Be part of Veeraswamy's centenary story by adding your memories and messages to our virtual guest book.
On the occasion of Veeraswamy's centenary, the outpouring of support for the restaurant reflects an enduring affection that spans generations, continents, and cultures.
Guests describe it as a cherished institution, a cornerstone of London’s culinary and cultural heritage, and a place woven into personal and family traditions for nearly a century. From lifelong patrons and international visitors to those who dream of dining there one day, many recall milestone celebrations, inherited rituals, and unforgettable meals that define their connection to London itself.
Across these messages runs a shared conviction that Veeraswamy is irreplaceable, as an iconic symbol of British-Indian heritage, excellence, and hospitality, its legacy must be protected so future generations can continue to experience its history, character, and world-renowned cuisine in its rightful home.
We enjoy our visits to London and a meal at Veeraswamy is now not just a marvellous part of our visit, it’s a motivator to visit. Seriously, the best meals of my lifetime, my heart will be broken if I cannot dine at this fabulous treasure. These are exactly the type of establishments that keep London at the top of the “good” lists. Save her, please!
I love the fact that it is a 99-year-old location, that it is in London, England, UK and that it is an Indian restaurant. It just doesn't get any better than that! Please, let's save it!
My family's favourite restaurant - my father and his siblings (all India-born) have been going there since 1938 when they arrived in UK and they are now in their nineties.
I hope all who love this iconic restaurant, Veeraswamy, will help by signing the petition. This beautiful restaurant cannot disappear. Please let it stay where it is. It is a landmark of London.
I have only been to London once about 15 years ago. I still recommend this restaurant to everyone I know who is visiting your beautiful city. So much more than a meal. Our visit was an amazing experience. Please ensure others are able to enjoy it in the future by allowing Veeraswamy to continue unchanged. I have high hopes of visiting again one day in the future.
A cultural cornerstone of Indian food in London. The fact that it is under threat from the Crown Estate is disgraceful.
This is part of London's diverse culinary history. It will be so sad to lose Britain’s first Indian restaurant.
This is part of London's diverse culinary history. It will be so sad to lose Britain’s first Indian restaurant.
My grandfather took my mother here on her 18th. My mother took me here on my 18th. I hoped to take my daughter here on her 18th birthday in a couple of years. Shame on you for taking this tradition away over something so meaninglessly ridiculous.
It’s impossible to believe the Crown Estate cannot adapt its scheme to ensure Veeraswamy can remain where it has been for 100 years!
The best. THE BEST. Please please save this wonderful restaurant; such delicious food and unrivalled service.
This is a historic restaurant in a historic location. The Crown Estate needs to wake up and recognise the importance of its decision.
My husband’s grandmother used to take him there in the sixties for special occasions. He then took his two sons there last year for his son’s fortieth birthday. Some things need protecting as part of our shared history. This restaurant is an icon and its location is part of its unique history. Of all the Landlords in this country surely ‘The Crown Estates’ appreciates our history! Shame on them for even considering this action.
Just a quite wonderful experience. Right from the doorman at the bottom of the stairs. It's an institution, a precious one.
This was my grandmother's favourite restaurant and she would treat herself once a year! It's my goal to get here and enjoy the food and ambiance as she once did.
This restaurant was frequented by my grandfather in the 1920 s. It is a culinary institution worthy of national recognition. The food is fabulous. The tradition it represents should be retained in situ.
I've known this restaurant since I worked as a journalist in central London from the age of 18 (I am now 82). It would be terrible if such a longstanding and highly regarded part of the capital was forced to close.
My husband and I visited London and Paris on our honeymoon in 2024. This was our favourite meal of the entire trip. We still tell everyone about this amazing place. It would be such a loss of history, culture, and cuisine to see it close.
A 100-year legacy is to be treasured. Veeraswamy deserves our highest praise for its long legacy of excellence and service. The legacy must be preserved.
Every trip to London I eat here. Have been going for over 34 years
I have been to Veeraswamy many times in the last 50 years - almost every time I have been to London. I hope to have lunch there in July. I simply can’t imagine Veeraswamy being anywhere else!
The diversity that the UK has, and continues to thrive on, is a direct result of historical events. The sheer quality and value for money of Veeraswamy is (in my humble opinion) unrivalled. If this location is replaced with offices it would not only be a great shame, but would set a precedent that, to be frank, would begin to render going to this part of the capital undesirable for both residents and tourists alike. Please reconsider.
Would be very sad to see an institution like this depart London. We have very fond memories of this place through the years!
PLEASE let Veeraswamy keep its place. It should be considered a national treasure. Fantastic food, fantastic people. Please do the right thing!
