Sohrab Eshraghi
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.
Rumi
Obituary
On October 27th, we said a final goodbye to our dear father Sohrab.
He passed away surrounded by love, two years after a devastating stroke that left him paralyzed and robbed him of his independence and voice. To us, growing up, he was nothing short of a superhero—larger than life and invincible. As we grew older, we came to see his humanity, his flaws, and his complexities, but our bond and love for one another only deepened with time. His presence will forever remain an anchor in our lives.
Since the 1960s, we have guestimated that his restaurants served over 4 million customers—if you spent time in London, perhaps you or your parents visited Great American Success, Shehrezade, Il Girasole, Raquettes, Harlem Hotcha, Yas, or Yas on the Park.
He loved London’s heartbeat fiercely and embraced its pulse as his own. He predicted trends and played a part in shaping the capital’s restaurant culture. He truly lived life on his terms—he did it his way, with a warmth and charm that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. But he was happiest cruising King’s Road in some cool car with a Cohiba in his hand and a glint in his eye.
As a grandpa, he shared a bond with Brando that was pure love, built on a shared appreciation for ice cream and endless laughter. Brando adored him, and Dad cherished every moment they spent together—because no one brought a brighter sparkle to his eye.
Grief is the price we pay for love.
You are already missed, Dad.
London won’t be the same without you.
With love,
Justin & Sebastian
Welcome
We warmly welcome you to our father’s memorial tribute page—a space where we invite you to post and share your cherished memories, stories, and photos of Sohrab. Your contributions will help us celebrate his life and keep his spirit alive in the hearts of all who knew him.
Details of Sohrab's burial service on November 28th can be found at the bottom of the page.
Timeline
1940
June 4th
The beginning
Sohrab is born in Shiraz, Iran to Dr Ziaolah and Aghdas Eshraghi; he is the eldest of seven and over the coming years is joined by siblings: Talie, Zohre, Azar, Minoo, Hooshi and Behshid.
Shiraz, Iran
1961
June 23rd
Sohrab moves to London
Dad arrived in London on an SAS flight from Tehran to Heathrow on June 23rd, stepping into a new chapter of his life during the vibrant Swinging Sixties. Renting a flat at 36 Gloucester Gardens, W2, just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, he began his journey in this exhilarating city with his first job as a waiter in the glamorous streets of Knightsbridge. It was a time of cultural revolution, music, and fashion, with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan at the helm. I can only imagine how thrilling this new city must have been for him—a world of endless possibilities and new adventures waiting to unfold.
London W2
1962
Sohrab in Soho
Dad worked as a doorman at the iconic Whiskey a Go-Go nightclub in Soho during the Swinging Sixties, where he first experienced London’s electric nightlife. On his very first night, he unknowingly turned away Hollywood Icon Steve McQueen for being “too scruffy.” It was also here that he met his lifelong friend and future business partner, Hossein, setting the stage for the remarkable journey they would later embark on together.
Wardour Street Soho
1964
Introducing: Actor Paul Andrews
Dad ventured into acting, adopting the stage name Paul Andrews and joining the prestigious actors’ union, Equity. His debut came in the very first season of the now-iconic BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, where he took on the role of a Dalek—though hidden inside the costume, his dynamic performance undoubtedly contributed to the meteoric rise of these iconic cyber-villains. He later appeared in small roles in films like Isadora alongside Vanessa Redgrave and various BBC productions.
Ultimately, Dad decided that fortune, if not fame, lay elsewhere, but his love for the craft endured. He proudly remained a member of Equity for the rest of his life.
Ultimately, Dad decided that fortune, if not fame, lay elsewhere, but his love for the craft endured. He proudly remained a member of Equity for the rest of his life.
BBC Studios, White City London
1966
The Dawn of Sohrab’s Entrepreneurial Hospitality Career.
Dad opened a casino on Earl’s Court Road, which quickly became the talk of the neighborhood—but not always for the reasons you’d expect. Nearby residents complained about the loud slamming of the door, only to later discover that the real culprit wasn’t the door at all, but the doorman, “Mad Fred,” who was enthusiastically practicing his signature move: head butting the wall.
