Our Review Of Kinky Boots And Colonel Saab's Themed Set Menu

Until 11th July 2026, the hit musical Kinky Boots is being performed at the London Coliseum. Having won an Olivier, Tony and Grammy award, this spectacular show is now taking the West End, featuring music from the iconic Cyndi Lauper and directed by the award-winning Nikolai Foster. 

Of course, the show is well worth seeing in its own right, but Indian restaurant Colonel Saab have made the experience even better. Their Trafalgar Square location has released a limited-edition Kinky Boots set menu, available to enjoy before showings at the theatre, which is just round the corner. This is a theatrical feast, with each course tailored to the plot and themes of the musical - ideal to get you in the mood for the show. Recently, I checked out the restaurant before heading to the London Coliseum myself.

DesignMyNight's Review Of Colonel Saab And Kinky Boots 

Head to Colonel Saab for a themed meal before watching Kinky Boots on the West End.

Dining: Colonel Saab's Kinky Boots Dining Experience

We were headed to an evening show, so we opted for a 5pm sitting at Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square. The restaurant was already busy with other pre-theatre diners at this point, so I'd recommend it for anyone looking for early dinner with an atmosphere. The venue itself was stunning; the vibrant orange colour scheme combined with walls full of ornaments and opulent chandeliers to create a sophisticated feel while still retaining an element of fun.

We were trying their four-course Kinky Boots Menu (£75), so we began with the signature cocktail included in this price. This was simply called Kinky Boots, and it captured the essence of the musical perfectly. It was, of course, bright red, and served in a tall glass with a thin stem - reminiscent of a high heel I thought. It was a smooth, whisky concoction featuring elderflower, pomegranate and raspberry - both sweet and sultry. I'm not generally a huge whisky fan, but this drink might just have changed my mind. Shortly after, we were presented with a beautiful amuse bouche of banarasi amrood ki chaat, served in a mini ice cream cone to appear like a heel.

The interiors at Colonel Saab's Trafalgar Square venue.

For the starters and mains, there was a choice of two or three dishes to pick from. The zimikand and beetroot tikki to start was bold in both colour and taste, aplty named Land Of Lola after the musical's most vibrant character. The other choice was an Anglo-Indian chicken chop, representing the fusion of two cultures seen in the show. Our waiter also explained every course to us, and he mentioned that this dish had been unexpectedly popular among customers when it first appeared on the menu, so they included it in this selection as an homage to the unlikely pairing between Charlie and Lola.

For mains, my gutti vankaya featured curry-flavoured baby aubergines in a rich, tomatoey tamarind gravy - cut in to heart shapes, inspired by the emotional song Hold Me In Your Heart, performed by Lola. My partner chose Memsaab's chicken curry, slow-cooked chicken with a pate-like consistency, served in a lightly spiced cream sauce. This was sweet and delicate, reflective of the song What A Woman Wants. Our mains also came with rice and naan to share.

Lastly, the pineapple jalebi was a suitably decadent end to the meal, in keeping with the overall theme of Kinky Boots. The pineapple came in a pastry exterior that had to be broken open to access the powerful, fruity taste inside (much like Charlie's character development). It was topped with pistachio and Chantilly cream for an ultra-sweet flavour, though I did feel it became slightly sickly towards the end.

Each dish takes inspiration from the musical on this themed set menu.

Theatre: Kinky Boots London Review

After a leisurely dinner, we headed over to the London Coliseum. We were seated towards the back of the stalls, but still felt very close to the stage - it's a great venue for seeing the action up close. 

From the start, we were drawn into the world of Charlie's (Matt Cardle) shoe factory, which he inherits from his father and soon finds out that it's struggling financially. This premise is set up by Cyndi Lauper's incredible score, beginning with songs like 'The Most Beautiful Thing In The World' and 'Take What You Got' which showcase Charlie's predicament regarding whether to sell the business or invest in his father's passion for shoemaking.

However, the story really begins when Lola (Tosh Wanogho-Maud, though usually played by Johannes Radebe) and her troupe of drag queens enter the stage, with the dazzling number 'Land Of Lola'. From here, Charlie and Lola join forces to design the perfect red heeled boot for drag queens, built to support the weight of a 'fully grown man'.

Johannes Radebe as Lola in Kinky Boots.

Wanogho-Maud's performance was fantastic, and despite not being the primary actor for this part, he captured Lola's spirit, charm and resolve perfectly. The costumes for each number that featured Lola and her Angels were equally impressive, ranging from shimmering red dresses to all-denim ensembles, finishing, of course, with everyone in all-black outfits and their signature red boots.

Other standout performances included those of Matt Cardle (Charlie) and Courtney Bowman, who played Lauren. Every character was believable and really drew me into the story, both through song and the spoken scenes. Similarly, the set design transitioned flawlessly from factory to nightclub and Milan runway, despite minimal tweaks to the stage, allowing the scenes to flow seamlessly despite transporting you to a whole new setting each time.

Overall: Our Review Of The Colonel Saab Kinky Boots Experience

Firstly, I would recommend Kinky Boots to anyone looking for a feel-good musical that's full of heart and mesmerising drag routines. But if you really want to make a night of it? I'd highly advise swinging by Colonel Saab first, just round the corner from the theatre. Their themed menu was not only a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds, but it paired brilliantly with the show, especially as our knowledgeable waiter explained the links between each dish and element of the musical. The ultimate West End experience, I'd urge everyone to get down before it ends in July.

Book your Colonel Saab meal and Kinky Boots tickets to experience this for yourself - available until 11th July 2026.