Campaigners urge King Charles to preserve iconic London site

Supporters are urging King Charles to step in and rescue a famed London spot from shutting down.

Established in 1926, Veeraswamy, a Michelin-starred eatery, still resides at its original Regent Street location but is at risk of closure due to a lease dispute with the Crown Estate.

The King has been known for fostering community connections, and campaigners are pressing the monarch to preserve this historic restaurant as "a vital piece of our shared cultural heritage."

The Crown Estate explains that necessary upgrades to the building are not feasible with the restaurant's continued operation there.

Activists have petitioned King Charles to act and preserve the renowned Veeraswamy restaurant

"This was not an easy choice," mentioned a spokesperson for the Crown Estate regarding the decision not to renew the lease, thereby forcing the restaurant to vacate.

The Crown Estate is an independent property entity, with its earnings going straight to the Treasury.

The petition has gathered over 18,000 signatures, with renowned chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux, and Richard Corrigan lending their voices to reconsider the restaurant's closure.

Mr. Corrigan commented: “Many European capitals honor their historic eateries. Why on Earth would we let Veeraswamy go?”

The petition urges Charles to champion efforts to "preserve a historic entity" and protect a "representation of Indo-British legacy."

This year, the restaurant marks its 100th anniversary, with a celebratory dinner in March expected to rally support from celebrities and public figures eager to secure its future.

The venue has drawn numerous notable figures over its 99-year period, from stars like Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando to leaders including Sir Winston Churchill.

In more recent times, guests such as the Princess Royal, David Cameron, and Andrew Lloyd Webber have been patrons of this Regent Street institution.

Lucy Haine, leader of the Soho Society, which advocates for preserving the area's uniqueness, supports efforts “to keep this iconic London dining spot operational for the future.”

She noted it would be a “significant loss to London’s historical and culinary landscape,” urging recognition of the restaurant as an “asset of community value.”