- Squatters are occupying one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants in London.
- The squatters posted a “legal warning” in the restaurant's window, asserting their right to remain.
- Local authorities told BI they were “aware” of the situation and “will take action where appropriate.”
One of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants in London has been taken over by squatters.
According to The Sun and the BBC, at least six people are living at the York & Albany eatery, located next to the hotel of the same name in Camden Town. Although York & Albany is temporarily closed, Mr Ramsay, 57, is finalizing his new lease, The Sun reported.
It is unclear when the squatters first arrived. The Metropolitan Police told Business Insider that on April 10, it was in Regent's Park, where the restaurant is located, that it “became aware that there were squatters on disused land.”
Media outlets reported that the group holed up inside the building, boarded up the windows and threatened legal action against those who tried to remove them.
Photos obtained by news outlets showed a “legal warning” taped to one of the restaurant's doors. It was signed by “Occupiers”.
“Please note that we occupy this property and that at least one person is occupying it at any given time,” the notice reads. “Accordingly, it is a crime to enter or attempt to enter these premises without our permission, and any of us who are in physical possession of them are prohibited from entering or attempting to enter such premises without our permission. Because I am against it.”
In a legal warning, the group said it would take legal action against anyone who “trespassed with violence” or “threatened to trespass with violence.”
“LASPO does not apply,” the notice said, referring to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishing Offenders Act 2012. Occupation of a non-residential building is not a crime in LASPO. So the squatters say they are allowed to stay there by law.
According to the outlet, Ramsey has called local authorities about the land, but so far they have not responded to remove the squatters.
The Metropolitan Police told Business Insider: “As this is a civil matter, police did not attend as an emergency response. However, we are currently determining whether a crime has subsequently occurred and will take action if necessary.” I will take lessons.''
It's unclear what the organization plans to do with the space, but the BBC reports that two Instagram accounts, Autonomous Winter Shelter and Camden Art Cafe, have described the space as a “new squatting community space.” It is said that there is.
The post's caption read: “Stop by Camden's new squatter community space.” “Come say hello and let's have some food and coffee on our first day open tomorrow.”
Camden Art Cafe's Instagram also appears to be showing photos of the restaurant's interior.
The company's bio reads: “An autonomous cafe in the heart of Camden, dedicated to providing free food and creating space for the community.”
According to the same media report, Ramsay became attached to the property in 2007 when director Gary Love leased it to Ramsay on a 25-year contract at an annual rent of 640,000 pounds (about $797,000). It is said that it became like this. Mr Ramsay tried to get out of his lease in 2015 but lost in a legal battle.
According to the outlet, the property was listed in late 2023 for an indicative price of £13 million, or more than $16 million.
Representatives for Ramsey and York & Albany did not immediately respond to requests for comment from BI.
Other stories about squatters also made headlines this year.
In New York City, a couple is unable to move into the home they bought for $2 million because squatters refuse to vacate the property. The couple filed a lawsuit against the squatters to evict them, but the squatters countersued for harassment.
The outlet reported later that month that the squatters had been living in the Beverly Hills mansion for five months. The group was evicted, but no criminal charges were filed.
