James Horler, the CEO of Ego Restaurants, Chairman of Cartwheel Recruitment, Chairman of Notes Music & Coffee, and Chairman of Ping Pong, has lent his weight to the campaign to save Veeraswamy, the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant.
Last month, campaigners delivered a petition of more than 20,000 signatures to Buckingham Palace and the Crown Estate, calling for urgent action to prevent the closure of Veeraswamy.
The petition calls on King Charles III to intervene and reverse the Crown Estate’s decision not to renew Veeraswamy’s lease at Victory House in Regent Street, its home since it first opened 99 years ago.
Horler, whose career has included leadership roles at La Tasca, as well national brands including Frankie & Benny’s, Leon, Notes Coffee, and Paddy & Scott’s, has now added his support.
“I feel strongly that this is a really important part of London and the UK’s culinary heritage,” he said, adding “The hospitality industry is facing considerable challenges at the present time, due to various cost pressures. This restaurant employees a considerable number of staff, many of whom have over ten years’ service, and indeed some have 20. Why should this 100-year-old restaurant be removed to allow for an office entrance? Many refurbishments have taken place within London venues without the removal of the current tenant. The management has offered to work with the landlord to achieve their goal and even including closing at lunchtime during the works. To date, all suggestions have been dismissed and not even considered. Why? My involvement over many years has been to promote the industry to the young people as a great place to work, and where opportunities are limitless and success can be realised. We must preserve this iconic establishment and stop 100 years of heritage within the world of Indian food being destroyed.”
Author: George Shaw
Former BBC journalist and founder and CEO of an award-winning London advertising and PR company for 20 years, providing restaurant consultancy services. Spent a decade as the director of communications of the Asian Catering Federation in the UK and lead judge for its various restaurant and chef awards programmes. Now returned to journalism, specialising in food and travel and currently the Editor-in-Chief for Taste London, Taste Asia, the Good Curry Guide and CEO of International Culinary Guides.