Britain's longest-running Indian restaurant is appealing directly to the monarch to prevent its closure after nearly a century of operation.
Veeraswamy, which has occupied premises on Regent Street since its founding in 1926, faces eviction following the Crown Estate's decision not to extend its lease.
Supporters of the establishment are urging King Charles to step in, describing the venue as "a living piece of shared cultural history" that deserves protection.
The campaign comes as the restaurant prepares to mark its 100th anniversary next month, with backers arguing the landmark occasion makes preservation all the more urgent.
Britain's longest-running Indian restaurant is appealing directly to the monarch to prevent its closure after nearly a century of operation.
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The Crown Estate, an independent property company whose profits flow to the Treasury, maintains that substantial renovation work is required on the Grade II-listed building housing the restaurant.
A spokesman for the landlord stated: "This is not a decision we've taken lightly."
The property firm argues that the necessary refurbishment of Victory House is incompatible with the restaurant remaining in situ, with plans to convert the building into office space rendering Veeraswamy inaccessible.
Should negotiations fail to produce a resolution, the dispute is expected to proceed to legal proceedings later this summer.
Veeraswamy, which has occupied premises on Regent Street since its founding in 1926, faces eviction following the Crown Estate's decision not to extend its lease.
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The campaign to save Veeraswamy has attracted more than 18,000 signatures, with supporters planning to present the petition at the gates of Buckingham Palace.
Prominent figures from the culinary world have rallied behind the cause, with celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux and Richard Corrigan all calling for the decision to be reconsidered.
Corrigan expressed his frustration at the potential loss, asking: "Most European cities cherish their legendary restaurants. Why in the name of God would we want to lose Veeraswamy?"
The petition delivery is intended to highlight the restaurant's status as a historic institution worthy of royal protection.
Should negotiations fail to produce a resolution, the dispute is expected to proceed to legal proceedings later this summer.
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At the time of its opening, Indian restaurants were a rarity across Britain, with early patrons including Anglo-Indians, civil servants and military personnel connected to the subcontinent.
The establishment's guest book reads like a who's who of the 20th century, having welcomed Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sir Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando through its doors.
The venue remained open throughout the wartime Blitz and has continued to attract notable visitors, including Princess Anne, David Cameron and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani believes the restaurant "broke the ice" for Indian cuisine in Britain, noting that customers frequently share deeply personal connections to the establishment spanning generations.
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