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The Roof Gardens in Kensington — a well known nightclub space which is also home to the restaurant Babylon — has announced it will close after a 37-year tenancy. The owners Virgin Limited Edition, a division of Richard Branson’s Virgin empire, cited concerns over profitability “in the face of an unpredictable market.”
A statement posted to the venue’s website said: “Virgin Limited Edition has occupied The Roof Gardens as a tenant since 1981. For over 35 years it has played a key part in the London nightlife scene, showcasing top DJs and live musical talent from across the decades as well as hosting numerous events, showbiz parties, award ceremonies, weddings and dinners in its award winning restaurant Babylon.”
Today the restaurant tweeted that it had welcomed its last guests and was now closed:
Sadly Babylon is now closed and has welcomed its last guests. Click here for more details. https://t.co/TDNXZy5T2R pic.twitter.com/8WXs3Z0Oi6
— Babylon Restaurant (@babylon_london) January 3, 2018
The company’s statement cited the turbulent times for the industry and a resultant challenge to remain profitable as the reason for the sudden closure: “In an ever changing London market The Roof Gardens has stood the test of time but in the face of unpredictable market conditions and a challenge to remain profitable, we feel that the time has come for us to close our doors,” it said.
The Independent quote Jon Brown, managing director for The Roof Gardens who added:
"The time has now come for us to hang up our dancing shoes, and take off our gardening gloves, but one thing’s for sure and that is The Roof Gardens will continue to be one of London’s most spectacular and extraordinary landmarks and we look forward to seeing what’s next for this beautiful venue.”
What will become of the space is not yet known.