MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax has been officially announced, with affiliates of Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited acquiring the UK-based Indian restaurant group as part of a long-term global growth strategy. MW Eat owns and operates some of the United Kingdom’s most recognised Indian restaurant brands.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate MW Eat’s expansion plans, supported by significant investment from Fairfax to drive international growth and explore new restaurant formats aligned with the group’s established brand values.
Leadership Welcomes Strategic Investment
Commenting on the MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax, Mumbai-born restaurateur and author Camellia Panjabi, Group Director of MW Eat, described the move as a transformative milestone for the company.
She noted that Fairfax brings financial strength, a global perspective, and a long-standing commitment to India—qualities that complement MW Eat’s heritage and future ambitions. According to Panjabi, the investment will enhance career opportunities for MW Eat’s teams while preserving the group’s core identity.
Seamless Transition and Continued Founder Support
As part of the MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax, all three MW Eat directors—Camellia Panjabi, Namita Panjabi, and Ranjit Panjabi—will continue to support Fairfax during a seamless handover. The leadership team will work closely with the new owners to take MW Eat’s Indian restaurant brands to international markets.
The group’s expansion strategy is expected to benefit from Fairfax’s strong understanding of India’s business landscape and its experience across global markets.
Fairfax’s Growing India and Hospitality Portfolio
The MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax adds to the Canadian firm’s extensive investment portfolio, which already includes major Indian assets such as Bangalore International Airport, Thomas Cook (India), and Sterling Holiday Resorts.
Fairfax Chairman and CEO Prem Watsa said the company is pleased to welcome MW Eat into the Fairfax family, praising the leadership team for building iconic restaurant brands. He added that Fairfax’s experience in hospitality—through its subsidiary Recipe Restaurant Group in Canada—positions it well to support MW Eat’s long-term growth.
Expansion Roots and Brand Legacy
MW Eat traces its origins back to 1990 with the launch of Chutney Mary, one of London’s pioneering Indian fine-dining restaurants. The MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax is expected to strengthen the group’s ability to scale globally while maintaining the authenticity and quality that have defined its brands for decades.
Veeraswamy’s Future Remains Under Watch
While the MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax signals growth and optimism, questions remain around the future of Veeraswamy, the historic Michelin-star Indian restaurant in London. The restaurant’s lease at Regent Street expired in June, though legal proceedings under protected tenancy rights allow it to continue operating until a court hearing expected next year.
Earlier this month, prominent British chefs publicly supported Veeraswamy’s bid to preserve its nearly 100-year legacy, dating back to April 1926, as the Crown Estate plans a major refurbishment of the building.
The Bottom Line
MW Eat acquisition by Fairfax represents a pivotal moment for one of the UK’s most influential Indian restaurant groups. Backed by global capital and strategic expertise, MW Eat is poised to pursue international expansion while safeguarding the heritage and culinary excellence that define its brands.
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