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Over the years, Veeraswamy has built a remarkable legacy. It has catered at Buckingham Palace for visiting Indian dignitaries and, in 2017, was awarded its first Michelin star, an honour it continues to hold
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As public support continues to grow, many hope that this iconic restaurant will be allowed to enter its second century, preserving a vital piece of Britain’s shared cultural heritage
Veeraswamy, the United Kingdom’s oldest surviving Indian restaurant, is facing an uncertain future as a lease dispute threatens to close the landmark eatery just months before it marks 100 years of service. Founded in 1926, the restaurant is located on Regent Street in central London and has long been regarded as a symbol of India’s culinary influence in Britain.
Reports of the possible shutdown have triggered a strong public response. Loyal customers, chefs, historians and members of the Indian diaspora have taken to social media to share personal memories of dining at Veeraswamy, describing it as a place that shaped their understanding of Indian food and culture in the UK. In a striking gesture, supporters have also delivered letters to the gates of Buckingham Palace, urging intervention to save the historic establishment.
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Campaigners say the closure of Veeraswamy would be a cultural loss, not just for London but for Britain’s wider multicultural story
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They argue that the restaurant represents decades of Indo-British ties, having introduced generations of diners to Indian cuisine at a time when such food was still unfamiliar to many in the UK
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The timing has added urgency to the campaign, with Veeraswamy due to celebrate its centenary in March 2026
More than 18,000 people have reportedly signed a petition calling on authorities and stakeholders to protect the restaurant from closure. The campaign has attracted backing from well-known chefs, food writers and long-standing patrons, all of whom stress that Veeraswamy is far more than a commercial business.
Over the years, Veeraswamy has built a remarkable legacy. It has catered at Buckingham Palace for visiting Indian dignitaries and, in 2017, was awarded its first Michelin star, an honour it continues to hold. As public support continues to grow, many hope that this iconic restaurant will be allowed to enter its second century, preserving a vital piece of Britain’s shared cultural heritage.
