At least six people are occupying the heritage-listed London property that was formerly run by Gordon Ramsay as the York & Albany hotel and gastropub. The disused venue is still leased by the celebrity chef but on the market for £13 million (US$16.1 million), the BBC reports.
The squatters have boarded up the former gastropub’s windows and taped a notice to the door defending their occupation of the building. They claim that as the venue is not a home, it does not fall under a law prohibiting squatting in residential buildings.
“If you want to get us out you will have to issue a claim for possession in the county court or in the High Court,” the note said.
The occupiers reportedly hope to use the space as a community cafe. Located in London’s exclusive Regent’s Park area, the York & Albany ceased operations in March of this year.
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Ramsay called the police last Wednesday, the BBC says. However, London’s Metropolitan police have issued a statement saying that while they had been made aware of the squatters they were unable to do anything as it was a civil matter.
The property is owned by British film director Gary Love, who leased it to Ramsay in 2007. Ramsay has been unable to extract himself from the 25-year lease, despite a legal battle.
According to UK law, squatters can apply to become a property’s registered owners if they manage to occupy it continuously for 10 years, act as owners for the duration of that period and have not previously been given permission to live there by the official owner.
