The Rex Rooms, a nightclub on King's Road, is seeking to extend its licence to include late-night Sunday operations, prompting concerns from some residents about potential noise and disturbance. The operators have demonstrated a responsive approach to resident concerns, including reducing music volume upon complaint and providing advance notification of potentially noisy events. The operators have also installed additional filters within their building to ensure no noise escapes to neighbouring dwellings.
The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee convened on Tuesday 29 July 2025, to consider an application by Bridge 2024 Operations Limited for a variation of the premises licence for The Rex Rooms at 151-153 King's Road. The application seeks to extend the hours and licensable activities at the venue.
The application requests permission for:
- Sale of alcohol on Sundays from 12:00 to 03:00
- Provision of late night refreshments indoors and outdoors on Sundays from 23:00 to 03:00
- Entertainment similar to music or dance on Sundays from 09:00 to 03:00
- Performance of dance on Sundays from 09:00 to 03:00
Currently, the premises licence permits these activities indoors from Monday to Saturday, with Sunday alcohol sales ending at 22:30. The original license for The Rex Rooms, formerly the 151 Club, permitted:
- Performance of live music - Indoors
- Playing of recorded music - Indoors
- Performance of dance - Indoors
- Entertainment similar to music or dance - Indoors
- Provision of late-night refreshments - Indoors
- Sale by retail of alcohol - On and Off the Premises
- Regulated Entertainment for Private Use – Indoors
The licensing authority received two representations opposing the application, citing concerns about noise levels, disturbance from patrons leaving at 03:00, and the loss of a quiet Sunday evening in Chelsea. One resident, Amy Torrance, stated that since the club reopened in February 2025, disturbances have returned, including drunken patrons exiting the club at 3am shouting noisy goodbyes,
and vomit on my doorstep.
The Public reports pack noted that no noise/nuisance complaints had been received in the preceding 24 months.
Six representations supported the application, praising the operators as considerate and professional in addressing noise pollution. Supporters also noted the installation of additional noise filters and a perceived increase in safety due to the presence of doormen. Logan Wijay, a resident living directly above The Rex Rooms, stated, We feel much safer with late-hour openings and doormen guarding the premises.
Planning Officer George Weir said that there are no planning restrictions or conditions that the Sub-Committee should be aware of.
The Licensing Sub-Committee, comprised of Cllr Janet Evans (Chair, Licensing Committee), Cllr Toby Benton (Vice-Chair, Licensing Committee, Family Services Spokesperson), and Cllr Preety Hudd (Vice-Chair, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Vice-Chair, Investment Committee), was reminded to consider the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They were also reminded to have regard to its own Statement of Licensing Policy and the Secretary of State's Guidance.
The Public reports pack included a map of the area, showing the location of The Rex Rooms and surrounding residences.
The Public reports pack also included the licensing plan for The Rex Rooms, showing the basement and ground floor layouts.
Compared to other licensed premises in the area, the proposed Sunday closing time of 3:00 AM is later than most. Appendix J of the Public reports pack lists several licensed premises in the vicinity of The Rex Rooms. Some have closing times of 23:00 or 00:30 on Sundays, while others extend to 01:00 or later. The Chelsea Potter has a closing time of 23:30 on Sundays.
