A beloved London institution, Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, is facing potential closure after nearly a century of operation. Situated near Piccadilly Circus and boasting a Michelin star, the acclaimed eatery may be forced to relocate next summer due to a disagreement with its landlord, the Crown Estate.
Veeraswamy has been serving traditional curries since 1926 and has long been a favourite among dignitaries and celebrities; past patrons include Princess Anne, former Prime Minister Lord Cameron, and King Abdullah of Jordan.
The current dispute stems from the Crown Estate’s plans to renovate the entrance area of Victory House, the building that houses Veeraswamy, for new upper-floor offices. The renovation requires approximately 11 square meters of space currently occupied by the restaurant’s entrance.
“They don’t care a b****r for history,” stated Ranjit Mathrani, the 81-year-old owner and manager of Veeraswamy, expressing his surprise at the decision. He added that alternative locations within the building could have accommodated the new reception area.
Mathrani is now contesting the Crown Estate’s decision through legal action, seeking an extension to the lease. He has indicated a willingness to relocate the restaurant but insists on sufficient time – ideally two years – to identify and prepare a suitable new location.
As one delighted customer put it: “The best restaurant meal I have ever tasted.”
A spokesperson for the Crown Estate explained their position: “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. Due to the limited options available in this listed building we need to remove the entrance to the restaurant, which means we will not be able to offer Veeraswamy an extension when their lease expires.”
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