Veeraswamy, the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, is taking the crown estate to court this month as it faces eviction after a century on Regent Street in London. The Michelin-starred establishment, which opened in April 1926 and survived the Blitz, now faces closure as King Charles’s property portfolio refuses to renew its £205,000-a-year lease.
Historic restaurant’s legacy
The restaurant has served notable guests including Winston Churchill, Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Laurence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin, and Queen Elizabeth II. Its menu was created by Indian-born Edward Palmer, inspired by recipes from the royal palace of Hyderabad. It is even claimed that the tradition of having a pint with a curry in England began at Veeraswamy. The king of Denmark reportedly visited whenever in London and kept a cask of Carlsberg beer stored there.
Legal battle over lease renewal
The crown estate declined to renew the lease last year, leading to a year-long legal battle. The case will be heard at central London county court starting 29 June. The estate wants to carry out a “comprehensive refurbishment” of upper-floor offices, empty since a 2023 flood, which would involve knocking down the wall separating the restaurant’s entrance from the offices to create a larger reception area, increasing rents. The restaurant’s owners argue the works can be done without eviction.
Ranjit Mathrani, co-owner of parent company MW Eat, stated in a witness statement: “It is well within the competence of many reputable contractors to deliver the defendant’s programme of works in a manner which could accommodate the restaurant business.” The restaurant proposed sharing the entrance and matching increased rents, but the estate declined.
Compensation and campaign
A crown estate spokesperson said: “This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. We need to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House… We have offered help to find new premises… as well as financial compensation.” However, Mathrani, 83, called this “disingenuous”, noting the £5m relocation cost versus a fraction offered in compensation. A petition to keep Veeraswamy in its original premises has garnered 20,000 signatures, delivered to Buckingham Palace in February.
The crown estate added: “With external advice, we have reviewed alternative proposals… and unfortunately there isn’t an alternate scheme which meets our responsibilities as stewards of this heritage listed building.”
