Will Iconic Veeraswamy Restaurant Survive the Battle for Its London Lease?

Veeraswamy, one of the oldest Indian restaurants in the world, is facing a potential eviction from its iconic London location. The Michelin-starred establishment, which recently celebrated its centenary, is appealing to the Indian government for intervention as it prepares for a legal battle over its lease. The Crown Estate, the landlord, cites extensive refurbishment needs as the reason for not renewing the lease. With a significant online petition supporting its cause, the restaurant's owners argue that losing this piece of culinary heritage would be a blow to Indian culture in the UK. As the hearing date approaches, the future of Veeraswamy hangs in the balance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 15:58 IST

Historic Veeraswamy Restaurant Faces Lease Crisis

London: The renowned Veeraswamy, recognized as one of the oldest Indian restaurants globally, has reached out to the Indian government for assistance in its struggle against eviction from its historic London site, a place that once hosted Mahatma Gandhi.

This Michelin-starred establishment, which marked its centenary in March 2026 at Victory House on Regent Street, is gearing up for a legal confrontation regarding its lease at the end of this month.

The landlord, the Crown Estate, has stated that extensive refurbishment needs prevent them from renewing the lease for this iconic restaurant.

Ranjit Mathrani of MW Eat, the restaurant's parent company, has urged the Indian government to step in, emphasizing the importance of Indian cuisine as a form of soft power in the UK.

He expressed concern that losing this piece of Indian heritage would be disheartening, especially in light of the strengthening India-UK relations and the upcoming Free Trade Agreement.

Mathrani highlighted that Veeraswamy exemplifies the culinary talent that India has shared with the world.

This recent plea follows a significant online petition with over 20,000 signatures, which was presented to King Charles III in February, advocating for the preservation of Veeraswamy.

Victory House is part of the British monarchy's real estate, with the Crown Estate responsible for its management and profitability for the UK Treasury.

Mathrani noted that the restaurant has welcomed notable guests, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and other royal figures, asserting that heritage cannot simply be moved or replaced.

MW Eat has proposed several viable options to the Crown Estate to retain the restaurant at its current location, including offering to manage the necessary refurbishment and matching the rent expected from converting the building into office spaces.

The company disputes the financial claims made by the Crown Estate, arguing that the ongoing dispute is costing British taxpayers millions in lost rent and legal expenses.

A five-day hearing regarding MW Eat's tenancy rights is set to take place at Central London County Court starting June 29.

The Crown Estate has stated that the decision regarding the lease renewal was not made lightly, noting that the building's Grade II heritage status complicates refurbishment options.

A spokesperson for the Crown Estate mentioned the need for a thorough refurbishment of Victory House to meet modern standards and ensure full utilization.

They acknowledged the disappointment felt by MW Eat and offered assistance in finding alternative locations within their portfolio for the restaurant to remain in the West End, along with financial compensation.

The Crown Estate emphasized its obligation to manage its properties responsibly to generate long-term value for the UK and contribute profits to the government for public expenditure.

They also indicated that they had considered alternative proposals, including those from MW Eat, but found none that fulfilled their responsibilities as stewards of this heritage-listed site.