The oldest Indian restaurant in the UK is gearing up for a legal battle against the Crown Estate to secure its place in its long-standing location on Regent Street in London.
Veeraswamy, which has been situated in Victory House near Piccadilly Circus since 1926, faces potential eviction following the Crown Estate’s decision not to extend its lease of £205,000 per year that was due for renewal last year. Known for its Michelin-starred cuisine, the restaurant has catered to renowned figures such as Winston Churchill, Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Laurence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The estate has expressed intentions to conduct a “comprehensive refurbishment” of the upper office space in the building, left vacant since a basement flood in 2023 that did not impact the restaurant.
Proposals submitted to Westminster City Council outline plans to reconfigure the entrance area, which would involve eliminating the partition separating Veeraswamy’s entrance from the office entrance to create a larger reception space for office tenants. This move is expected to enable the estate to significantly raise rental rates for new lessees, according to reports.
Ranjit Mathrani, co-owner of MW Eat, the parent company of Veeraswamy, criticized the Crown Estate for its lack of meaningful engagement and expressed a willingness to temporarily close the restaurant for refurbishment purposes.
Despite offering to share the expanded entrance and match the rental rates suggested by the Crown Estate, Veeraswamy’s proposals were declined, as reported by The Times.
The Crown Estate, operating as an independent entity but under the monarch’s ownership during their reign, manages a £15 billion property portfolio across England, including assets in London’s West End.
In response to the situation, an estate spokesperson emphasized the necessity of upgrading Victory House to modern standards and maximizing its utilization. While acknowledging the disappointment faced by MW Eat, the estate has extended support in locating new premises within its portfolio and providing financial compensation to ensure the restaurant’s continued presence in the West End.
The Crown Estate emphasized its commitment to managing its property holdings responsibly to create long-term value for the UK and contribute to public spending. The decision to not renew Veeraswamy’s lease was made after thorough evaluation of various proposals, including those from MW Eat, with a focus on preserving the heritage-listed building, adhering to legal obligations, and managing public funds effectively.
