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Iconic Indian Restaurant Faces Eviction
15 Jun
Summary
- Veeraswamy, London's oldest Indian restaurant, faces eviction from Regent Street.
- The Crown Estate seeks to refurbish the building, blocking the restaurant's entrance.
- A court hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026, to decide the restaurant's fate.
Britain's oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, is in a legal fight to remain on London's Regent Street. The establishment, operating since 1926 in Victory House, faces eviction as its lease renewal has been denied by the Crown Estate.
The Crown Estate claims the building requires comprehensive refurbishment. Plans submitted to Westminster City Council involve altering the Swallow Street entrance, which would block access to the restaurant. This move has been met with strong opposition from the restaurant's owners.
Veeraswamy has proposed sharing the main entrance and matching potential new tenant rents, but these offers were rejected. The restaurant's parent company has described the situation as 'cultural philistinism.'
A five-day court hearing is scheduled to begin on June 29, 2026, at the county court in central London to resolve the dispute. The Crown Estate has offered assistance in finding new premises and financial compensation.
