Veeraswamy is a story of East meets West to bring the exotic taste of India to the heart of London's West End. During the years of British Rule in India, Major General Palmer married the daughter of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Their grandson, Edward Palmer, founded Veeraswamy in 1926.
Born in India in 1860, Edward Palmer came to England in 1880. He establish "E.P. Veerasawmy & Company - purveyors of aromatic Indian spices and produce". Edward built up a reputation as an expert at the 1924 Wembley Exhibition in London where he achieved considerable success with his spice business. He went on to open Veerasawmy's Indian Restaurant in Regent Street where he could try out the recipes for the sumptuous dishes served at the Royal Palace of Hyderabad which he had learnt from his grandmother.
Veeraswamy Menu during WWII - 23 March 1944
Veeraswamy Menu after the War - 16 November 1945
Note the 2nd page of the menu which shows 'Veeraswamy's Theatre Service', which captures the spirit of London’s West End at a moment of cultural revival. The menu used to list the current day's theatre productions, each accompanied by short, witty comments from leading critics. Veeraswamy was a meeting place for actors and artists, during a time when London was rediscovering its appetite for nightlife and performance. Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Laurence Olivier and Charlie Chaplin would visit following evening performances.
Veeraswamy Menu in the year when India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain - 30 September 1947.
In 1934 Veeraswamy was bought by Sir William Steward who maintained the high standard of Indian culinary art established by its founder.
In the early 1950's Steward brought the tandoor to London, after it was introduced into Delhi in the late 1940's.
It was customary for passengers disembarking from P&O liners travelling from India to book at Veeraswamy to get together as well as meet their family and friends during their stay.
In 1948 Veeraswamy was appointed to cater for the Indian contingent at the London Olympics.
Over the years the restaurant has been frequented by royalty and the stars of London's West End Theatres. It remains the rendezvous of the rich, famous, fashionable and lovers of Indian food.
The King of Denmark used to visit Veeraswamy whenever he came to London and decided to ship out a cask of Carlsberg beer to be stored at Veeraswamy and served to him whenever he ate curry. That is how the combination of having beer with curry began.
Veeraswamy was a haunt of Edward, Prince of Wales, whose coat of arms was hung outside the door. Visiting royalty, dignitaries and Indian Maharajahs travelling to London used Veeraswamy for entertainment of their English friends, and their own dining.
The Times reported on June 25th, 1937 on the luncheon party at Veeraswamy's India Restaurant given by the Maharajah of Cooch-Behar.