The oldest Indian restaurant in the UK is preparing to take legal action against the Crown Estate to retain its long-standing location on Regent Street in London. Veeraswamy, established in Victory House near Piccadilly Circus in 1926, faces possible eviction as the Crown Estate declined to extend its annual lease of £205,000 last year. Over the years, Veeraswamy has catered to notable figures such as Winston Churchill, Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Crown Estate intends to renovate the upper floors of the building following a basement flood in 2023, which did not affect the restaurant. Plans submitted to Westminster City Council reveal a proposal to merge Veeraswamy’s entrance with the office entrance, thus expanding the reception area for office occupants. This adjustment would allow the estate to significantly raise the rental fees for new lessees.
Ranjit Mathrani, co-owner of MW Eat, the parent company of Veeraswamy, expressed frustration with the Crown Estate’s lack of cooperation and willingness to close the restaurant temporarily for the refurbishment project. Despite Veeraswamy’s offer to share the entrance and match the prospective rent increase, the Crown Estate rejected the proposal.
The Crown Estate, which operates independently but is under the monarch’s ownership during their reign, owns a substantial property portfolio worth £15 billion across England, including prime locations in London. A spokesperson from the estate clarified that the refurbishment of Victory House aims to modernize the property and maximize its utility.
Acknowledging the impact on MW Eat, the Crown Estate has extended assistance in locating alternative premises within their portfolio and offering financial compensation to ensure the restaurant remains in the West End. The decision to not renew Veeraswamy’s lease was made after thorough consideration of various proposals, including those from MW Eat, to fulfill their obligations as custodians of the heritage-listed building and manage public funds responsibly.