London's Oldest Indian Restaurant Faces the Axe, and the Royal Family's Property Empire Is Behind It

Veeraswamy, the oldest Indian restaurant in London, is fighting to save its historic Regent Street premises after the Crown Estate, the independent property portfolio held by the monarch, declined to renew its lease. The dispute, now headed for a five-day legal hearing, has turned a routine refurbishment plan into a closely watched battle over heritage, compensation, and the future of one of Britain's most storied dining institutions.

What Is Happening to London's Oldest Indian Restaurant?

Veeraswamy, which has served curries on Regent Street since 1926, is facing eviction after the Crown Estate refused to renew its lease last year. The case could see the restaurant's premises at Victory House converted into office space.

Why Does the Crown Estate Want Veeraswamy Out?

According to the Crown Estate, the upper-floor offices at Victory House have remained vacant since a 2023 flood disrupted their power supply. As part of its refurbishment plans, the estate wants to remove the wall separating Veeraswamy's entrance from the office entrance to create a larger shared reception, a change it says would let it charge significantly higher rent.

Can the Refurbishment Go Ahead Without an Eviction?

MW Eat, Veeraswamy's parent company, argues it can. Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani said reputable contractors regularly complete similar refurbishments across the UK without displacing existing tenants, as per The Indian Express. The restaurant has offered to share the expanded entrance and match higher office rents, but the Crown Estate declined both proposals.

What Compensation Is Being Offered, and Is It Enough?

MW Eat estimates relocation, refitting, and closure costs at around five million pounds. According to MW Eat, the Crown Estate's compensation offer covers only a fraction of this amount.

Who Has Dined at Veeraswamy Over the Past Century?

The restaurant's guest list reportedly includes Winston Churchill, Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Laurence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin, and Queen Elizabeth II. Its menu, created by Edward Palmer, drew on recipes from the royal palace of Hyderabad.

How Has the Public Responded to the Eviction Battle?

A petition urging the Crown Estate to let Veeraswamy stay gathered 20,000 signatures and was delivered to Buckingham Palace in February, drawing support from chefs and critics.

What Has the Crown Estate Said in Its Defence?

According to the Indian Express, the Crown Estate said it had reviewed alternative proposals but found none that met its heritage, legal, and financial obligations, while offering help finding new premises and compensation.

What Happens Next for Veeraswamy?

MW Eat presents its case from June 29, in a hearing that will determine whether London's oldest Indian restaurant remains on Regent Street.

(With inputs from yMedia)