Chelsea’s Favourite Noughties Nightclub Is Back

All Sloane Rangers of the nineties and 00s knew about 151, the basement King’s Road club beloved by celebrities and royals alike. From Bob Geldof to socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, its legendary red doors had a constant stream of famous faces spilling out of them – although regular Prince Harry was known to slip out of the fire escape to avoid the paparazzi. 

It was the place the Chelsea set would always attempt to end their night (the club was infamously hard to get into, with George Michael allegedly once getting turned away because he was wearing an earring). So the neighbourhood’s party-loving locals were saddened when, post-Covid, the club lost its lease and closed down for good. This March, though, it’s back, reopening as The Rex Rooms under the leadership of designer and nightlife extraordinaire Marc Jacques Burton. 

The Rex Rooms: Chelsea’s New Nightclub Opens This March

The name behind hotspots like Mahiki and Tonteria, Burton has hosted names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake over the years – and hopes The Rex Rooms will attract a similarly prestigious clientele. Helping him bring the vision to life are Guy Ritchie’s friend Piers Adam, film producer Jason McNab (the name behind the upcoming Kate Moss biopic), and financier Mark Cecil.

‘The Rex Rooms is everything I’ve ever loved creating – spaces where people come to celebrate, connect, and make lasting memories. It’s not just about exclusivity; it’s about creating an atmosphere where the A-list feels at home. Privacy is everything here – what happens at The Rex Rooms stays at The Rex Rooms,’ says Burton.

The club will be split into two parts, The Main Lounge and the invitation-only King’s 1942 Room supported by Don Julio 1942. With his design background, the interiors were a big focus for Burton: partygoers can expect plush velvet banquettes, and sculptural wood panels inspired by Gaudí’s wrought iron gates. 

Cocktails are designed to have a health-conscious twist: the Enchanted Shrooms, for example, sees tequila mixed with the trending Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, honey and pineapple, served in a hand-carved mushroom sculpture. The PDA, meanwhile, is a sharing drink inspired by Salvador Dalí’s iconic lip-shaped sofa, made with Perrier-Jouët Rosé Champagne, cassis, framboise, and Ciroc vodka.

‘The new generation is far more health-conscious and in tune with nature. Our drinks offer a new take on nightlife, combining artistry and wellness,’ says Burton.

The club has soft launched with a series of preview events during BAFTA weekend and London Fashion Week, and will open to the public on 6 March 2025.

151 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5TX, therexrooms.com