A startling blaze tore through one of London’s most talked-about private clubs last night, leaving the city’s nightlife scene in shock.
Kensington Roof Gardens, a members-only hotspot popular with celebrities, was engulfed in flames in a high-rise office block in West London.
Firefighters Scramble to Contain the Inferno
The alarm was raised just before 1 a.m., prompting a major response from the London Fire Brigade.
Around 80 firefighters and twelve fire engines rushed to Derry Street, near High Street Kensington, to battle the intense blaze on the sixth floor.
The fire raged for over two and a half hours, finally being brought under control at 3:36 a.m.
Offices Below Forced to Evacuate
Workers in the offices beneath the rooftop club faced a long night outside in the cold. One receptionist told reporters: “We’ve had to wait outside since 1 a.m., and they only just let us back in around 6 a.m.” Even hours later, fire engines remained parked along High Street Kensington, with hoses still stretched across pavements as crews conducted final checks and ensured the area was safe.
Dramatic Scenes and Specialist Equipment
Dramatic images shared by the London Fire Brigade on social media captured the full scale of the fire.
The rooftop area glowed bright orange, with thick black smoke pouring into the night sky.
Tackling the blaze on the ninth floor required specialist equipment, including one of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders.
This ladder not only allowed firefighters to reach the rooftop bar quickly but also provided an elevated observation point for the Incident Commander.
Official Statement from the Fire Brigade
An LFB spokesperson confirmed: “Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a fire at a commercial building on Kensington High Street.
Part of the rooftop bar area of the nine-storey building was alight.
The first call came at 00:57, and crews from Kensington, Hammersmith, Chelsea, and nearby stations were mobilized. The fire was under control by 03:36.”
They also added that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a formal inquiry to determine how the fire started.
For now, residents and office workers are left surveying the aftermath of what was once one of London’s most glamorous rooftop destinations.
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