Veeraswamy Turns 100 Amid Ongoing Lease Dispute in London

The milestone comes amid an ongoing dispute over its lease at the same location, creating uncertainty around its continued presence at the site.

The Michelin-starred restaurant, which has hosted notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin, is observing the centenary with curated experiences, including the revival of dishes from its original menu. Staff are also presenting service in period uniforms to reflect its historical legacy.

However, the celebrations are taking place against the backdrop of the “Save Veeraswamy” campaign, which is seeking renewal of the restaurant’s lease from its landlord, The Crown Estate.

“If Veeraswamy can survive the (Second World War) Blitz, surely it can succeed in overturning an ill-considered redevelopment,” co-owners Ranjit Mathrani, Namita Panjabi, and Camellia Panjabi said in a joint statement.

“In an increasingly fractious and divided world, Veeraswamy survives as a beacon of civilisation, a place where people from all countries and all walks of life can meet and dine together in a spirit of mutual understanding and enjoyment, just as its founder envisaged a century ago,” they said.

The owners, who operate the restaurant under the MW Eat group, recently led a march to Buckingham Palace alongside employees concerned about job security. The campaign has gathered support through a petition exceeding 20,000 signatures, calling for King Charles III to intervene in discussions with the landlord.

A court hearing is expected towards the end of June with the operators stating that legal action was pursued only after attempts to reach a negotiated settlement failed. They have indicated willingness to consider alternatives, including a rent increase, but claim discussions have not progressed.

“We would very much like to reach a compromise, but they have been completely uncaring and have shifted the grounds over the last year and half,” said Mathrani, adding that all plausible alternatives and solutions have been rejected.

Founded by Edward Palmer, the restaurant traces its origins to a lineage connected to Warren Hastings and Mughal royalty. The original concept was influenced by Indian heritage and designed to replicate the setting of a Maharaja’s palace, a theme that continues to inform its interiors.

Centenary events are being held through the month, although concerns remain among staff regarding potential job losses if the lease is not renewed. The current lease expired at the end of June last year, leading to legal proceedings under protected tenancy provisions while the campaign for renewal continues.

The Crown Estate has stated that it plans to undertake a “comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House to both bring it up to modern standards and into full use”.

“We understand how disappointing this is for MW Eat and have offered help to find new premises on our portfolio so that the restaurant can stay in the West End as well as financial compensation,” a spokesperson said.

“The Crown Estate has a statutory responsibility to manage its land and property to create long term value for the UK and return its profit to the UK government for public spending.

“This is not a decision we've taken lightly. With external advice, we have reviewed alternative proposals including those put forward by MW Eat and unfortunately there isn't an alternate scheme which meets our responsibilities as stewards of this heritage listed building, our legal obligations and our responsibilities to manage public money,” the spokesperson said.

The outcome of the case is expected to have implications for heritage hospitality assets operating under legacy lease structures in prime urban locations.