Veeraswamy faces possible closure because of its lease dispute with the Crown Estate as it approaches its centennial anniversary. The restaurant Veeraswamy opened its doors in 1926 when Queen Elizabeth II was born and has since welcomed Marlon Brando and the Queen to its premises while becoming a vital part of British-Indian gastronomic heritage.
The Crown Estate intends to renovate Victory House by taking back the restaurant entrance to create additional office space. The restaurant co-owner Ranjit Mathrani has initiated legal proceedings to stop the eviction because he considers Veeraswamy a “living history” establishment. According to Mathrani the royal family would not support this decision because it displays heartlessness toward a historic site that carries their name.
The restaurant Veeraswamy has endured wars and economic shifts but now faces extinction due to contemporary real estate interests. The Crown Estate asserts that the building’s listed status restricts possible office upgrades which would negatively affect the restaurant.
The restaurant receives widespread backing from customers who value its historical significance and its creative take on traditional cuisine. The supporters of Mathrani along with him seek court intervention to safeguard this British-Indian landmark from disappearing into historical records.