Earls Court Road, Kensington, London
1968
Launches: Baba Tahir
In partnership with his best friend Hossein, Dad opened his first restaurant, which also held the distinction of being London’s very first Persian establishment. Ahead of its time, it introduced Londoners to Persian cuisine for the first time and featured a striking centerpiece—a giant tent inside the restaurant, creating a truly unique dining experience in the heart of Notting Hill Gate
106 Westbourne Grove, Nottingham Hill Gate, London
1971
Launches: The Great American Success
This iconic venue became the ultimate late-night destination, perfectly capturing the UK’s burgeoning obsession with Americana. Sleek in design and buzzing with energy, it served up irresistibly delicious hamburgers, delivered by gorgeous girls in hotpants, until 6am. The atmosphere was electric, making it the place to be for anyone who was anyone. The success was phenomenal—so much so that Dad and his partner Hossein quickly expanded it into a thriving London chain. Rumor has it, this was also the spot where a young Freddie Mercury, before his Queen fame, made an unreciprocated pass at Dad—just one of the many colorful stories from this legendary hotspot!
100 Kensington High Street, London W8
1975
Launches: Shehrezade Nightclub
In the mid-1970s, once again ahead of the curve, Dad, Hossein, and their partners launched Shehrezade in the heart of Piccadilly. This groundbreaking nightclub was the first of its kind, capitalizing on the Arab oil boom and London’s growing appetite for Middle Eastern glamour. Featuring live music, a buzzing disco, and mesmerizing belly dancers, Shehrezade became a magnet for the elite. It was a place where British aristocracy rubbed shoulders with international icons, with notable guests including Princess Margaret and the legendary Muhammad Ali. This bold venture firmly cemented Dad’s reputation as a visionary in London’s nightlife scene.
Picadilly London
1980
Acquires: Restorante Il Girasole
Dad revitalized this long-established Fulham Road gem, one of the first venues in the area to offer delicious upscale Italian cuisine paired with Al Fresco dining. One of my favorite memories from this restaurant was a particularly rainy Valentine’s Day, when the downpour forced diners indoors. However, one couple requested their table be moved under the nearby bus stop shelter to keep their romantic lunch outdoors. Dad happily obliged, and photo of this charming scene was later featured in the Evening Standard newspaper.
126 Fulham Rd., South Kensington, London
1983
Launches: Racquettes
Partnering with his friend Behrooz, Dad opened a vibrant, tennis-themed brasserie that brought a fresh buzz to sleepy Wimbledon Village. This stylish spot became the only place to be for any star during the Wimbledon Championships, serving up delicious dishes with a side of flair and attracting sporting legends like James Hunt, Boris Becker, and Ivan Lendl.
91 High Street, Wimbledon Village, London
1987
Launches: Harlem Hotcha
In the late eighties, Dad returned to Kensington with a fresh take on his signature American burgers, transforming a two-floor venue into the ultimate hangout for the young and stylish. With live jazz, creative cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere across both levels, it quickly became the place to see and be seen, where laughter and good vibes flowed as freely as the drinks.
1-3 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London
1990
Acquires: Yas Restaurant
Dad purchased the freehold of Yas Restaurant then expanded it into the neighboring site, creating a vibrant hotspot that served delicious food until 5am, complete with live Persian music, belly dancers, and the introduction of shisha to West London. This became Dad’s flagship venue, his longest-running restaurant, which he proudly operated for nearly 30 years. A true institution, Yas earned the inaugural Time Out magazine award for Best Middle Eastern Restaurant, a testament to Dad’s passion and vision.
7 Hammersmith Road, Kensington Olympia, London
1999
Launches: Yas on the Park
Building on the success of Yas, Dad launched the dazzling Yas on the Park, London’s first fine dining Persian restaurant. Situated just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park, this luxurious venue redefined Persian dining in the city, offering an opulent setting and an elevated culinary experience unlike anything seen before in London’s Persian eateries. It was a bold and glamorous addition to the Yas brand, cementing its place in the city’s dining scene.
