Gandhi's great-grandson backs campaign to save closure-threatened Veeraswamy

"The British are known to be very proud and protective of their historic heritage and Veeraswamy has definitely become a part of British Heritage and history. Tushar's great-grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, is believed to have dined at Veeraswamy around the time of the 1931 Round Table Conference. Other notable celebrities who are understood to have dined at the restaurant include Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Marlon Brando and Ian Sinclair."

"If you believe in preserving culinary heritage, if you care about London's cultural soul, or if you've ever experienced the magic of a meal at Veeraswamy please stop this closure, says Ranjit Mathrani, joint owner of Veeraswamy. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2016, coinciding with its 90th anniversary, and has been featured on a number of must visit lists for overseas and domestic tourists."

Veeraswamy, Britain's oldest surviving Indian restaurant established in 1926 on Regent Street, confronts potential closure as its landlord, the Crown Estate, declined to renew the lease, citing necessary building refurbishment incompatible with ongoing operations. The restaurant's owners contend that viable compromises exist and accuse the Crown Estate of refusing consideration. They have petitioned King Charles for intervention to preserve this historic establishment. Support has mobilized from notable figures including Tushar Gandhi, head of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, who affirms Veeraswamy's status as integral British heritage. Historical patrons reportedly included Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Marlon Brando. Over 20,000 people have signed a petition supporting the restaurant, joined by celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux, and Richard Corrigan. The venue earned a Michelin star in 2016.

Read at www.standard.co.uk