Veeraswamy, the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant renowned for its century-long presence on London's Regent Street, is embroiled in a significant legal dispute with the Crown Estate. The restaurant, which first opened its doors in April 1926, is challenging the Crown Estate's decision not to renew its £205,000-a-year lease, a move that could lead to its closure or relocation.
The central London county court is set to hear the case in a five-day hearing commencing on 29 June. The Crown Estate, which manages a vast portfolio of land and property on behalf of the reigning monarch, asserts that it needs to undertake a 'comprehensive refurbishment' of Victory House, the building housing Veeraswamy. This refurbishment reportedly aims to modernise the offices on the upper floors, which have been vacant since a 2023 flood. A key part of the plan involves knocking down a wall to create a larger reception for office tenants, potentially converting the restaurant's entrance area.
Veeraswamy, whose menu was originally crafted by Edward Palmer based on recipes from the royal palace of Hyderabad, boasts a rich history of distinguished diners, including Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, and Charlie Chaplin. Its owners, MW Eat, contend that the proposed works could be carried out without evicting the restaurant. Ranjit Mathrani, co-owner of MW Eat, stated in a witness statement that accommodating the restaurant during such works is 'well within the competence of many reputable contractors' and a 'standard part of many similar refurbishments in London'.
Despite Veeraswamy proposing to share a larger entrance with the office space and offering to match any increased rents the Crown Estate believes it could achieve from new tenants, these proposals were declined. A spokesperson for the Crown Estate clarified that while they understand the disappointment for MW Eat, the refurbishment is necessary to bring the building 'up to modern standards, and into full use'. They also mentioned offering assistance to find new premises within their portfolio in the West End, alongside financial compensation.
However, Mathrani, 83, described these claims as 'disingenuous', noting that while the restaurant was open to considering alternative premises, no suitable options had been presented. A significant point of contention is the estimated cost of relocating, fitting out a new site, and the closure period during the move, which MW Eat projects to be around £5 million. The restaurant's owners argue that the Crown Estate's compensation offer would cover only 'a fraction of these costs'. The outcome of this legal battle will determine the future of a significant piece of London's culinary and cultural heritage.