relaxed and indulgent afternoon.
Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN. Prices start at £68 per person, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options available upon request.
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