August 27, 2023
2 mins read

India Club – a slice of history in heart of London closing down

Founded by Krishna Menon, India’s first High Commissioner, the place has been a hotspot for the Asian community in London, and has served Indian taste buds with popular dishes like butter chicken and masala dosa…reports Asian Lite News

The landmark India Club in London, founded in 1951 as a way of furthering Indo-British relations, following Independence, will shut down next month after losing a protracted battle against its closure.

Situated directly opposite the Indian High Commission and the BBC’s studios at Bush House, the club will shut its doors on September 17 after it was served a notice by the landlords to make way for putting up a luxury hotel, The Telegraph newspaper reported.

The restaurant, with independent India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as its founding member, attracted a cosmopolitan clientele of employees from India House, journalists, lawyers from the nearby Royal Courts of Justice and lecturers and students from King’s College.

Founded by Krishna Menon, India’s first High Commissioner, the place has been a hotspot for the Asian community in London, and has served Indian taste buds with popular dishes like butter chicken and masala dosa.

According to the Telegraph report, the lease was held by Yadgar Marker and his daughter Phiroza for the past 26 years, who described the eviction of the club as “heartbreaking”.

In 2018, an application by the premises freeholder Marston Properties to turn the place into “modern tourist accommodation” was rejected by Westminster Council, following a “Save India Club” petition signed by 26,000 people.

However, it was only a temporary reprieve.

Sharing a photograph with his sister at the club, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, whose father Chandran Tharoor was one of the founding members of the club, wrote on X: “I am sorry to hear that the India Club, London, is to close permanently in September. As the son of one of its founders, I lament the passing of an institution that served so many Indians (and not only Indians) for nearly three-quarters of a century.

“For many students, journalists, and travellers, it was a home away from home, offering simple and good quality Indian food at affordable prices as well as a convivial atmosphere to meet and maintain friendships.”

“It is very sad news indeed. India Club was a part of British Indian history hidden away on The Strand. Everyone’s a loser when such places close. London has changed so much demographically, sad when you see legacy fade with the advance of a new rationale,” the HinduCouncilUK, an advocacy group, said in a tweet.

ALSO READ-Indian High Commission in London Celebrates Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Triumph

Previous Story

BRICS strengthens position as global grouping

Next Story

India Day held in London to celebrate India’s 77th I-Day

Latest from -Top News

‘Kill and Dump’ Haunts Balochistan Again

The latest killings have reignited accusations of extrajudicial executions and the use of counterterrorism laws to cover up custodial deaths in Balochistan….reports Asian Lite News Concerns have deepened across Balochistan following the

‘ASEAN Expands, But Keeps Its Soul’

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to uphold its unity and strategic resolve amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and mounting external pressures…reports Asian Lite News Consensus and inclusivity will remain the cornerstones

Bangladesh bends to beat Trump’s blow

Dhaka seeks compromise as Trump’s 35% tariff looms large over key exports; Washington urges worker protections, factory relocation to US…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has opened the second round of critical trade

China seethes as US lands F-35s in PH

As US F-35 jets land in the Philippines for the first time, Manila cements its frontline role in Washington’s power play against rising China….reports Asian Lite News The Philippines is rapidly cementing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kwatra, Campbell meet Indian astronauts training at NASA 

In a significant development, plans were discussed to launch a

26/11: Envoy says Israel will ‘never forget, never forgive’

Israel stands with India against the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks