Veeraswamy, the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, has appealed to King Charles III for intervention to save it from closure. Established in 1926 in London’s Regent Street, the iconic eatery faces eviction due to rising rents and redevelopment pressures. The plea underscores its cultural significance and historic legacy in Britain.
On February 25, 2026, Veeraswamy, widely recognized as the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, made a public appeal to King Charles III to help prevent its closure. The restaurant, which has served dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities for nearly a century, is under threat due to spiraling rents and redevelopment plans in Regent Street.
Founded in 1926 by Edward Palmer, Veeraswamy introduced authentic Indian cuisine to Britain and has since become a culinary landmark, blending tradition with fine dining. The management argues that losing the restaurant would mean erasing a vital part of Britain’s multicultural heritage.
The appeal to the King highlights the symbolic importance of Veeraswamy as a bridge between India and the UK, reflecting shared history and cultural exchange.
Major Takeaways
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Veeraswamy, UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, appeals to King Charles III
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Established in 1926, located on Regent Street, London
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Faces closure due to rising rents and redevelopment pressures
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Historic eatery has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and global celebrities
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Management stresses cultural and heritage significance of the restaurant
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Closure would mark loss of a century-old culinary institution
Conclusion
The plea to King Charles III underscores the urgency of preserving Veeraswamy, not just as a restaurant but as a living cultural institution. Its survival would safeguard a century of culinary heritage and continue to symbolize the enduring ties between India and Britain.
Sources: The Guardian, BBC News, The Independent