Massive Public Appeal to Save London's Oldest Indian Restaurant
In a remarkable show of support for culinary heritage, approximately 20,000 individuals have signed a petition directed at King Charles III, imploring him to intervene and prevent the potential closure of the legendary Indian restaurant Veeraswamy in London. This Michelin-starred establishment, which first opened its doors in 1926, holds the distinguished title of being the oldest Indian restaurant in the United Kingdom. However, its future is now under serious threat due to a dispute with its landlord.
Lease Dispute and Legal Battle with the Crown Estate
The Crown Estate, which owns the building housing Veeraswamy, declined to renew the restaurant's lease last year, citing the necessity for extensive refurbishment of Victory House. This structure, where the restaurant is located, suffered significant damage from a flood in 2023 and is described as being in poor condition, requiring urgent renovation. The Crown Estate has already secured planning permission for a comprehensive refurbishment project that includes major upgrades to office spaces and an expansion of the entrance area. Unfortunately, these planned changes would involve the removal of Veeraswamy's current entrance, effectively forcing its closure.
In response, the co-owners of Veeraswamy, Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi, who acquired the restaurant in 1996, have initiated legal proceedings against the Crown Estate. Mathrani has stated, "If we are unable to reach an agreement, the matter will be resolved in the courts at about the end of June 2026." The restaurant is poised to celebrate its centenary in March, adding emotional weight to the campaign to preserve this historic institution.
Historical Significance and Celebrity Support
The petition specifically calls on King Charles to intercede with the Crown Commissioners and urges them to renew the lease to "protect a historic institution." Veeraswamy boasts a rich and illustrious history that underscores its cultural importance. It was founded by Edward Palmer, the great-grandson of General William Palmer, who served as private secretary to Warren Hastings, the first governor-general of Bengal. Palmer's wife was North Indian Mughal princess Bibi Faiz Bakhsh, linking the restaurant to royal lineages.
Over the decades, Veeraswamy has attracted a prestigious clientele, including notable figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Winston Churchill. The campaign to save the restaurant has also garnered support from renowned celebrity chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux, who have publicly backed efforts to preserve this culinary landmark.
Crown Estate's Position and Future Implications
A spokesperson for the Crown Estate explained their stance, saying, "We need to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House to both bring it up to modern standards, and into full use. We understand how disappointing this is for MW Eat and have offered help to find new premises on our portfolio as well as financial compensation." The spokesperson further emphasized that the Crown Estate has a statutory responsibility to manage its property to create long-term value for the UK and return its profit to the UK government for public spending.
This situation highlights the tension between preserving historical landmarks and pursuing modernization and economic efficiency. As the legal battle unfolds and the petition gains more signatures, the fate of Veeraswamy remains uncertain, symbolizing broader debates about heritage conservation in urban development.
