King Charles Urged To Save Veeraswamy, UK’s Oldest Indian Restaurant

Veeraswamy, the UK’s oldest surviving Indian restaurant, is facing closure after nearly a century of service. Established in 1926 on Regent Street, the Michelin-starred restaurant is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next month. However, the Crown Estate, which owns the property, has refused to renew its lease, sparking widespread concern.  

Campaigners have delivered a petition with more than 20,000 signatures to Buckingham Palace, urging King Charles to intervene. The petition has garnered support from celebrity chefs including Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux, and Richard Corrigan, who argue that Veeraswamy represents a vital piece of London’s cultural and culinary heritage.  

Owners Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi, who have managed the restaurant since 1997, expressed devastation at the decision, warning that the closure would erase a historic institution that has been central to the UK’s Indian dining scene for generations.  

Key Highlights  

• Veeraswamy, founded in 1926, faces closure as lease expires in June  
• Crown Estate refuses to renew lease despite upcoming centenary celebrations  
• Over 20,000 signatures delivered to Buckingham Palace urging King Charles’ intervention  
• Celebrity chefs join campaign to save the Michelin-starred restaurant  
• Owners fear loss of cultural and culinary heritage if closure proceeds  

Strategic Impact  
The potential closure of Veeraswamy underscores tensions between heritage preservation and commercial property decisions. Analysts note that saving the restaurant would not only protect a historic institution but also reaffirm the UK’s commitment to multiculturalism and culinary diversity. The outcome now hinges on whether royal influence or public pressure can sway the Crown Estate’s decision.  

Sources: Firstpost, Evening Standard, Times of India