31-33 Sussex Pl, London W2
2006
Launches: Shehrezade, Kensington
Carrying forward the legacy of his 1970s club into the new millennium, Dad brought Shehrezade back to life as London’s first Persian supper club—a huge vibrant venue that combined exceptional food, live music, and dancing, embodying the spirit of celebration and culture.
346 Kensington High St, London
2019
Sohrab Retires
At the age of 79, Dad officially retired as Yas Kensington closed its doors for the final time, marking the end of a formidable and enviable career. He embraced a more relaxed pace, enjoying his days living in Holland Park surrounded by family and friends. His grandson Brando became his favourite companion for countless ice cream outings, creating cherished memories. During these golden years, Dad also reunited with his beloved siblings, sharing two heartwarming family gatherings in Turkey that brought him immense joy and nostalgia.
St Jame's Gardens, London
2024
October 27th
Sohrab Passes Peacefully
Sohrab spent his final weeks surrounded by the love and presence of his cherished family. He found comfort in the frequent visits from his closest friends, who came daily to share their warmth, laughter, and treasured memories. His passing was marked by dignity and peace, thanks to the extraordinary care provided by the compassionate team at St John’s Hospice. Their unwavering dedication ensured that his final chapter was one of tranquility and sanctuary, offering him, and all of us who loved him, an environment filled with grace and serenity. We will forever remain deeply grateful for their kindness and support during this sacred time.
St Johns Hospice, St Johns Wood, London
Gallery: Sohrab, A Life Captured in Photos
Videos
Memory wall
Please share your memories, photo's stories and messages about Sohrab here.
If you have any video content please share it via email to: sohrablondon@gmail.com and we will post it.
If you have any video content please share it via email to: sohrablondon@gmail.com and we will post it.
December 4, 2024
I am so grateful for the memories I have and moments I shared with Dayi Sohrab, my mother’s big brother. Even though we live far apart, he has always been a presence in our lives. One way he has remained constant, and continues to do so, is through photography - he took beautiful pictures of our family and the archive of our extended family has many photos taken by him. One that I keep always is a photo he took of my mum when she was a young girl, a bow in her hair and her head angled towards the light. I have cherished this in her absence and it’s a way that Dayi Sohrab remains present with all of us who keep his photos.
I feel so lucky to have witnessed Dayi Sohrab in his prime - I always remember him with a gold chain, a cigar in his hand and his hairy chest fashionably exposed! Visiting Yas was such a meaningful way to connect with our culinary heritage and I am so proud of what Dayi joon contributed to London and Persian diaspora in his lifetime.
My most tender memories of Dayi joon are from a trip the family took to Turkey in the summer of 2022. It was a beautiful reunion and though we were meeting an older version of Dayi joon, at a different stage of his life, I loved how gentle he was in his gestures and how affectionate he has toward the people he loved. We would get an ice cream with him every evening and I will always remember him when I treat myself to ice cream anywhere in the world.
I am so very grateful to have seen Dayi joon this year, and to have met Justin and Sebastian for the first time in my living memory. I love you all and you are not alone in your remembrance of your magnificent maverick of a father. May his memory be a blessing.
I feel so lucky to have witnessed Dayi Sohrab in his prime - I always remember him with a gold chain, a cigar in his hand and his hairy chest fashionably exposed! Visiting Yas was such a meaningful way to connect with our culinary heritage and I am so proud of what Dayi joon contributed to London and Persian diaspora in his lifetime.
My most tender memories of Dayi joon are from a trip the family took to Turkey in the summer of 2022. It was a beautiful reunion and though we were meeting an older version of Dayi joon, at a different stage of his life, I loved how gentle he was in his gestures and how affectionate he has toward the people he loved. We would get an ice cream with him every evening and I will always remember him when I treat myself to ice cream anywhere in the world.
