It’s a first for Nottingham as entrepreneur Rahul Passan embarks on opening a lavish new Indian afternoon tea room by day which switches at night to a bar specialising in small plates, Indian whiskeys and cocktails infused with spices.
This is the fourth venture for the Passan family who opened Bombay Deli back in 1995 then known as Bombay Sweet Centre. Now under the herald-ship of son Rahul, the 30th anniversary also sees the expansion of the brand into a cool new bar called Passan’s Tea Room and Cocktail Bar.
Opening Saturday 31st May, Passan’s will be located on the first floor of Bombay Deli but the offering and vibe will be very different to the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced deli, on the corner of Carrington Street. Yet the dedication to traditional family recipes and authentic Indian flavours remains the same.
Upstairs, the space has been transformed with richly-coloured and luxurious Indian themed décor, perfect for many different special occasions. It will be unveiled to show a seven-metre dark wood bar as the centrepiece, and an array of dining tables, poseur tables and sofas with seating for 75. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork featuring jungle cats and mythical elephants.
What can diners expect?
“The idea of this room is for something really different for Nottingham. It will have an Indian theme, traditional, royal, mixed with a bit of heritage, beautifully decorated” said Rahul who is from West Bridgeford.
“There will be drapes and soft lighting. We want it to be an area where customers can feel relaxed and chilled in a comfortable eclectic environment with quilted textured furniture and ornaments imported from India,” said Rahul.
Expect elevated Indian-influenced small plates dishes such as Calamari Pakora, Tandoori Duck Breast with Hash Browns alongside the Passan’s Brunch (including Bottomless option) and Passan’s High Chai, with simpler dishes like Spinach Florentine, Pistachio-Stuffed French Toast and Heritage Celeriac.
Jald Jaldi, is the Hindi word for ‘quickly quickly’ and these are the small plates for those in a rush, served from Tuesday to Thursday from 12pm to 4pm. Enjoy dishes such Tandoori chicken salad, Bang Bang chilli cauliflower, Chapli Kebab and Rajastani tofu bites.
Evenings from Tuesday, from 5.30pm to 10.30pm will be serving signature Indian small plates such as Lamb Karai shank, Tandoori Monkfish, Achari tofu and Saffron infused chicken tikka.
Experience Passan’s for yourself from Saturday 31st May opens from midday.
Posted on 02 June 2025
