Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant and holder of one Michelin star, faces eviction from its Regent Street premises after 100 years. The Crown Estate, which manages the monarchy's property portfolio, notified owner MW Eat in 2024 that the lease would not be renewed due to a "comprehensive refurbishment" of Victory House. Ranjit Mathrani, chair of MW Eat, argues the landlord would show greater respect if the restaurant served more traditionally British cuisine, questioning, "Would they have done that to Gordon Ramsay? No." The Crown Estate insists it values diverse dining options and wants to convert the space into a reception area.
MW Eat has offered to pay equivalent office rents or purchase a 35-year lease to fund refurbishments, but the estate rejected these proposals, citing legal obligations as stewards of a heritage-listed building. Mathrani claims the estate offered £500,000 in compensation, just 20 percent above the statutory amount, far short of the £5 million needed to relocate. The restaurant has gathered over 20,000 signatures for a petition presented to Buckingham Palace, supported by chefs like Michel Roux Jr and Tom Aikens.
The court battle hinges on the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, with The Crown Estate citing need for access to carry out works. Mathrani and MW Eat, recently bought by Canadian group Fairfax, vow to contest the eviction to preserve the restaurant's culinary heritage.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing