One of Chelsea’s most famous lost nightspots has finally shaken off its hangover and re-emerged on the King’s Road with an exuberant flourish.

151 – the small basement venue, so-called simply because of its street number – has reopened as The Rex Rooms at 151 and is set to carve out a reputation as the go-to partying destination that will revitalise Chelsea’s late night scene.

Behind the venture is a consortium of the talents from the worlds of clubbing, Hollywood and finance.

Two of London’s most celebrated nightclub creators are fronting The Rex – fashion designer Marc Jacques Burton and Piers ‘King of Clubs’ Adam. The entrepreneurs have collaborated successfully in the past on nightclub ventures, including Mayfair’s Mahiki and Whisky Mist.

Joining the Burton and Adam partnership is film producer Jason McNab and Hollywood’s man-mountain actor Jason Momao, best known for playing Aquaman. There is also money muscle behind the team in the shape of financier Mark Cecil, as well as other investors.

The venture also has the blessing of Cadogan Estates. In fact, The Rex Rooms (so named as a nod to the King‘s Road) beat 18 other applications to create businesses on the site because Cadogan is keen to give Chelsea’s nightlife a much-needed tequila shot.

 

In its heyday in the late 1990s through to the 2000s, 151 (as in One-Five-One) became the haunt for celebrities and young Royals such as princes William and Harry, as well as locals in search of a BNO (a 1990s acronym, innit: Big Night Out!). It was nicknamed “One Dive One” by regulars to reflect its hedonistic and anything-goes reputation.

The paparazzi were always seen pacing the pavement slabs until the early hours near its velvet rope in the hope of catching a celebrity leaving off-guard (and a little off their heads). Prince William is believed to once left via the fire escape at the rear to avoid being photographed.

151’s fortune finally withered in the late 2000s and finally closed in 2022 following the withdrawal of its licence by its landlord during Covid. But now it is back – and Cadogan is fully behind it.

Burton, who has designed outfits for numerous stars, including stage outfits for The Rolling Stones, hopes that The Rex Rooms will quickly discover the old stardust that made 151 a hit. He is also determined that his new club becomes a draw for local residents, rather than simply clubbers from afar.

‘I have always loved Chelsea and the whole history and the spirit of the King’s Road,’ said Mr Burton in an exclusive interview. ‘I want The Rex Rooms to be the place that epitomises everything Chelsea stands for – creativity, flair, and fun. And I want it to be welcoming to everyone and be a part of the community. It won’t just be a place for clubbing – we will also be hosting events that will celebrate and support local creatives.’

Mr Burton believes that there’s a definite need for a new nightclub in Chelsea after several key nightspots – such as Crazy Larry’s and Raffles – have disappeared in recent years. He has been hands-on with creating the interior look and fittings for The Rex and has even designed the staff uniforms. According to Mr Burton, his club pays homage to surrealism “with sinuous curves and avant-garde textures shaping a dreamlike, immersive interior”.

Mr Burton also revealed that his club will demonstrably welcome all age groups – not just a young in-crowd. ‘There is definitely not an age door policy here,’ he said. ‘We are not interested in it just being a destination for younger people. We want Rex to appeal to a diverse crowd and for it to be a melting pot that reflects Chelsea. I would love it if the people who used to come to 151 way back in its earliest days are tempted back.

 

‘In the last few years, a lot of the Chelsea crowd have had to venture to places like Mayfair or Soho to have a great night out after dinner. Now we have created a venue right on their doorstep. The Rex Rooms has an incredible set of rooms where people can hang out after work, or late at night. It is the quality you would find in Mayfair or even Beverly Hills, but it is conveniently located for locals. The vision for this space is all about high energy – people dancing, having fun, and fully immersing themselves in the experience.’

The Rex Rooms is essentially just two basement rooms. The club’s interior design is modelled after the surrealism of Salvador Dali and Antonio Gaudi. The walls are covered in melting, misshapen mirrors and spider webs. The main lounge has a central dance area with seating in discreet alcoves off to the side.

Away from the main bar area and dance floor is the VIP area called The King’s 1942 – so-named because of the partnership with Mr Burton’s favourite tequila, Don Julio 1942. This space is more intimate, with only nine tables, and the music is set at a lower level. No social media or photography is allowed in this room to protect celebrity clients from prying camera phones.

 

At present, the club opens on just three nights a week – Thursday, Friday and Saturday – and will have “two distinct experiences”. It will open at 6pm and have a “refined” atmosphere for cocktails and light bites. The atmosphere will be genteel and sociable with the music down low, so people can chat comfortably. At 11pm, the atmosphere will morph into an up tempo nightclub scene, with what is called an “elevated table service” and dancing. The club closes at 3:30am.

Mr Burton added: ‘The Rex Rooms is the culmination of my 15-year career. I started in hospitality, then transitioned into fashion, working with some of the world’s top musicians, actors, and sports stars – many of whom used to visit my venues before I began dressing them.

‘Now, everything has come full circle. After working with these incredible artists, musicians, and actors, I now have a place to bring them – a space that reflects everything I have built over the years. It is truly a beautiful full-circle moment.’

To book tables, or enquire about private hire, call 0203 141 9600 or WhatsApp 07982 360878. Or you can email enquiries@therexrooms.com. Visit: www.therexrooms.com

 

The Citizen’s View by India Drake-Brockman

Growing up in Chelsea, I’d always been aware of 151. I’d walk past it on my way down the King’s Road – its big red doors sealed shut until after sundown. If I was lucky enough to stay out late, I’d catch a glimpse of the crowded smoking area teeming with vibrant, inebriated young people. I always thought it looked incredibly fun.

I did attend a birthday party there once in my early teens – but a room full of 13-year-old boys and girls awkwardly standing on opposite sides of the dance floor probably isn’t what the old Chelsea staple was known for.

When I turned 18, the pandemic had just begun – so I missed my chance to experience what 151 was really like in its heyday. But as I descended the stairs into The Rex Rooms last night, any sense of having missed out began to fade as the possibility of new fun and excitement washed over me.

Unrecognisable, compared to the last time I’d been there, Burton’s vision has transformed the space entirely. The bar was full of stylish 20-somethings, chatting, sipping funky cocktails, and subtly bopping to a soundtrack that alternated between Alex Turner and Julian Casablancas.

The Rex Rooms is a curious blend of avant-garde decor and sleek sophistication. It’s cool without trying too hard – playful, immersive, and a little surreal. Just when you think you’ve grasped the vibe, you find yourself holding the leash of a spike-covered creature crawling around on all fours.

And if the lost-in-Wonderland undertones weren’t enough, the club’s signature mushroom-style shots had me feeling like I really was changing shape – joining the rest of the partygoers in their wide-eyed, late-night revelry.

I appreciate what Burton has done with the space, and I can imagine how this place could offer some real fun on a Friday night. I am excited to see how The Rex Room’s story develops and if it could be the key to reclaiming Chelsea’s nightlife crown.