London Indian restaurant 'Rangrez' to close after 16 years, owner cites Pakistani attacks, costs and safety concerns

The issues surrounding Kapoor and his restaurant had surfaced earlier. In 2023, he spoke about threats received after posting a video criticising the Khalistan movement.

• Rangrez restaurant in Hammersmith to close after 16 years
• Owner cites financial strain, harassment, and safety concerns
• Kapoor plans to focus on activism after restaurant closure

Did our AI summary help?

After operating for more than a decade and a half in London, Rangrez, an Indian restaurant located in Hammersmith, is set to shut down next month. Its owner, Harman Singh Kapoor, shared the decision publicly, citing a mix of financial pressure, ongoing disturbances, and safety-related issues.

In his statement, Kapoor wrote, “After 16 unforgettable years, I’ve made the difficult decision to close Rangrez restaurant Hammersmith next month.” He pointed to multiple challenges that made continuing the business unfeasible. “Rising costs, ongoing online harassment, repeated disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis and a lack of proper support from the Met Police have made it impossible to continue,” he said.

Kapoor indicated that closing the restaurant would allow him to focus on a different path. He stated, “Now it’s time for me to dedicate myself fully to activism without distraction.” Emphasizing resilience, he added, “Radicals should keep this in mind: you can disrupt my business, but not my will. I’m coming after you stronger now, with no strings attached.”

The restaurant’s closure marks not only the end of a long-running business but also a turning point in Kapoor’s personal priorities.

The announcement generated considerable response online, with many expressing sympathy and recalling their experiences at the establishment. One user commented, “Sorry to hear this, Harman. I have had the delight of visiting Rangrez in Hammersmith & the food was fine.”

Others criticized the circumstances surrounding the closure, with one remarking, “I’m sorry to hear about your business closing. It’s despicable to think you pay taxes for what reason?” Another added, “Keep going, we will get the job done.”

Kapoor also acknowledged customer support over the years, writing, “Thank you to every genuine customer who supported us over the years. Grateful always. Thanks. Team Rangrez. Harman Kapoor & family.”

The issues surrounding Kapoor and his restaurant had surfaced earlier. In 2023, he spoke about threats received after posting a video criticizing the Khalistan movement. According to him, tensions escalated soon after an incident involving vandalism at the Indian High Commission in London.

He claimed that his restaurant was targeted by pro-Khalistan supporters and that his family faced intimidation. “Do we have to die for the police to take action,” Kapoor had said at the time, describing death threats, abusive communication, and pressure to comply with certain demands. He alleged that individuals urged him to remove his video and chant slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Hindustan Murdabad”.

Authorities in the UK stated that officers had responded, engaged with the complainant, and implemented safeguarding steps. These reportedly included reviewing surveillance footage and offering additional security measures.

Despite this, Kapoor maintained that those responsible were not apprehended and that his family continued to feel unsafe. The combination of unresolved concerns and ongoing pressures has now culminated in the decision to close Rangrez, bringing an end to its 16-year presence in London.