Historic Chelsea Nightclub Vandalised by Squatters During Illegal Party
An exclusive private members club in Chelsea, once a favoured haunt of celebrities and royalty, has been severely damaged after squatters forced entry to host an illegal rave. The incident occurred at Raffles on Kings Road, a venue with a storied history dating back to 1967, which has been closed for the past year awaiting redevelopment permission.
Police Intervention Prevents Larger Gathering
Approximately 20 squatters are believed to have broken into the disused nightclub, with hundreds more revellers reportedly on their way before police arrived on Sunday afternoon. Authorities arrested 11 individuals—seven men and four women—shutting down the rave before it could escalate. According to a Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the squatters stole and consumed alcohol and food from the premises, with all arrested parties bailed pending further inquiries.
Significant Financial Damage Incurred
The squatters are estimated to have caused around £25,000 worth of damage to Raffles, marking the second break-in since the club closed in January last year, following a similar incident in November. Hamish Ross, the 39-year-old director and licensee of Raffles, expressed frustration, noting the repeated violations. A police inspector warned that the rave could have easily attracted hundreds more uninvited attendees if not intercepted.
Neighbouring Pub Also Targeted in Coordinated Break-In
In a related incident, squatters also broke into The March Hare pub across the road, which is currently undergoing renovations. Richard Wynne, the pub owner, reported that £10,000 worth of alcohol and a sound system were stolen. Builders working at The March Hare alerted Wynne to the intrusion after spotting people entering Raffles, leading to private security intervening to prevent most squatters from leaving before police arrived.
Impact on Local Businesses and Community
The break-in forced The March Hare to delay its grand opening, originally scheduled for a friends and family evening on Monday, due to extensive damage, theft, and vandalism. In an Instagram post, the pub expressed gratitude to police from multiple boroughs for their assistance and vowed to proceed with its press night on Tuesday and grand opening on Wednesday, despite the setback.
Royal and Celebrity Legacy of Raffles Nightclub
Raffles, named after colonial mogul Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, has a rich heritage as one of London's oldest nightclubs, claiming to be the second-oldest in the city. Founded by restaurateur Peter Evans, it has hosted numerous high-profile figures over the years, including Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, Princess Anne, and Princess Margaret. Other notable guests have included sprint legend Usain Bolt, actor Eddie Redmayne, and former Chelsea FC players such as Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Response
Local authorities are continuing their inquiries into the break-ins, with the community rallying to support affected businesses. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with squatting and illegal events in disused properties, particularly in upscale areas like Chelsea. As Raffles awaits redevelopment, security measures are being reviewed to prevent future occurrences, while The March Hare aims to move forward positively with its reopening plans.