I am so very grateful to have seen Dayi joon this year, and to have met Justin and Sebastian for the first time in my living memory. I love you all and you are not alone in your remembrance of your magnificent maverick of a father. May his memory be a blessing.
November 30, 2024
In Loving Memory of a Loyal Friend Dearest Sohrab.
I express my deepest condolences to Mrs Eshraghi, their wonderful sons Justin and Sebastian and all the family.
I mourn the loss of a truly special friend whose unwavering loyalty and boundless friendship made the world a brighter place.
I met Sohrab in London during the Swinging Sixties, and saw in him a source of comfort, joy, optimism, style and incredible capacity for kindness and connection.
Whether it was through his quiet presence during tough times or the way he could light up a room with his energy, Sohrab showed us what it meant to be a kind, hard working, strong, entrepreneurial, and stylish. He had a knack for making everyone feel special, whether it was through his gentle patience or his playful sense of humour.
As we say au revoir, the laughter, the friendship and your loyalty will stay with me always.
Enjoy your next adventure my dear friend - à bientôt.
Alex
🥂
I express my deepest condolences to Mrs Eshraghi, their wonderful sons Justin and Sebastian and all the family.
I mourn the loss of a truly special friend whose unwavering loyalty and boundless friendship made the world a brighter place.
I met Sohrab in London during the Swinging Sixties, and saw in him a source of comfort, joy, optimism, style and incredible capacity for kindness and connection.
Whether it was through his quiet presence during tough times or the way he could light up a room with his energy, Sohrab showed us what it meant to be a kind, hard working, strong, entrepreneurial, and stylish. He had a knack for making everyone feel special, whether it was through his gentle patience or his playful sense of humour.
As we say au revoir, the laughter, the friendship and your loyalty will stay with me always.
Enjoy your next adventure my dear friend - à bientôt.
Alex
🥂
November 29, 2024
Happy memories
November 29, 2024
Our friendship with the beautiful Eshraghi family goes back many years. My parents Dr Habibollah Ghadirian and Azizeh Ghadirian were in the same Bahá’í community as your grandparents in Iran and they formed a life long friendship and with that came the loving memories over the years. Sohrab was always so kind, generous and welcoming whenever we visited his restaurants our family favourite being Yas. It was always joy to sit and chat to him when he was there remembering the good old days. He had the most charismatic personality and a beautiful warm heart and a wonderful smile. He will be in our hearts forever. God bless his soul. Much love to all the family from the Ghadirian family.
November 27, 2024
I only met Sohrab about 35 years ago, my wife Jennifer always spoke very fondly of him. When I met him I realised what the attraction was.
We visited him in several of his restaurant ventures over the years
Sohrab was a gentle, kind, caring, generous and emotional man. I got to love him as did so many others.
Photos are of me with Sohrab & the other is Janine one of the waitresses in Great American Success and of course Jennifer (Jenny)
RIP
We visited him in several of his restaurant ventures over the years
Sohrab was a gentle, kind, caring, generous and emotional man. I got to love him as did so many others.
Photos are of me with Sohrab & the other is Janine one of the waitresses in Great American Success and of course Jennifer (Jenny)
RIP
November 27, 2024
I worked for Sohrab and Hossein in The Great American Success from the first day they opened until the last day, 6 years.. I was Jenny who was the cashier. They were like my big brothers and we shared lovely memories. When Harlem Hotcha opened it was opposite where I lived so we used to see him all the time. Then myself and husband Mike followed him to his other restaurants. Sadly we can’t make the funeral but send my deepest condolences to Justin, Sebastian and Hossein. Sohrab, you were such a great funny handsome boss and our many happy memories will stay with me forever. RIP.
November 24, 2024
I met Sohrab on few occasions, but he always left a lasting impression on me. I admired him deeply for his charisma, kindness, and adventurous spirit. While my childhood memories of him have grown faint, one particular visit remains vividly etched in my mind.
