UPDATE: London’s iconic Veeraswamy Restaurant is fighting for its survival as landlord The Crown Estate plans to convert its historic premises on Regent Street into office space, threatening its 100-year legacy. The restaurant, which opened in 1926, is set to celebrate its centennial next year.
With a rich history of serving notable figures like Charlie Chaplin and Mahatma Gandhi, the Michelin-starred venue is now in urgent legal battles to preserve its future. The Crown Estate’s recent announcement has sent shockwaves through London’s culinary community, prompting celebrity chefs including Raymond Blanc and Michel Roux Jr. to sign an open letter urging the landlord to engage in a “meaningful debate” to save the restaurant.
The chefs describe the proposed office conversion as a “sacrilege,” warning it would lead to a “profound loss” for London’s vibrant restaurant scene and tourism. They emphasize that heritage cannot be relocated, and keeping Veeraswamy alive is crucial for maintaining London’s reputation as a top dining destination.
Ranjit Mathrani, chairman of MW Eat, which manages the restaurant, expressed his dismay at the Crown Estate’s plans. Just a year ago, he was invited to expand within the building, highlighting the abrupt shift in the landlord’s intentions. The Crown Estate began renovations in 2023, impacting the restaurant’s operations as it continues functioning under a separate power supply.
The proposed renovations would eliminate the wall separating Veeraswamy from the new office entrance, effectively ending its operations. Mathrani has sought compromise but claims the Crown Estate has shown an “uncompromising refusal” to consider alternatives. He informed the court of his willingness to match the new office tenants’ rental fees of approximately £205,000 annually.
A court hearing to determine Veeraswamy’s fate is scheduled for spring or early summer 2024. Should the restaurant prevail, it could secure an additional 14 years on its lease. Until then, Veeraswamy plans to continue serving customers, emphasizing its dedication to maintaining its historic presence.
The Crown Estate, which manages properties on behalf of the King, stated that the refurbishment is necessary to bring the building up to modern standards. They acknowledged the challenges faced by MW Eat and indicated a willingness to assist in finding alternative premises within their portfolio.
As the situation develops, the culinary community and patrons alike are rallying to preserve this historic establishment. The next few months will be critical in determining whether one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants can continue its legacy in the heart of the city.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation and the fight to save Veeraswamy.
