100 Years Of 'Veeraswamy': Will King Charles Step In To Save London's Oldest Indian Restaurant?

A historic Indian restaurant that has stood for nearly a century in the heart of London is facing an uncertain future, triggering concern among food lovers and cultural historians alike. Located on Regent Street, Veeraswamy, one of the oldest surviving Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom, has been serving Indian cuisine since 1926. As the restaurant approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, it now faces the possibility of being forced out of its current premises due to redevelopment plans for the building. (News18 Tamil)

The restaurant traces its origins to the Madras Presidency of British India. Its founder, Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian officer, had earlier exported Madras curry powder from Chennai to London in 1896. When Veeraswamy opened its doors three decades later, dishes such as Madras Chicken Curry became central to the menu, and early kitchen instructions even included Tamil culinary terms. (News18 Tamil)

Palmer chose the name "Veeraswamy" to symbolise a meeting point of cultures. By giving the establishment a Tamil name, he sought to introduce UK's upper classes to the flavours and traditions of a Madras kitchen. Over the decades, the restaurant came to represent a unique blend of Indian and British culinary heritage and is widely seen as a symbol of Anglo-Indian food culture. (News18 Tamil)

However, the future of this historic institution is now in doubt. The Crown Estate, which owns the building housing the restaurant, has declined to renew its lease, citing plans to renovate the property and convert parts of it into office spaces. (News18 Tamil)

The development has sparked widespread public reaction. More than 18,000 people have signed a petition urging authorities to allow the restaurant to remain at its present location. Campaigners say the petition will be presented to Buckingham Palace, with supporters calling on King Charles III to intervene and help preserve what they describe as a "living cultural treasure". (News18 Tamil)

Veeraswamy's history is closely intertwined with London's own story. The restaurant reportedly continued serving customers even during the bombing of the city in World War II. Over the decades, it has welcomed an array of distinguished visitors, including historial figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. (News18 Tamil)

The restaurant also played a significant role in popularising Indian cuisine in Britain. It was among the first establishments to introduce the tandoor oven to London in the 1950s, and many food historians credit it with helping shape UK's now-famous curry culture. (News18 Tamil)

Leading figures from the culinary world have now joined efforts to save the restaurant. Prominent chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Richard Corrigan, have expressed support and are reportedly planning to use Veeraswamy’s centenary celebrations next March to highlight the campaign to preserve the landmark. (News18 Tamil)

While the Crown Estate has said it is willing to help the restaurant relocate to another site, its owners argue that the Regent Street premises are inseparable from the restaurant's identity. Campaigners warn that London has already lost several historic institutions in recent years, including the well-known India Club, and say Veeraswamy should not meet the same fate. (News18 Tamil)