Squatters ‘strike a deal’ to remain at £13m Ramsay pub

SQUATTERS who occupied a Gordon Ramsay pub in London have vowed to remain inside the building after claiming to have reached an agreement with the owner.

Lawyers for Gordon Ramsay Holdings International Limited (GRHI) secured a High Court order on Thursday for the possession of the York & Albany near Regent’s Park.

That appeared to pave the way for enforcement officers to regain control of the Grade II listed building.

But yesterday, a set of court orders taped to the doors of the premises had been torn down. A squatter said: “We’ve made a deal. With the owner, not Ramsay. We’re still here, and we’re going to carry on staying here. We’re going to be security for him.”

The squatters have occupied the pub since last Saturday in protest at what they called “gentrification” of the Camden area. The former pub and hotel building is on the market for £13million following a protracted legal battle between Hell’s Kitchen presenter Ramsay, 57, and film director Gary Love.

In 2007, Mr Love purchased the freehold of the premises and leased the pub to Ramsay on a 25-year term. The chef attempted to free himself from the lease in 2015 but was unsuccessful in court.

On Thursday, lawyers for GRHI were granted an order by Judge Simon Brown to retake the property.

Some of the squatters initially said they would comply with a ruling by the judge to leave the building, with some packing up and going on Friday. A number have since returned.

Yesterday, Mr Love said: “For clarification neither I nor anyone from my team have had any contact with the occupiers/squatters of the building or anyone that represents them.” Ramsay was approached for comment.