The India Club restaurant and bar at 143-145 Strand is a rare slice of living history in the heart of London. Tragically the future of the idiosyncratic establishment, cherished by patrons for its decent dishes and unique atmosphere, is now endangered.
One of London’s most intriguing eateries has been served with a notice to vacate their premises by the property-developer landlord who owns the building. This comes at a time when the staff, like many other hospitality professionals, have worked tirelessly to survive the pandemic. The India Club’s aim has always been to preserve the historic restaurant for future generations and now it is fighting for its survival.
What is the challenge?
In 2018, Westminster Council rejected the landlord’s previous redevelopment plans on the basis that losing the India Club would be materially harmful to the cultural provision of the area. Sadly, the fight did not end there. The landlord served the restaurant with a notice to modernise and run their own hotel from the property. If this fails, they want an 80% increase in rent. This would be a crippling blow to the small, independent business already dealing with the lockdown losses of the pandemic. To date, the restaurant has always met its rent obligations.
A unique eatery
The India Club was established over 50 years ago by Krishna Menon, India’s first High Commissioner to the UK. Other leading founding members included Lady Mountbatten, the last “vicereine” of India and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the country. It was a meeting place for leading figures associated with post-independence India. India’s High Commission is still just across the road in Aldwych. The building has long since been a “home-away-from-home” for the UK’s Indian diaspora. It has also introduced many non-Indian diners to the country’s culture. It is an increasingly rare example of the UK’s multicultural heritage in the heart of the capital, with a longstanding ethos of keeping prices low to be accessible to all. While many affordable eateries, such as the Stockpot, Pollo or New Piccadilly cafe, have been forced to shut the India Club is one of the rare survivors inside Zone 1.
Staying innnovative
While the decor may seem vintage, the management not only guard their heritage but also stay innovative. In addition to the regular restaurant service, the venue hosts a range of events. These include in-person cookery classes in collaboration with the charity Migrateful. Sessions have been led by talented migrant chefs struggling to integrate into the UK and access employment. By contrast, as part of the 2021 London Design Festival, The India Club hosted a panel debate on the role of “Nostalgia” in design and culture. This featured a panel debate of leading designers, architects and cultural commentator
Public support
Three generations of the same family have run the India Club for over 23 years, from the oldest generation working behind reception to the youngest undertaking serving duties. They represent the thousands of people from around the nation who hold a deep attachment to this cultural institution.
Fighting the landlord, a multi-million pound property developer, for three years, combined with the pandemic, has taken a financial toll on the restaurant. It has desperately worked to raise funds to stay afloat and meet legal costs to continue the fight. Any surplus funds or costs recovered have gone towards rent costs and provided a lifeline during these uncertain times.
By April 2021, the India Club had raised £49,381 (with 1597 supporters in 83 days) for the legal challenge and released a statement saying: “We are overwhelmed, overjoyed and so very grateful for your support. Thank you to everyone who continues to share our belief in the magic of the India Club.” Public support through the Crowdfunder platform and a petition containing 26,000 signatures demonstrated the huge affection many patrons have for this establishment and their passion to ensure it does not vanish from its historic home in the heart of the capital.
Spread the word
“At the moment, we are waiting for a court date so there is not much the public can specifically do,” Phiroza Marker, the general manager, told SCF blog, “We are asking for support to come in the way of continuing to dine at our restaurant and spreading the word that we are open and running!
Whether you are a long-standing patron, a one-time diner or someone who appreciates what the India Club stands for, the restaurant would be eternally grateful for your custom. The dining experience at The India Club begins with locating the establishment on The Strand, just ten minutes walk from Trafalgar Square. A narrow doorway in a parade of shops adjacent to the imposing 18th-century Somerset House can be found by locating the vintage sign “Hotel Strand Continental”. Simply climb the stairs (sadly no lift) to find the reception and table seating for drinks overlooking the Strand in a setting that has changed little since the club opened. Ascend the staircase again to find the restaurant.
Diners will be welcomed with a plentiful menu featuring starters, dosas, varied mains (meat, seafood or vegetarian), including dum biryani originating from the kitchens of Hyderabad. There is a bottomless brunch every Saturday and two set menu options plus three Indian sweet treats for desserts. A choice of four “Express” lunch boxes are also available.
(Credit: Wellingtonensis)
Timeless quality
British columnist Will Self praises the “timeless quality of the place”. It is definitely the ultimate antidote to the predictable chain restaurants scattered across London and beyond. It is a great value dining destination serving decent meals in an incredibly central location. It also offers an opportunity to enjoy a thoroughly relaxed experience in a unique setting. That is certainly worth saving.
The India Club
143-145 Strand
London,
WC2R 1JA
Open: Monday-Sunday
12pm-3pm and 6pm-10.50pm
(bookings taken)
(Top image: Courtesy of The India Club)