I can't even believe what the landlord wants to do with this space and also what they want to charge the restaurant for rent. Every time we or some of our other friends from the USA travel to London we always make at least one if not two nights reservations for this iconic wonderful delicious restaurant.
I've been visiting this Indian restaurant for years whenever I'm in town from Sydney Australia, and it's become one of my go-to spots for both lunch and dinner. The food is always full of authentic flavour, the service is warm and welcoming, and there's a real sense of community here. It would be such a loss to see a place like this close down. I truly hope it gets the support it needs to keep serving amazing meals and bringing people together. Places like this are rare and worth saving.
It’s gems such as these that London needs to prioritise. Veeraswamy is a true icon on the London restaurant scene and part of the very fabric of what makes London great. Why change this??
I’ve been visiting this delightful restaurant for many years and my now grown-up children are just as enchanted with it. Devastating to think it is under threat.
Veeraswamy is a cultural institution for the Indian community
Veeraswamy is one of London's iconic restaurants, it's part of the city's heritage and needs preserving for generations to come.
My father grew up eating here and always made it a point to stop in on trips back home to London. I hope you will find a way to let this landmark restaurant remain for another 100 years
Every time I have to come to London during the past 20 years, and I have averaged two trips per year, I always make sure to have at least one meal each trip at Veeraswamy. I have recommended this restaurant to all my friends in Canada
It's a true icon
Your Majesty, Dear Charles, Maybe you could decide if there is really a need for a bigger entrance, is this really someone's vanity project, would be wonderful if you can explain to them what should be more important to our nation, our history and merging of culinary cultures more than a bigger entrance.
In the last three years, our company have been developing business in the U.K., we visit London on a regular basis and visit Veeraswamy at least twice in the course or of our weeklong visit, it is definitely the BEST Indian Restaurant in London, or perhaps, U.K. and Europe. Please reconsider and award a new lease to Veeraswamy, otherwise, you are 'risking disappointing customers worldwide.
This is the best Indian cuisine I have tasted and I have travelled worldwide. It must long continue
Criminal at the very least should we lose this icon on Swallow Street. Landlords should be ashamed. The stories this wonderful restaurant could tell. Someone needs to see sense. Simply wonderful and has been for almost a century. Come on, just absolutely mind-boggling stupidity or greed
My grandfather was pinned with the victory cross by the King, Queen Elizabeth’s father after the war for saving a school full of children in London. He took my mom and I to Veerasamy and I will never forget it. I was very young at the time and was very impressed with the restaurant…We’ve been going there ever since whenever we’re visiting family in the UK. Your Majesty, it would be great to see this Restaurant and its history remain.
This is a wonderfully unique venue that needs to remain open
Would be tragic to lose this cultural landmark forever over problems to which, surely, an alternative solution can be found.
As a US patron of Veeraswamy (a true British treasure), I hope to be able to continue dining here whenever I am in London. Please allow this historic place to remain in operation where they have been since the beginning.
Veeraswamy is a British institution and a "royal pardon" is necessary to keep it where it has been for 99 years.
Been wanting to have a meal at this venerable institution for years and very sad that I, and future generations may no longer be able to. It’s a shame that historic restaurants are not listed.
Veeraswamy is a well-known landmark and has been operating for many years and enjoyed by many customers. This restaurant should never have to be moved or closed.
Important that this establishment remains where it belongs in the heart of London.
The lease needs to be renewed to ensure the continued legacy of the UK’s oldest Indian Restaurant that is loved by thousands for its rich cultural heritage and exceptional culinary excellence. It was opened by my great grandfather and holds a special place in my heart.
Veeraswamy is an integral part of London’s culinary heritage, a bridge between British and Indian cultures, and a globally recognized institution. I strongly urge to stop this deeply troubling decision in order to preserve not only the long-lasting culture but humanity as well nevertheless to mention London’s finest heritage. I implore you to put an end to this unjust and short-sighted move before irreversible damage is done.
It is so tragic that this iconic restaurant may be closed over a hallway for offices! Your Majesty, you who preserves our history, please do not allow this to happen. Do the right thing.
Veeraswamy is one of London’s landmarks. It is a beacon worldwide for quality and delicious Indian food. It brought Indian food to Britain at a time when few knew about it thereby enlarging our cultural sensibilities and paving the way for greater tolerance. It employs many people, and trains them to a high standard, thereby enhancing their lives, and passing on unique skills and knowledge. It seems as much a part of London as Trafalgar Square or other venues, and it would be so sad if it were to go.
Veeraswamy is known worldwide. It attracts visitors. How can The Crown Estate make such a stupid decision?
