Summary
The UK's oldest surviving Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, may close after 99 years due to a dispute over its lease with the Crown Estate. Supporters are petitioning King Charles III to help save the restaurant, which they regard as a significant cultural landmark. The Crown Estate argues the building needs renovation, which isn't possible with the restaurant staying.
Key Facts
- Veeraswamy is a historic Indian restaurant in London, established in 1926.
- The restaurant is facing closure because its lease might not be renewed by the Crown Estate.
- Supporters gathered over 18,000 signatures in a petition to keep Veeraswamy open.
- The petition, intended for King Charles III, aims to highlight the restaurant's cultural importance.
- The Crown Estate says the building requires refurbishment that doesn't allow the restaurant to remain.
- Veeraswamy's history includes notable visitors like Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill.
- Celebrity chefs and the Soho Society support efforts to preserve the restaurant as part of London’s heritage.
- The restaurant first introduced the popular combination of curry and beer to the UK.
