Crown Estate Redevelopment Dispute: The iconic Michelin-starred Veeraswamy battles for survival as a high court fight looms over lease renewal and royal property upgrades
Veeraswamy, the legendary Indian restaurant nestled near London’s Piccadilly Circus, is fighting to avoid closure just shy of its centenary. Opened in April 1926, the same day Queen Elizabeth II was born, Veeraswamy has served generations of royals, celebrities, and London food lovers — from Marlon Brando to the Queen herself, reported theguardian.com.
Despite weathering world wars, changing culinary tastes, and the fierce London dining scene, its future now hangs in the balance. The Crown Estate, which owns the historic Victory House building that houses Veeraswamy, has declined to extend the restaurant’s lease, citing plans to refurbish and modernize the office spaces above — a move that would see the restaurant’s entrance demolished for an 11-square-metre office lobby expansion.
Veeraswamy’s legacy of nearly 100 years is under threat as modern commercial ambitions clash with London’s culinary history.
Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani has filed objections and plans to take the dispute to the high court, arguing that Veeraswamy is more than just a restaurant — it’s a living piece of British-Indian heritage. He expressed disappointment, stating, “The royal family believe in living history, and that’s what this restaurant is. I think they would be disheartened to know an institution bearing their name could be treated so heartlessly.”
The restaurant, known for dishes like patiala shahi raan en croute — a Welsh lamb shank slow-cooked for six hours, wrapped in pastry, and finished in a tandoor — has evolved over the decades while retaining its deep historical roots. Originally founded by Edward Palmer, the great-grandson of a British colonial official, Veeraswamy was envisioned as an educational bridge for Londoners to experience authentic Indian cuisine. It has weathered economic downturns, ownership changes, and in 2016, it earned the prestigious Michelin star.
The Crown Estate, which manages properties on behalf of the monarchy, stated that a “comprehensive refurbishment” of Victory House was necessary and the restaurant’s lease could not be renewed due to the limitations of the listed building. For now, the fate of London’s oldest Indian restaurant rests with the high court — and the weight of its history.
