Veeraswamy, a celebrated Michelin-star diner and one of London’s most historically significant as the oldest Indian restaurant in existence in the UK, is locked in a fight for survival.
The Crown Estate, the landlords of Victory House which houses the eatery for nearly 100 years since April 1926, has decided not to renew the lease to carry out what it has dubbed a “comprehensive refurbishment” of the building. MW Eat, the company that owns Veeraswamy, has applied to the court to seek a renewal under its protected tenancy rights as the lease expiry date nears in June.
A petition launched on Change.Org as an appeal to King Charles to intervene has attracted nearly 12,000 signatures and counting.
The petition reads: “Veeraswamy has operated at the same premises from the time it opened it doors on 16 March 1926 the month before the birth date of the late Queen Elizabeth II. (We have owned the premises since 1997). In April next year, Veeraswamy will have achieved the very rare milestone of 100 years as a rent paying tenant to the Crown in the same premises.
“Unfortunately, the Crown Estate, our landlord, have unreasonably refused to extend Veeraswamy’s lease. This is ostensibly because they require the tiny 11 square metres of the restaurant entrance to extend their own entrance for the offices on the upper floors, and because planned refurbishment works in the upper floors would render the restaurant unable to operate.
“These arguments are flimsy. There are alternative reception areas and the work can be carried out elsewhere in the building whilst we are operating, as happened frequently.”
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It goes on to highlight the historic context of saving the restaurant from closure as:
It is widely regarded as one of the best Indian restaurants in the world.
It is a historic living institution
A landmark in the evolution of Indian food in Britain
Showcasing the ethnic gastronomic diversity of Regent Street, London
MW Eat has applied to the courts to extend the lease but a decision is not expected until summer 2026. Meanwhile, the company fears there is the serious risk of closure if this case does not succeed.
The Crown Estate said: “The Crown Estate has a duty to generate value for the nation, while acting as responsible stewards for this historic part of London. We need to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House. This includes a major upgrade to the offices and improving the entrance to make it more accessible.
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“We appreciate this is upsetting for Veeraswamy and have offered to help find new premises elsewhere on our portfolio having explored other options to accommodate their needs. Veeraswamy has been a valued part of Regent Street for many years. We thank them and their customers for their contributions to the West End.”
*Info: Help save Veeraswamy
