But neighbours already complain of thumping bass, rattling windows and sleepless nights as RBKC’s licensing sub-committee prepares to consider the application.
Kensington Square Residents’ Association says people living in the historic square below are being woken by noisy customers, parking and early-morning glass disposal.
Resident Alex Stirling cited noise from rapper Stormzy’s June 2024 performance at the venue in his objection to the expansion
And neighbour Corey Evans described bass “causing both audible noise and vibrating windows”, particularly late at night on upper floors where bedrooms were located.
17th century Kensington Square was once home to philosopher John Stuart Mill and author William Makepeace Thackeray lived in adjoining Young Street.
Resident Caroline Carey urged councillors to consider the combined burden of taxis, deliveries, waste collections and commercial activity.
“The already narrow and historic streets are struggling under the weight of uses that exceed their capacity,” she wrote.
But the current application also has enthusiastic champions.
Award winning sculptor Nick Hornby, a trustee of The Roof Gardens Foundation, praised its mix of art, music, talks and hospitality.
“It has become much more than simply a bar or members’ club,” he wrote.
Maya Mroue, a club member who lives opposite and is marketing director of the Opportunity Kensington business improvement district, described it as her family’s “second home”.
“In the time it has been operating, we have experienced no issues with noise, nuisance, crime or disorder arising from the club,” she wrote.
Another resident Jay Rutland also backed an expansion of the famous venue.
“I am not aware of the club causing any significant public nuisance during the period in which it has been operating,” he told the Council.
The hearing adds another chapter to the story of one of Kensington’s most extraordinary addresses.
Landscape architect Ralph Hancock designed the gardens above the Derry & Toms department store. They opened in May 1938. The building later housed Biba, the flamboyant fashion store synonymous with 1970s London.
Richard Branson’s Virgin took over the lease in 1981. With its resident flamingos and glamorous parties, the venue became one of London’s most distinctive nightspots—famous guests over the years have included Madonna, Kate Moss, Freddie Mercury and Diana, Princess of Wales.
After closing in 2018, it reopened as a private members’ club in summer 2024.
Among operator Kensington RG Ltd’s directors is billionaire entrepreneur Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of OVO, Britain’s fourth-largest household energy supplier before its takeover by E.ON.
The venue made headlines last January when fire destroyed a rooftop plant room.
Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters attended. About 40 people left the building before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The club said there was no fire damage inside the building.
Councillors will consider expansion plans at 10am on November 19 in the Council Chamber at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street.
For fans, it’s room for a bigger party. For worried neighbours, the priority is a smaller disturbance.
