Kensington Roof Gardens ablaze: Fire rips through former haunt of Charles, Camilla and Kate
Thankfully, there were no injuries
Kensington Roof Gardens, a previous haunt of the royals, has been ripped through by a fire early this morning.
The exclusive night-out spot in London, which is just a 10-minute walk away from Kensington Palace, was re-opened two years ago, launched with a multi-million-pound refurbishment and re-opening.
Kensington Roof Gardens devastated by fire
Unfortunately, in the early hours of January 26, their huge renovation has been devastated by an eye-watering blaze.
80 firefighters with 12 fire engines battled the flames over several hours as per reports. The fire reportedly broke out just before 1am in the rooftop bar area.
Thankfully, it has been confirmed today, there were no injuries.
Kensington Roof Gardens in Derry Street was famed for being the place to be. Loved by celebrities and royalty alike, the elite members club welcomed a slew of starlets.
Consequently, the royals were also interested in the lavish night out location.
Hotspot loved by the royals destroyed by blaze
Princess Diana, William and Kate, Prince Harry, King Charles and Camilla, have all been known to enjoy visits to the establishment.
In fact, Princess Kate was famously snapped dancing at Richard Branson’s Summer and Tennis Party, in June of 2006 at the nightclub.
The grade II-listed nightclub was once known for its parties and charity galas. The likes of Madonna and Freddie Mercury have all been spotted there.
Sir David Beckham, Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Idris Elba were amongst a string of other famous names.
The beloved roof top garden was first completed in 1938.
Kensington Roof Gardens history
It was situated on the ninth floor, originally above the Derry and Toms department store, a prestigious store know for its luxury goods.
Once upon a time, the rooftop gardens famously had flamingos, palm trees and a running stream. Yes, you read that right, real flamingos.
However, they were later rehomed when the club changed hands.
It eventually became a nightclub in 1978. Over the years it has also been known as Virgin Rooftop Gardens.
The famous spot was sold by Sir Richard Branson in 2021. It is now owned OVO Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick.
The popular establishment was reopened as a private members club in the summer of 2024.
Its most recent accounts reportedly showed a whopping £26million loss.
Kensington Roof Gardens fire news
The blaze broke out at 12:57am this morning, January 2026. The fire service controlled the fire by 3:36am, according to Mail Online.
Despite this, likely because of the destruction, a receptionist in one of the offices below, where the Daily Mail is based, said early this morning: “We’ve had to wait outside in the cold since 1am and they’ve only just let us back in.”
Earlier in the day it was reported that fire engines were still parked all over High Street Kensington. Evidently, fire crew were yet to move on, as some hoses were still attached to hydrants.
As a result of the fire, an investigation into the cause has now been opened.
London Fire Brigade speak out
Elsewhere, a London Fire Brigade spokesperson shared some information.
As per reports, they said: “Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a fire at a commercial building on Kensington High Street in Kensington. Part of the rooftop bar area of the nine-storey building was alight.”
They went on to say: “One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation tower to provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire. The first call was received at 00.57 and Control Officers mobilised crews from Kensington, Hammersmith, Chelsea and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 03.36. The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
Additionally, read more here: Royal fans gush ‘too cute’ as Princess Kate spotted ‘twinning’ with her assistant in ‘near-identical’ outfits
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