Veeraswamy, Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, is at risk of closing after a legal dispute with its landlord, the Crown Estate. Supporters have taken a petition to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace asking for symbolic backing to preserve the historic Regent Street establishment.
Founded in 1926 by Edward Palmer, a former Anglo-Indian army officer, Veeraswamy helped introduce fine Indian dining to Britain. Known for its lavish interiors and formal service, it has hosted diplomats, politicians and visiting dignitaries. The restaurant twice catered for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace: in 2009 for an Indian presidential state visit and in 2017 to mark 70 years of Indian independence.
The conflict began when the Crown Estate announced plans to modernise Victory House, the Grade II-listed building that houses Veeraswamy. Planning documents say proposed changes to the entrance would render the restaurant inaccessible. The Crown Estate argues the refurbishment is needed to update the building and make full use of the property, and says it has offered financial compensation and help finding alternative West End premises.
Co-owners Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi allege the Crown Estate has “shifted the reasons” for eviction and has refused to compromise. Their petition, supported by chefs including Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux and Richard Corrigan, has more than 20,000 verified signatures. Buckingham Palace has said the issue is for the Crown Estate and that the monarch has no authority over commercial leasing decisions.
