A group of squatters have occupied celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany gastropub in London, leading to a standoff with the police categorising the issue as civil rather than criminal.
Squatters have occupied celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s £13 million gastropub, the York & Albany, located near Regent’s Park in London. The historic Grade II-listed building, currently owned by film director Gary Love and leased to Ramsay, has been on the market since last year. Despite Ramsay’s efforts, including involving the police, the squatters have barricaded themselves inside, claiming that the law is on their side as the property is not residential.
Photos released show the interior of the pub littered and a squatter sleeping on a sofa. The squatters have posted a notice asserting their right to remain and warning that any attempt to enter without permission could lead to criminal charges. The Metropolitan Police have been informed of the situation but have designated it as a civil matter, thus not intervening directly.
Under UK law, squatters can gain rights to a property if they occupy it continuously for 10 years without the owner’s permission. The situation at the York & Albany continues as the squatters maintain their occupation.
