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Indian Restaurant Founder Battles Eviction Over Lease Dispute
7 Oct
Summary
- Veeraswamy founder accuses Crown Estate of projecting European cuisine superiority.
- Michelin-starred eatery faces eviction from its Regent Street address.
- Restaurateur claims Crown Estate is 'obdurate and unyielding' in negotiations.
Ranjit Mathrani, founder of Veeraswamy, Britain's oldest Indian restaurant, has initiated legal action against the Crown Estate. The dispute centers on the potential eviction of the Michelin-starred eatery from its prominent Regent Street address in London. Mathrani alleges the Crown Estate is attempting to displace the restaurant, implying a bias favouring European cuisine.
Mathrani contends that the Crown Estate does not regard Indian culinary traditions as equivalent in importance or sophistication to French food. He argues that the Crown Estate's decision to refuse a lease extension for the 100-year-old institution, citing the need to refurbish Victory House, overlooks the restaurant's cultural and gastronomic significance. Mathrani expressed that he had sought to compromise, but the Crown Estate remained inflexible.
Veeraswamy has a storied past, with notable patrons including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The restaurant also holds the distinction of catering for Queen Elizabeth II twice at Buckingham Palace, a rare occurrence for an outside caterer. A spokesperson for The Crown Estate denied any bias, stating that the decision was due to the building's poor condition and offered MW Eat assistance in finding new premises and financial compensation.
