Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant located on Regent Street, London, is challenging eviction after the Crown Estate declined to renew its lease last year [1, 2]. The restaurant, which opened in April 1926, has hosted notable guests including Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Marlon Brando, and Charlie Chaplin [1, 2].
The Crown Estate, owned by King Charles, plans to refurbish the offices above Veeraswamy that have been empty since 2023 after flood damage to the power supply [1, 2]. Part of the refurbishment involves knocking down the wall between the restaurant entrance and the offices to create a larger reception and converting the restaurant’s space into office space to increase rental income [1, 2].
The restaurant's parent company, MW Eat, along with co-owner Ranjit Mathrani, argues the refurbishment could occur without evicting Veeraswamy. Mathrani said, "It is well within the competence of many reputable contractors to deliver the defendant’s programme of works in a manner which could accommodate the restaurant business. This is a standard part of many similar refurbishments in London and elsewhere in the UK" [2]. MW Eat has offered to share the entrance area and match expected rent increases as part of the negotiations [1, 2]. Mathrani added, "We have really done all we can to answer all their concerns" [2].
Veeraswamy currently pays an annual lease cost of £205,000 for its space at Victory House [1]. The refusal by the Crown Estate to renew the lease in 2025 led to the ongoing legal battle [1]. A five-day hearing is scheduled at the central London county court starting June 29, 2026, where MW Eat will present its case against eviction [1, 2].
