Peter Crouch is ‘gutted’ after his favourite closed last month after 42 years in business
Peter Crouch, centre, with restaurant management (Picture: SWNS)
Peter Crouch’s beloved curry house, which once delivered a meal to Prince William at Kensington Palace, has closed its doors. Samrat Indian Cuisine in Ealing, west London – a favourite of the former Liverpool and England star since his childhood – ceased trading last month after 42 years of serving customers.
During an episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast in July 2020, Prince William was treated to a surprise curry delivery while he was being interviewed by Crouch. Crouch, 44, had such a fondness for Samrat that he even contemplated naming his fourth child after the restaurant.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the football legend said: “We laughed, we cried, we scolded [sic] our lips on the phall. We went to the palace to meet the Prince and you woke me up in my bedroom with a madras once.
“Wherever we went in the world we always came back. Thanks for the memories. Thank you Samrat.”
Shafrul Islam, who managed Samrat for more than four decades, revealed that Crouch had been in contact with him since the restaurant’s closure at the end of last month.
Peter Crouch, centre, with restaurant management
The 64-year-old shared that both he and his partner were “not well”.
Mr Islam said: “It was sad to close, but we are not healthy anymore and can’t carry on. Peter got in touch. He was trying to help but it’s too late now.
“He was sad, but everybody’s sad. He was a local guy. He was coming as a kid with his mum and dad. I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve been to his house in Portugal.
Samrat Indian Cuisine
“Over the years, we had a lot of famous people [at the restaurant].”
Mr Islam revealed that comedian Rowan Atkinson, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock and numerous footballers, including Joe Cole and Aaron Ramsdale, had dined at the establishment.
A handwritten message on the front window of the shuttered restaurant states: “After nearly four decades we have made the difficult decision to close our doors.
“Thank you for trusting us with birthdays, anniversaries, quiet evenings and everyday moments.
“Your loyalty has meant everything and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of the community.
“It’s time to say goodbye, with immense gratitude.
“With love and thanks, Samrat.”
In 2023, Mr Islam delivered Crouch his beloved chicken madras to his bedside at his Portuguese holiday residence for Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.
He managed to accurately determine which curry from three madras options presented to him had originated from Samrat.
Following the arrival of his and spouse Abbey Clancy’s youngest son, Jack, in June 2019, the pair jested that he would be called “Divock Samrat Crouch” as a tribute to his preferred curry establishment and Liverpool forward Divock Origi, who had just netted the decisive goal in the Champions League final.