London's Historic Indian Restaurant Celebrates 100 Years Amid Closure Threat
Veeraswamy, the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant situated in central London, has been cherished by celebrities, royalty, and everyday Britons for an entire century. Established in 1926 on Regent Street, this iconic eatery is widely recognized as the oldest Indian restaurant not only in Britain but across the globe. It is credited with igniting Britain's enduring passion for pairing beer with curry, becoming a cultural landmark over the decades.
A Royal and Celebrity Favourite Through the Ages
The restaurant's storied history includes serving notable figures such as Prince Axel of Denmark, who famously brought his own keg of Carlsberg lager to accompany his duck vindaloo. This preference led Veeraswamy to begin importing Carlsberg, making it a staple for diners. Over the years, the establishment has hosted an array of distinguished guests, from Princess Anne and Lord David Cameron to King Abdullah of Jordan, alongside historical icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin.
Lease Dispute Puts Future in Jeopardy
Despite its celebrated legacy, Veeraswamy's future is now uncertain due to a conflict with the King's property portfolio, the Crown Estate, which owns the building housing the restaurant. The Crown Estate has informed the owners that the lease will not be renewed, a decision that came as a shock to 82-year-old owner Ranjit Mathrani. He expressed being blindsided by the move, especially after reportedly being asked about expanding into additional space just the prior year.
Mathrani described the decision as coming "out of the blue" and criticized it as "short-sighted," urging King Charles to intervene and save the restaurant "from extinction." The Crown Estate has stated that the space is needed to upgrade the office entrance for the upper floors, emphasizing that this was not a decision taken lightly.
Public Outcry and Centenary Celebrations
In February of this year, fans launched a petition to Buckingham Palace, garnering over 20,000 signatures, including support from renowned chefs like Michel Roux. The petition calls on the King to reverse the Crown Estate's decision, highlighting Veeraswamy's role as a symbol of Indo-British cultural connection and one of the oldest rent-paying tenants on Regent Street. Legal steps have been taken to protect the location, but the outcome remains uncertain until July 2026, with the risk of closure looming large.
Amidst these challenges, Veeraswamy is celebrating its centenary in style. The restaurant has introduced a special "nostalgia menu" launched on 26 March 2026, featuring dishes from its original 1926 menu, such as Anglo-Indian Mulligatawny soup, Hyderabadi lamb salan curry, Ceylon prawn curry, and a trio of classic desserts. The opulent interiors, including the Regency Room with artefacts and the Paisley Room nodding to the 1920s, continue to offer a glamorous dining experience overlooking Regent Street.
Cultural Impact and Customer Sentiment
Veeraswamy is renowned for its slow-cooked dishes, like the Kashmiri rogan josh, and has become a beloved institution for generations of families. Customers have expressed deep disappointment at the potential closure, with many sharing heartfelt stories on social media. One Instagram user noted, "Veeraswamy means so much to the fabric of our culture in London and the UK," while another lamented, "I'll be heartbroken if it closes." These sentiments underscore the restaurant's enduring significance as a cultural touchstone in British society.
