'Save Veeraswamy': World's Oldest Indian Restaurant Sends SOS To India As London Landmark Faces Eviction
'Save Veeraswamy': World's Oldest Indian Restaurant Sends SOS To India As London Landmark Faces Eviction Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 16:15 IST Veeraswamy
'Save Veeraswamy': World's Oldest Indian Restaurant Sends SOS To India As London Landmark Faces Eviction Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 16:15 IST Veeraswamy, a historic Michelin starred Indian restaurant in London, faces eviction as Crown Estate refuses lease renewal, dispute heads to court, owners seek India's help.. Veeraswamy, a historic Michelin starred Indian restaurant in London, faces eviction as Crown Estate refuses lease renewal, dispute heads to court. (Image: Wiki) Veeraswamy, one of the world’s oldest Indian restaurants and a landmark of Indian cuisine in the UK, has appealed to the Indian government to intervene in a dispute that could force it to leave its historic London location after nearly a century. The Michelin-starred restaurant, located at Victory House on Regent Street since 1926, is facing the prospect of eviction after its landlord, the Crown Estate, declined to renew its lease, citing plans for a major refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building. The restaurant’s owners say the move threatens a significant piece of Indian heritage in Britain and comes at a time when India and the UK are deepening economic and cultural ties.
Appeal To New Delhi Ranjit Mathrani, co-owner of Veeraswamy’s parent group MW Eat, urged the Indian government to step in on behalf of what he described as a symbol of India’s culinary soft power abroad. “Even at this late stage, we would urge the government of India to consider intervening on behalf of Indian cuisine — the country’s soft power in the UK," Mathrani said. He argued that the possible closure of the restaurant’s historic premises would be particularly disappointing given the strengthening India-UK relationship and the impending implementation of the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement. “Veeraswamy is a shining example of culinary expertise exported out of India," he said. Century Of History Founded in March 1926, Veeraswamy is regarded as one of the oldest surviving Indian restaurants in the world. Over the decades, it has welcomed royalty, political leaders, celebrities and international dignitaries. Historical records show that Mahatma Gandhi visited the restaurant during his time in London. The establishment recently celebrated its centenary year and remains one of the most recognisable names associated with Indian cuisine in Britain.
Legal Battle Looms The dispute is now heading to court, with a five-day hearing scheduled at Central London County Court beginning June 29. MW Eat says it has proposed several alternatives that would allow the restaurant to remain at Victory House while refurbishment work is carried out. According to the company, these proposals included overseeing renovation works and matching the rental income expected from alternative commercial uses of the property. The restaurant’s management also argues that heritage and historical significance cannot simply be relocated. “Heritage cannot be relocated, nor can history be replaced," Mathrani said. Crown Estate Defends Decision The Crown Estate, which manages properties belonging to the British monarch’s estate and returns profits to the UK Treasury, said the decision was not taken lightly. According to the Crown Estate, Victory House requires a comprehensive refurbishment to bring the building up to modern standards and ensure its long-term viability. Officials said alternative options proposed by Veeraswamy had been reviewed but did not meet the organisation’s legal and financial responsibilities. The Crown Estate also said it had offered assistance in finding alternative premises within its portfolio as well as financial compensation.
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