A group of “professional squatters” have taken over a London pub owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and are threatening legal action against anyone who tries to kick them out. At least six freeloaders broke into Ramsay’s York and Albany hotel and gastropub, which is for sale for $16.1 million, boarded up the windows, locked the door with kitchen utensils, and glued the locks. The chef is trying to sign over the building in a multi-million-dollar deal, as he stars in various reality shows such as “Hell’s Kitchen, The American Dream” and Next Level Chef on Fox.
Photographs of the squatters show them lounging in the trendy pub, with one barefoot individual sprawled across a black leather sofa. Another occupier in slippers was seen scrolling through a smartphone amidst tobacco, empty water bottles, and wine glasses scattered on the floor. A blue sleeping bag and crutches were also visible in the pub. The squatters have put up a “legal warning” sign on the front door defending their takeover and cautioning against eviction attempts, claiming they have a right to be there as it is a non-residential building.
The occupation of non-residential properties without permission is not a crime in the U.K., though police can take action if subsequent crimes are committed, such as property damage or theft. The squatters have warned against any attempts to evict them, stating that they will prosecute anyone who tries to enter without their permission. They have threatened imprisonment and fines for those who violate their occupation. Gordon Ramsay has called the police and is attempting to secure an eviction notice to remove the squatters from his property.
Ramsay, known for his fiery temper and profanity-laced outbursts, is facing an “absolute nightmare scenario” as professional squatters have taken over his pub, leaving their belongings scattered around and asserting ownership over the space. One shabby-looking squatter with two black eyes and a cut above one refused to speak to the press and began recording and hiding around the back of the building when confronted. The pub was purchased in 2017 by film director Gary Love, who leased the property to Ramsay on a 25-year term with an annual rent of $330,000.
The squatters have defiantly claimed possession of Ramsay’s pub, warning against any attempts to evict them without following the proper legal procedures. Ramsay, a world-renowned chef and television personality, has been unable to regain control of his property due to the squatters’ occupation. The situation has caused a headache for Ramsay and his team as they attempt to navigate the legal system to remove the unwelcome inhabitants from the pub. Despite efforts to negotiate with the squatters, it remains unclear how long it will take for the situation to be resolved and for Ramsay to regain control of his establishment.
