‘Surreal Day': Indian-Origin Man Who Served Chai To PM Modi, Keir Starmer In UK
Akhil Patel served his handmade Indian tea to two world leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at Chequers.
It was a day London-based tea entrepreneur Akhil Patel will never forget. The founder of Amala Chai found himself at the centre of a surreal moment where he served his handmade Indian tea to two world leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at Chequers.
Akhil Patel was invited to Chequers, the British Prime Minister's official country residence, as part of an event celebrating the UK-India free trade partnership. The gathering brought together senior ministers from both countries.
In an Instagram post shared on Amala Chai's official page, Akhil described the moment as 'surreal." He said, 'Yesterday, I got invited by Downing Street's Chequers to celebrate the UK-India free trade deal. As one of the few selected brands there, little did I know I'd be serving chai to huge UK and Indian ministers and Modi and Starmer."
Before meeting the heads of state, Akhil first served chai to several senior leaders, including UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also stopped by his stall for a cup.
'They were loving it. Coming back for multiple cups," he said.
According to Akhil, the most unforgettable part of the day was yet to come. 'Then the big boys started coming my way," he wrote, referring to Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer. He recounted how both leaders casually walked over to his stall, stood right in front of him and asked for a cup of chai.
As he handed over the tea, he said, 'From one chaiwala to another," a remark that not only acknowledged PM Modi's well-known past as a tea seller but also brought laughter from both leaders.
'Possibly one of the craziest moments in my life. I just served chai to Modi and Starmer, and Starmer loved it," he added.
Who Is Akhil Patel?
Akhil Patel is a British citizen of Indian origin who grew up in London. He studied at University College School, Hampstead, and later earned a BSc degree in Management from the London School of Economics (LSE). After a brief stint as a data analyst, he took a different path in 2019. Inspired by his grandmother's traditional recipe, he founded Amala Chai. The brand focuses on authenticity and ethical sourcing.
Akhil travelled across India from Assam's tea estates to Kerala's spice farms to directly connect with small family-run growers. By removing middlemen, the brand ensures both fair trade and high quality.
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First Published:
July 26, 2025, 16:28 IST
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