Spectator: London’s legendary Polish restaurant to face closure over tube station refit

19/03/2025
Poles in UK

The legendary Polish restaurant „Daquise” might be forced to close or relocate because of the planned renewal of the South Kensington tube station.

South Kensington is now one of the oldest stations of the London underground opened some five years after the first stretch of the railroad was completed.

The Duke of Kent, accompanied by renowned London portraitist Barbara Kaczmarowska-Hamilton, at Daquise restaurant

As the station is now about 150 years old it needs major restoration works that shall include developing advantages for the disabled passengers or all those in need to use f.e. escalators. The refit is also needed to enable step-free access for passengers.

Another aspect is the need for restoration of the historic arcade and preserving its unique architectural features.

Unfortunately the needed reconstruction works will mean a need to close or relocate a legendary Polish restaurant „Daquise” that feeds Londoners of all national backgrounds for some 80 years now.

Established in 1947, Daquise has been a significant cultural landmark, frequented by notable figures such as Roman Polanski and Christine Keeler. The potential closure has raised concerns about preserving London’s cultural and culinary heritage.

According to statements made by the TfL responsible for the reconstruction works in the area redevelopment will necessitate vacating hospitality and retail units on Thurloe Street, where Daquise is located. They have committed to providing tenants with at least 12 months’ notice and to assisting them in finding alternative accommodations, either within their estate or elsewhere.

Many local activists and the media have spoken about the need to preserve the cultural heritage of London despite the obvious need to adjust the historic site to be used in modern day.