The India Club, London’s famous restaurant in the same building as the Hotel Strand Continental is once again facing a battle for its survival. The family run restaurant that was saved from developers in 2018, is now facing eviction. The landlord has recently served the restaurant at 143-145 Strand a notice to modernise the property to run it from the same property. If they fail, this will increase the rent by 80%.
The general manager Phiroza Marker, whose father Yadgar owns the restaurant has started a crowdfunding campaign to preserve this restaurant. Three generations of the Marker family have run the India Club for over last two decades.
It was originally set up by the India League, as a symbol of post-independence friendship and understanding between India and the UK and opened by India’s first High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Krishna Menon, with founding members Lady Mountbatten and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.The interior remains in the same condition as they were when the property was occupied by the India League. It has been a leading spot for meetings by renowned figures in the post-independent era, including several meetings by the Indian Journalists’ Association.
In 2019, the National Trust held an exhibition on the India Club at 143 Strand itself, in recognition of the Club's far-reaching cultural importance. The oral histories gathered from this exhibition are permanently housed at the British Library.
The crowdfunding page said, “The landlord has recently served us with a notice to modernise and run their own hotel from the property. If this fails, they want a crippling 80% increase in rent, amid a pandemic which has already had a devastating effect on us as a local independent business. To date, we have always met our rent obligations…”
“Fighting the landlord - a multi-million-pound property developer - for 3 years, combined with the pandemic, has taken a financial toll.
“We now need to raise at least £50,000 for legal costs to continue the fight. Any surplus funds or costs recovered will go towards our rent costs and be a much-needed lifeline during these uncertain times. Together we must ensure the India Club does not fall victim to another profit-grab in the guise of modernisation.
“Whether you are an old friend, a one-time visitor or someone who appreciates what the India Club stands for, we would be eternally grateful for your support. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help us to welcome you back once the challenges of recent times are behind us. Thank you very much for your support.”
See more details: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-india-club.
Landlord's statement
A spokesperson from Marston Properties reportedly told the weekly The Caterer, “Marston Properties is proud to have been investing in buildings in London for over 125 years. We have owned an interest in the building since 1981 and originally purchased it with the intention of running the hotel one day. For some time, we have been concerned about the viability and condition of the building. Many options have been explored over the last few years to resolve these issues including seeking planning permission for two different redevelopment schemes. We have had many discussions with Goldsand Hotels but have been unable to achieve a mutually agreeable solution with them. As the landlord we are entitled, following the expiry of Goldsand Hotels' lease, to regain possession to occupy the building for our own business use and therefore notice was served on Goldsand Hotels in August 2020."
