A group of squatters has recently occupied the York & Albany pub in London, a property associated with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, with the intent of converting it into a community cafe and art space named “Camden Art Cafe.” The collective’s action is a protest against gentrification in Camden and aims to create a communal venue for locals adversely affected by economic disparities and development projects such as HS2.

The Grade II-listed building, located near Regent’s Park, was subject to a recent legal dispute and had been listed for sale last year at £13 million. The squatters, identifying themselves as “professional squatters” or using the collective name Gordon, assert their right to occupy the non-residential property, citing the UK’s 2012 legislation that excludes non-residential buildings from squatting laws.

Since their occupation, the squatters have begun repurposing the space. They have organized events such as “Paint ‘n’ Chinwag” sessions and offered free food, drinks, and art activities like drawing classes, explicitly inviting those feeling the impact of local gentrification. The group maintains the venue with a strict cleaning schedule and has even called for donations of food and clothes for their initiatives.

Attempts by Ramsay to resolve the situation saw the intervention of the Metropolitan Police, who deemed the matter civil rather than criminal, leaving it unlikely for an immediate eviction without a court order. Meanwhile, the initiative has garnered both local and international attention, with varying levels of community support.

The squatters remain resolute in their mission to foster community spirit and provide a platform for local voices, despite the uncertainty of their tenure in the property.