The owners of London’s oldest Indian restaurant are appealing to King Charles III for intervention as they face potential closure after a rent dispute with the Crown Estate. Veeraswamy, which has operated on Regent Street for a century, finds itself at risk of losing its historic location despite having twice catered events at Buckingham Palace for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Restaurant co-owner Ranjit Mathrani expressed frustration with the negotiations, stating that he felt “100 years of history is being relegated to the dustbin,” according to recent reports. He described the Crown Estate as “like a brick wall covered with polystyrene politeness” and called for the King to persuade the organization to engage in reasonable discussions with the restaurant’s management.
Historic Restaurant Faces Uncertain Future on Regent Street
Veeraswamy has been a fixture of London’s dining scene since its establishment on the prestigious Regent Street. The restaurant’s co-owner, Namita Panjabi, emphasized the establishment’s royal connections and long-standing presence in the area. She noted that Veeraswamy stands alongside Hamleys and Liberty as one of the oldest tenants on Regent Street, highlighting the restaurant’s significant historical footprint in the capital.
The dispute centers on rent negotiations between the restaurant owners and the Crown Estate, the property portfolio belonging to the monarchy but managed independently. According to Panjabi, the restaurant catered at Buckingham Palace in 2009 when the president of India visited and again in 2017 when India celebrated its 70th year of independence. These royal endorsements make the current situation particularly poignant for the owners.
Royal Connections and Cultural Significance
The restaurant’s association with British royalty extends beyond simple tenancy. Having served the late Queen on multiple occasions for significant diplomatic events involving India demonstrates Veeraswamy’s role in British-Indian cultural relations. However, these connections have apparently not influenced the ongoing rent negotiations with the Crown Estate.
The Crown Estate operates as an independent commercial enterprise, despite its historical ties to the monarchy. Its portfolio includes some of London’s most valuable real estate, including substantial holdings on Regent Street. The organization has not publicly commented on the specific details of the rent dispute with the historic Indian restaurant.
Appeal to King Charles Amid Rent Dispute
Mathrani’s direct appeal to King Charles represents an unusual step in what would typically be a commercial negotiation. The restaurant owner specifically requested that the King persuade the Crown Estate to engage in meaningful dialogue. Nevertheless, the separation between the Crown Estate’s commercial operations and the monarch’s personal involvement in such matters remains clearly defined under current arrangements.
The potential closure of Veeraswamy would mark the end of a century-long chapter in London’s culinary history. The restaurant has served generations of diners and maintained its position as a cultural landmark connecting British and Indian gastronomic traditions. Additionally, its location on Regent Street has made it a destination for both locals and international visitors seeking authentic Indian cuisine in a historic setting.
Authorities have not confirmed whether any intervention from royal circles is being considered or if the Crown Estate has responded to the owners’ public appeal. The timeline for resolving the rent dispute remains uncertain, and it is unclear what steps might be taken to preserve the restaurant’s century-long presence on Regent Street if negotiations do not progress favorably.
