LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Netflix Relocates Bafta Afterparty Following Fire at Chiltern Firehouse
The emergency response involved extensive firefighting efforts; the venue remains closed as investigations commence.
16 February 2025 · 12:58 UTC
The incident required the attention of dozens of firefighters, who worked for over five hours to control the blaze that broke out on Friday.
The fire led to the evacuation of around 100 guests from the venue.
Fortunately, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident.
The Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury hotel and restaurant, will remain closed until further notice as investigations are launched to determine the cause of the fire.
The venue's owner, Andre Balazs, stated, "We are grateful to confirm that no one was hurt, and our guests and staff safely evacuated."
Fire crews from multiple stations, including Euston, Soho, and Paddington, were dispatched after the fire was reported shortly before 15:00 GMT.
Videos shared on social media showed firefighting teams using cranes to extinguish flames that had spread from the ground floor to the roof of the four-storey establishment.
The fire was brought under control by approximately 20:00 GMT.
The Bafta Film Awards are set to take place on Sunday at London's Royal Festival Hall, hosted by David Tennant.
The ceremony has seen significant nominations, with the film "Conclave" leading the pack with 12 nominations, followed by notable titles such as "Emilia Pérez," "The Brutalist," and "Anora."
While the principal afterparty is scheduled at the Southbank Centre, Netflix has opted to hold its own event at The Twenty Two, a luxury hotel situated in Mayfair.
This decision comes after the cancellation of plans to host the gathering at the Chiltern Firehouse, which is recognized as a popular destination for celebrities, previously frequented by high-profile figures like Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga.
The Chiltern Firehouse opened its doors in 2013 and features 26 suites alongside a restaurant accommodating 200 guests.
Its location has historical significance, as it was formerly home to a Victorian fire station established in 1889.