Less than 24 hours after flames tore through the legendary Kensington Roof Gardens, the club’s bosses have vowed it will reopen this week.
A dramatic late-night inferno sparked a major emergency response as 80 firefighters in 12 engines raced to Kensington High Street, battling the blaze for more than two and a half hours after the alarm was raised at 12.57am on Monday.
At one point, witnesses said the fire lit up the night sky above one of London’s glitziest postcodes. By first light, fire investigators were still on site probing the cause — which has not yet been disclosed.
But on Monday night the club moved swiftly to calm fears, issuing a statement confirming the all-clear from the London Fire Brigade.
“The London Fire Brigade has confirmed the incident is closed and that there are no safety concerns to prevent the club from reopening this week,” the statement said. “This was an isolated incident in an external area while the club was closed. No one was hurt.”
The blaze struck just two years after a multi-million-pound refurbishment, prompting an outpouring of support from past and present members.
Among them was Bridget Jones author Helen Fielding, who quipped online: “Oh no. It’s such a lovely space and club. Get well soon. Maybe there should be a club repainting session?”
Now Sue Walter, CEO of The Roof Gardens, has responded with a heartfelt note:
“Our team and community are our number one priority, and we are just relieved that everyone is safe and well. It’s moments like these that remind us how unique our community is — and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
For decades, the venue has been the place to be seen — a glittering playground for royalty, rock stars and red-carpet royalty. Guests have included Princess Diana, King Charles, the Princess of Wales, and a roll-call of global stars from Madonna and Kate Moss to Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, David Beckham and Idris Elba.
The Grade II-listed rooftop — completed in 1938 — was inspired by Spain’s Alhambra and once boasted flamingos, ducks, mature trees and a running stream high above London.
That era ended when the 65,000 sq ft site was sold by Richard Branson in 2021. It is now owned by Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of OVO Energy, and reopened as a private members’ club.
Recent accounts show losses of £26 million — but bosses insist the show will go on.
And in Kensington, the party looks set to resume.
Helen Fielding’s message to TRG on Insta
The Roof Gardens – Latest Statement on Instagram
