Veeraswamy faces closure after 99 years

ByEnigma 808

London’s Veeraswamy faces permanent closure after Westminster City Council approved Crown Estate redevelopment plans for Victory House on Regent Street. The establishment first served patrons in 1926 and has been in operation for 99 years. Current operators Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi say the approved changes would eliminate restaurant access. Their 25-year lease ended in June 2025 without renewal.

The Soho Society filed for an Asset of Community Value designation to prevent demolition. This protection recognizes sites with significant cultural or social worth. Westminster officials are reviewing the request. The operators argue the venue holds national importance beyond local interests.

Historical guests span from Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin to Indira Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II. The restaurant earned Michelin star recognition in 2016. Prince Axel of Denmark visited in 1926, prompting the pairing of beer with Indian cuisine. Queen Elizabeth II commissioned catering from Veeraswamy at Buckingham Palace twice in 2008 and 2017.

Author

  • Enigma XO avatar (80x80)

    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.