It was a summer sometime between 1966 and 1968. Sohrab was traveling to Tehran in a small bus—possibly a VW—with two friends. On the way, he stopped in Munich to visit my family. I still remember sitting with my parents, listening in awe as he enthusiastically described his travel plans. That conversation planted a seed in my young mind, inspiring me to follow in his footsteps some 5 or 6 years later.
Sadly, I don’t have any photos from that visit, but a number of photos on this memory wall captures how I remember him.
Later, after I moved to Toronto, I often made it a point to visit Yas Restaurant in London whenever I traveled through. Sohrab would always greet me warmly and treat me to generous helpings of delicious Iranian food, embodying the hospitality he was so well known for.
Although our interactions became less frequent after his illness, I cherished the times we were able to connect through calls or messages.
Dear Sohrab, may you rest in peace. Until we meet again on the other side.
It was a summer sometime between 1966 and 1968. Sohrab was traveling to Tehran in a small bus—possibly a VW—with two friends. On the way, he stopped in Munich to visit my family. I still remember sitting with my parents, listening in awe as he enthusiastically described his travel plans. That conversation planted a seed in my young mind, inspiring me to follow in his footsteps some 5 or 6 years later.
Sadly, I don’t have any photos from that visit, but a number of photos on this memory wall captures how I remember him.
Later, after I moved to Toronto, I often made it a point to visit Yas Restaurant in London whenever I traveled through. Sohrab would always greet me warmly and treat me to generous helpings of delicious Iranian food, embodying the hospitality he was so well known for.
Although our interactions became less frequent after his illness, I cherished the times we were able to connect through calls or messages.
Dear Sohrab, may you rest in peace. Until we meet again on the other side.
November 24, 2024
Rest in peace Boss🙏🌷
November 22, 2024
Dear Justin, Sebastian, and other members of the Eshraghi family,
I have many fond memories of Sohrab, both when we were young in Khoramshar, Iran and later in Britain. Sohrab was about 3 yrs older than I and he arrived in England a year or two before me. I continued to communicate with him I arrived in Oxford and we met April 8th, 1962. Our friendship continued and became stronger. During school holidays we worked together and travelled in England and Germany where he bought his first Volkswagen. I took him to pick up his first car in Wolfsburg, Germany, the payment for which his father Dr. Zia'u'llah Eshraghi had already taken care of. I went to his first restaurant 'The Greatest American Success' which he named in response to the name of another restaurant which had been named 'The Greatest American Disaster.' He had prepared and studied for a few years wanting to become and architect, but with the start of these businesses and changes in his lifestyle he developed an amazing knack for creating a series of successful businesses including restaurants. We were separated for a while geographically while my family pioneered in the Isle of Lewis. Later, I returned to London to serve as Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and it was a joy to resume contact with him and his dear wife. Sohrab was a good friend, kind, generous, and helpful. He had a great love for the Cause of God. Destiny took us apart because of further pioneering my family did to Canada. I shall continue to pray for the elevation of his spirit in all the realms in God, and for blessings for his precious family.
With deepest love,
Enayat Rawhani
I have many fond memories of Sohrab, both when we were young in Khoramshar, Iran and later in Britain. Sohrab was about 3 yrs older than I and he arrived in England a year or two before me. I continued to communicate with him I arrived in Oxford and we met April 8th, 1962. Our friendship continued and became stronger. During school holidays we worked together and travelled in England and Germany where he bought his first Volkswagen. I took him to pick up his first car in Wolfsburg, Germany, the payment for which his father Dr. Zia'u'llah Eshraghi had already taken care of. I went to his first restaurant 'The Greatest American Success' which he named in response to the name of another restaurant which had been named 'The Greatest American Disaster.' He had prepared and studied for a few years wanting to become and architect, but with the start of these businesses and changes in his lifestyle he developed an amazing knack for creating a series of successful businesses including restaurants. We were separated for a while geographically while my family pioneered in the Isle of Lewis. Later, I returned to London to serve as Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and it was a joy to resume contact with him and his dear wife. Sohrab was a good friend, kind, generous, and helpful. He had a great love for the Cause of God. Destiny took us apart because of further pioneering my family did to Canada. I shall continue to pray for the elevation of his spirit in all the realms in God, and for blessings for his precious family.
