Veeraswamy's Restaurant

Menu for Veeraswamy's restaurant in Regent Street, 20th century, printed with Indian-style illustrations including a snake charmer, an elephant and a minaret. The menu sets out the history of the restaurant. It tells the story of Major General Palmer, a British man who married a daughter of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Their descendant Edward Palmer came to England in around 1880 and established E.P. Veeraswamy, a firm selling Indian produce. Veeraswamy is a Southern Indian name, probably chosen for its exotic sound. Edward gained a reputation as an expert on curries, chutneys and pickles. He managed the Indian catering at the 1924 Wembley Exhibition. After this experience he launched Veeraswamy's restaurant. Although the business has since changed hands, it retains its reputation for high quality Indian food.