The India Club to close next month

The restaurant, which is located at the Hotel Strand Continental on London’s The Strand, will close on 17 September, according to Telegraph India​​.

Established more than 50 years ago by Krishna Menon, India's first High Commissioner to the UK, with founding members, Lady Mountbatten and Prime Minister Nehru, The India club was a meeting place for leading figures associated with post independent India.

The club’s interior has remained unchanged since it opened in the 1950s. 

Three generations of the same family have run the India Club for more than 25 years, from the oldest generation working behind reception to the youngest waitressing.

Writing on X, Shashi Tharoor, the Indian MP whose father Chandran helped set up the India Club, said: “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.”

The India Club has been involved in a long-running battle with its property developer landlord. In 2021 it launched a crowdfunding campaign​​ seeing to raise £100,000 to pay for legal fees and costs after it was served with a notice to vacate the premises.

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,… pic.twitter.com/bwyOB1zqIu

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 19, 2023