A legal and branding dispute has erupted between Arshad Khan, popularly known as the blue-eyed “Chaiwala,” and London-based businessman Nadir Durrani, who helped bring the Café Chaiwala brand to the United Kingdom.
The disagreement centres on intellectual property rights, payment issues, and the use of the Chaiwala name, with both sides presenting contrasting accounts of the franchise’s operations and ownership.
Arshad Khan gained international fame in 2016 when his photo making tea at a stall in Islamabad went viral. In 2020, he launched the original Chaiwala Café in Pakistan, later granting UK master franchise rights in 2021 to Nadir and Yawar Akbar Durrani under a 10-outlet agreement.
The partnership saw branches open in East London’s Ilford Lane in 2023 and in Tooting, South London, in early 2025. However, relations soured amid disputes over operational support and royalty payments.
Nadir Durrani confirmed that the UK team has now terminated its contract with Arshad Khan’s representatives, adding that they plan to rebrand under a new name and open a new branch in Slough soon.
He alleged that the UK venture received no operational or marketing assistance from the franchisor and had to develop everything independently — from branding to recipes — despite paying royalties. “Our cafés’ success is a result of our own dedication and creativity,” Nadir stated.
Arshad Khan, meanwhile, claimed that he has not received royalties for over 10 months and accused his former partners of continuing to use his brand name while removing his personal identity from it.
He said he has hired solicitors to pursue legal action and intends to travel to London now that his CNIC issue has been resolved. Kazim Hasan, identified as the franchisor, maintained that ownership of the brand remains under his company’s franchise rights.
