A renowned celebrity nightclub in Kensington is preparing to resume operations just days after a substantial fire necessitated a major emergency response in the early hours of Monday morning.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The blaze ignited at Kensington Roof Gardens, a prestigious venue on Kensington High Street, shortly before 1am, prompting an immediate call to the London Fire Brigade. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that approximately 40 individuals had already been safely evacuated from the five-storey building, ensuring no casualties were reported.
London Fire Brigade deployed twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters to tackle the incident. The first emergency call was logged at 0057 on Monday 26 January 2026, with crews mobilised from Kensington, Hammersmith, Chelsea, and surrounding stations. The fire was successfully brought under control by 0336.
Damage Assessment and Investigation
The fire completely destroyed a plant room located on the roof of the nine-storey structure. To manage the incident effectively, firefighters utilised a 32-metre turntable ladder as an observation tower, providing the Incident Commander with a crucial aerial perspective of the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities, with no immediate details released regarding its origin. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the plant room was the primary area affected, with no fire damage reported inside the main building.
Venue's Statement and Reopening Plans
A spokesperson for Kensington Roof Gardens provided reassurance, stating: "Nobody was hurt and there is no fire damage inside the building. As a precaution, we are carrying out safety checks and hope to reopen in the next few days."
The venue extended gratitude to the Kensington & Chelsea fire teams for their swift and professional response. Safety inspections are currently underway to ensure the premises meet all regulatory standards before welcoming patrons back.
Council and Community Response
Kensington and Chelsea Council also issued a statement acknowledging the emergency services' efforts: "We would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for their swift response to a fire at a rooftop venue off Kensington High Street in the early hours of Monday morning. We are very grateful that no one was injured and the fire has now been extinguished."
Council specialists are supporting ongoing safety checks on the building, though some local disruption may persist as emergency services complete their work in the area.
Historical Context and Celebrity Clientele
Kensington Roof Gardens boasts a rich history, originally opening in 1938 and recently relaunching in 2024 as an exclusive private member's club. The venue has long been a favourite among high-profile figures, having hosted stars such as Madonna and Sir Cliff Richard.
Following its closure to the public in January 2018 due to lease disagreements, the revamped gardens now cater to celebrity and fashion events, social gatherings, and exclusive club nights. Notably, the venue was once home to four flamingos prior to the pandemic, adding to its unique allure.
The anticipated reopening underscores the venue's resilience and commitment to maintaining its status as a premier destination for London's elite social scene.
