A group of professional squatters have taken over a London pub owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, barricading themselves inside and threatening legal action against anyone trying to evict them. The squatters broke into Ramsay’s York and Albany hotel and gastropub, which is currently for sale for $16.1 million, and have boarded up the windows, locked the door with kitchen utensils, and glued the locks. Shocking photographs show the squatters lounging in the trendy pub, with one barefoot occupier sprawled on a sofa, while another is scrolling on his phone surrounded by tobacco, water bottles, and wine glasses on the floor.
The squatters have put up a legal warning sign on the front door defending their takeover, claiming their right to occupy the property since it is not a residential building. In the U.K., occupying a non-residential property without permission is not a crime, though actions such as damaging the property or stealing are punishable by the police. The squatters have warned against any eviction attempts, stating that they will prosecute anyone attempting to enter the premises without their permission. Ramasy is reportedly trying to secure an eviction notice and called the police to handle the situation.
The squatters have issued a notice stating that anyone attempting to remove them from the property will have to issue a claim for possession in court. Ramsay, known for his fiery temper and profanity-laced outbursts, is facing a nightmare scenario as the squatters have taken over the place, leaving their belongings scattered around and claiming it as their home. The pub was temporarily closed while Ramsay was finalizing a new lease, during which the squatters managed to bypass security measures and make their way in, according to reports.
One of the squatters, looking shabby and sporting two black eyes with a cut above one, refused to speak to a publication when confronted outside the building. The property was purchased by film director Gary Love in 2017, who then leased it to Ramsay on a 25-year term with an annual rent of $330,000. Ramsay, a world-renowned chef, also stars in various television shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, The American Dream, Next Level Chef, Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, and MasterChef. The situation has left Ramsay in a difficult position as he tries to regain control of his property from the squatters who have taken over.