With deepest love,
Enayat Rawhani
November 22, 2024
Warm, generous, stylish and very funny, The patriarch of Kensington you saw the best of London through the years and were always ahead of the game in the hospitality arena. Sohrab you were Technicolor in a Monochrome room and will be missed.
Daniel, Aidan & Gabe
Daniel, Aidan & Gabe
November 22, 2024
Best friends.
November 22, 2024
Farewell to an exceptional man. Me, Aidan & Gabe will forever remember his generosity and humour… My love to Maria, Brando, Justin & Seb.
November 21, 2024
Sohrab Azizam
The kindness and generosity you showed us when I was a lonely 18 year old in London paved the way for who I am now. I will never forget you.
Love
Moneli
The kindness and generosity you showed us when I was a lonely 18 year old in London paved the way for who I am now. I will never forget you.
Love
Moneli
November 21, 2024
Sohrab joonam, thank you for your kindness. Your sweet smile and your great hugs, always made me feel loved by you. You were forever so welcoming. You have a big part of my heart and visiting London will never be the same.
Favorites
What were Sohrab's favorite TV shows?
Columbo & Kojak
What was Sohrab's favorite Restaurant?
His own - Yas Kensington! You could always find him at his usual table, cigar in hand.
What was Sohrab's favorite Movie?
A Star is Born
What was Sohrab's favorite Travel destination?
Marbella, Spain
Sohrab's Favourite Car?
Dad had an enduring love for cars and was fortunate to own some of the coolest models over the years. However, in his later life, his true passion was his cherished 1972 Fiat 500L. This little classic held deep sentimental value, as it was the same model he fondly remembered driving through the streets of Rome on a memorable trip with his own father in the 1960s. It wasn’t just a car; it was a rolling time capsule of cherished memories and a symbol of his adventurous spirit.
What was Sohrab's favorite Local spot?
Cruising in a cool car down the Kings Road, Chelsea London
Favourite Flower
Jasmin, Yas in Farsi
Fun fact about Sohrab:
When he moved to London he was planning on being an architect.
Fun fact about Sohrab:
He loved animals, and in the early 70's had a pet monkey.
Service
We warmly invite you to join us in paying a final tribute to our beloved father, Sohrab.
This intimate graveside committal service will take place in the serene setting of Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground in Surrey, not far from our old family home Harrow Hill, where we shared cherished memories from 1975 to 1980.
Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground
Epsom Rd, West Clandon, Surrey GU4 7FN
While there will be no formal wake, we welcome you to join the family after the service at The Onslow Arms, just a five-minute drive from the burial ground: The St, West Clandon, Surrey GU4 7TE
We hope to arrange a second memorial service in London at a later date to honor Sohrab’s remarkable life and legacy.
To help us plan, we would be grateful if you could kindly RSVP. Thank you for your support during this time.
This intimate graveside committal service will take place in the serene setting of Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground in Surrey, not far from our old family home Harrow Hill, where we shared cherished memories from 1975 to 1980.
Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground
Epsom Rd, West Clandon, Surrey GU4 7FN
While there will be no formal wake, we welcome you to join the family after the service at The Onslow Arms, just a five-minute drive from the burial ground: The St, West Clandon, Surrey GU4 7TE
We hope to arrange a second memorial service in London at a later date to honor Sohrab’s remarkable life and legacy.
To help us plan, we would be grateful if you could kindly RSVP. Thank you for your support during this time.
Location
Clandon Wood Natural Burial Ground
Date/time
Thursday November 28th 1pm
RSVP
Donate
£ 50
Raised by 1 people
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Sohrab’s memory by contributing to St John’s Hospice, Charity London. Their exceptional care brought comfort and peace to Dad during his final days. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, supporting their vital work and ensuring others receive the same compassionate care. Thank you for helping us celebrate Sohrab’s life in such a heartfelt way.
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