The 96-year-old ‘Veeraswamy’ restaurant, established in 1926, has been welcoming influential people from across the world since its inception.

It all started when a gentleman by the name of Edward Palmer arrived in England from India and wanted the people of London to experience authentic Indian tastes.

So, he began selling pickles, pastes, and chutneys, under the brand name ‘Nizam’, which later came to be known as ‘Veeraswamy’.

Records estimate that this cosy plush setting in London is actually the oldest Indian restaurant in the world and one of the three oldest in London.

Ranjit Mathrani, the current owner of the place, says Sir William Steward MP who bought the restaurant in 1934, “travelled over 200,000 miles to and within India to find recipes, artefacts and staff, endeavouring to create the finest Indian dining experience”.

The guest list at Veeraswamy comprised Prince Axel of Denmark, Edward, the Prince of Wales, Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Chaplin.

In 1996, Veeraswamy was refurbished by Namita Panjabi, Camellia Panjabi and Ranjit Mathrani of MW Eat who transformed it into the contemporary Indian one.

The decor too was revamped from its plush velvety interiors to one that drew inspiration from the Maharaja Palaces in India.

The 110-seat dining room is resplendent with handmade Venetian-style chandeliers, the Indian art of the 1920s, an exotic turban collection, and hand-woven carpets.

Lunching at Veeraswamy treats guests to teakwood tables creaking with Raj Kachori (deep-fried snack), Kashmiri Roghan Josh (mutton gravy), Pistachio Chicken, and Lamb Chops Asaf Jahi (chops complimented with juniper berry sauce).

Mathrani adds that what sets the food apart here is that spices are imported from India to ensure quality and that Veeraswamy welcomes over 150 people every day.

As the restaurant, with its glorious past, stands tall on Regent Street, it is a testament to one man’s dream of having London witness the magic of Indian culture.

.