Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant Veeraswamy faces closure after nearly 100 years

Veeraswamy, London’s oldest Indian restaurant, is now facing uncertainty after almost a century of serving authentic Indian cuisine to British diners. Founded in 1926, the restaurant became a landmark in the United Kingdom for introducing Indian flavours long before Indian food became widely popular. With royal patrons, a Michelin star, and decades of culinary prestige, Veeraswamy has become a symbol of Britain’s multicultural food culture.

The restaurant’s co-owner, Ranjit Mathrani, has raised concerns over the lease dispute with the Crown Estate, which owns the building on Regent Street where Veeraswamy operates. The Crown Estate reportedly decided not to renew the lease, planning to redevelop the building and expand office spaces above the restaurant. If the lease is not renewed, the historic restaurant could be forced to vacate its location, putting a nearly 100-year-old culinary legacy at risk.

Veeraswamy’s rich history and cultural significance

Veeraswamy was established by Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian entrepreneur with royal Indian lineage. The restaurant originally served Anglo-Indian dishes that were popular during the British Raj. Over the decades, Veeraswamy expanded its menu to include authentic cuisine from various regions of India, including Punjab, Kashmir, and other states.

The restaurant’s reputation grew steadily. It has hosted royalty, politicians, and celebrities over the years. In 2016, Veeraswamy was awarded a Michelin star, cementing its place as one of the finest Indian restaurants in Britain. For many, the restaurant represents more than food; it is a cultural bridge between India and the UK, showcasing India’s culinary heritage to international audiences.

Veeraswamy also played a key role in familiarising British diners with authentic Indian dishes at a time when Indian cuisine was not widely known in the country. The restaurant has become a historic institution, deeply ingrained in London’s dining culture and valued for its unique contributions to multicultural cuisine.

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Lease dispute sparks public campaign

The current crisis began when the Crown Estate decided not to renew the lease for Veeraswamy. The restaurant’s owners argue that this decision overlooks its historical and cultural importance. They warn that eviction from Regent Street would be a major loss for Britain’s culinary heritage.

In response, supporters have launched a public petition appealing to King Charles III to intervene or encourage discussions with the Crown Estate. More than 20,000 people, including well-known chefs like Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux, and Richard Corrigan, have signed the petition. They emphasise Veeraswamy’s significance in promoting Indian cuisine and its role as a cultural icon.

While Buckingham Palace has clarified that the King cannot directly overturn the Crown Estate’s commercial decisions, campaigners hope his symbolic influence might help preserve the restaurant. Supporters continue to stress that Veeraswamy is more than just a dining spot—it represents nearly a century of cultural exchange, culinary excellence, and historical legacy in Britain.

Veeraswamy’s story reflects the broader journey of Indian cuisine in the UK, from a niche offering to a celebrated part of British culture. Preserving the restaurant is not only about keeping a business open; it is about safeguarding a vital piece of Britain’s multicultural history. The coming weeks will determine whether Veeraswamy can continue to operate in its historic location and remain a living symbol of Indo-British culinary heritage.