India club in London to shut down after losing demolition battle

London : One of the most popular India club in London, with its roots in India's Freedom movement as a hub for nationalists, will be shutting down permanently after it lost its battle against demolition. A couple of years ago, the eatery had saved itself from the demolition but now the owners served the notice again of demolition to transform it into a modern hotel.

Proprietors Yadgar Marker and his daughter Phiroza launched a 'Save India Club' appeal as they fought to keep it going but have now announced its impending closure. The last day of opening for the India club will be September 17, 2023. 

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Shri Shashi Tharoor took to social media to talk about the closure and also remembered his deep-rooted connection with the café, recalling his journalist father Chandran Tharoor’s connection with the eatery.

"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," he posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with hundreds of messages showing their disappointment and sadness over the news of demolition of historic eatery in the heart of London.

The Club, which has functioned as an Indian restaurant on the Strand near the Indian High Commission since 1946, is located on the first floor of the 26-room Strand Continental Hotel.