Kiwi House confirmed that a "large fire engulfed the outdoor BBQ area" at 7.30pm last night, and that all guests were evacuated.
"People were safely and swiftly evacuated, and emergency services were called. Once people were safely evacuated the BBQ gas bottle exploded. There are no reported injuries and the situation is now contained."
A tweet from the London Fire Brigade at 8.15pm yesterday read: "If you heard a bang in Kings Cross it was due to two gas cylinders exploding before we arrived at the BBQ fire at the back of Kiwi House, N1."
Organisers from the New Zealand Olympic Committee said the Central St Martins building will operate as usual today, however "Kiwi House will remain closed while the venue undergoes standard checks." It is unclear when the house will re-open.
The barbecue was set up in a 100sqm outside area with wooden crates for seating and menus and sauces in wooden boxes. Entry to the house was costing £5 per ticket.
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