By James Whitmore, Editor-in-Chief
Last updated: 7 October 2026
Kensington Roof Gardens closed as a nightclub in January 2018. The rooftop above 99 Kensington High Street reopened in 2024 as The Roof Gardens, a private members' club. As of October 2026 there is no public club night at The Roof Gardens to dress for, and London Night Guide cannot arrange entry. This page keeps what the old club offered, as history, and points to London clubs you can book now.
What The Roof Gardens is now
The Roof Gardens now runs as a private members' club, with dining, bars and terraces around the original gardens. Entry is through membership, as a member's guest or at a private event booked with the club. There is no public club night, no door price and no guestlist in the nightclub sense, so turning up on a Friday night will not get you in.
The old Roof Gardens dress code (history)
For decades it was one of London's best-known rooftop clubs: Time Out described three themed gardens spread over 1.5 acres high above Kensington High Street, with Spanish, Tudor and English Woodland sections around the bars and dance floor. The door was strict and smart. For women, the old guidance was a smart, stylish look: a dress or skirt and heels. For men, smart trousers, a shirt and proper shoes. Caps, scruffy jeans, sportswear and trainers were refused. The members' club sets its own rules for members and their guests.
Dress codes for London clubs open now
If you are planning an outfit for a smart London night out, these guides cover clubs that are open and bookable:
- Dear Darling dress code: an intimate two-floor venue.
- Reign dress code: the champagne showclub on Piccadilly.
- Tape London guestlist: Mayfair's celebrity hotspot.
- Maddox guestlist: the Mayfair club for a late night.
Where it is
99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA. The nearest Tube station is High Street Kensington.