The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 09 July 2026 to consider two licensing applications. The committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence application for Polanco, also known as The Grand Duchess, located at Sheldon Square, Paddington Basin, and a premises licence variation for Kyel - The Greek Bakehouse at 105 Queensway.

Polanco, The Grand Duchess, Sheldon Square, Paddington Basin, London, W2 6PY

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for Polanco, operating from The Grand Duchess, a static barge moored at Sheldon Square, Paddington Basin. The premises is described as a food-led Mexican restaurant with 38 internal covers and an external canalside terrace seating 22. The application sought permission for the supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment in the form of recorded music.

Representations were received from the Environmental Health Service, raising concerns about potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety due to the requested hours for alcohol supply and regulated entertainment. The Metropolitan Police Service initially made representations opposing the grant of the licence, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly regarding potential increases in anti-social and alcohol-fuelled behaviour. However, the Police later withdrew their representation following an agreement on conditions.

Objections were also lodged by the Hyde Park Estate Association (HPEA) and the Paddington Waterways & Maida Vale Society (PWMVS). Both organisations expressed concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. They suggested reduced hours for alcohol sales and opening, and recommended that alcohol be ancillary to a table meal. The South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA) also objected, primarily on the grounds of preventing public nuisance, and supported the points raised by the PWMVS and HPEA. SEBRA specifically requested that food delivery operations be excluded from the licence and that outside tables and chairs be removed or made unusable after 23:00.

The report pack outlined relevant policies, including the City of Westminster Statement of Licensing Policy, specifically policies HRS1 (Core Hours) and RNT1 (Restaurants), and SCZ1 (Special Consideration Zones). The application was located within the Hyde Park ward and was not within a Cumulative Impact Area or Special Consideration Zone.

Kyel - The Greek Bakehouse, 105 Queensway, London, W2 4SJ

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation of a premises licence for Kyel - The Greek Bakehouse at 105 Queensway. The application sought to add Late Night Refreshment hours and vary the overall opening hours. The premises currently operates as a bakery, deli, and wine bar.

The applicant proposed to add Late Night Refreshment hours from Monday to Thursday between 23:00 and 00:00, Friday to Saturday between 23:00 and 00:30, and Sundays between 23:00 and 23:30. They also sought to vary the opening hours to Monday to Thursday from 06:00 to 00:00, Friday to Saturday from 06:00 to 00:30, and Sundays from 06:00 to 23:30.

Representations were received from the Environmental Health Service, who initially objected on the grounds of potential increases in public nuisance due to the provision of Late Night Refreshment and extended opening hours. However, this representation was later withdrawn following an agreement on conditions. The South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA) also objected, primarily on the basis of preventing public nuisance. SEBRA expressed concerns about the proposed hours exceeding Westminster's Core Hours policy and suggested additional conditions, including no sale of takeaway hot food after 23:00 and no takeaway sales of alcohol unless accompanied by food.

The report pack detailed the applicable policies, including SCZ1 (Special Consideration Zones) as the premises is located within the Queensway/Bayswater Special Consideration Zone, and HRS1 (Core Hours). The applicant provided extensive documentation, including photographs of the premises, menus, customer reviews, crime data for the surrounding area, and a detailed analysis of how their application complied with the relevant policies and addressed SEBRA's concerns. The applicant highlighted that their business model was food-led, with alcohol being ancillary to substantial table meals, and that they had agreed to numerous conditions with responsible authorities.

The committee was also to consider the premises licence history for Kyel, which included a previous licence granted in 2005 and surrendered in 2008, and a new premises licence granted in February 2026.