New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant, faces closure at its home on London's Regent Street. The Crown Estate says renovation work at Victory House will prevent Veeraswamy from operating there. It has decided against renewing the lease.

Edward Palmer, a retired Anglo Indian army officer, opened Veeraswamy in 1926. The Michelin-starred restaurant has served Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando. It has also catered for events at Buckingham Palace. Its century on Regent Street is central to the campaign to keep it there.

Ranjit Mathrani owns Veeraswamy and MW Eat is the restaurant's parent company. He says the business is being treated unfairly. The Crown Estate rejects that claim.

'We strongly...