The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Kitchen nightmare: Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s pub

Group has put up a ‘legal notice’ defending takeover.

- By Jessica Schladebec­k New York Daily News

Squatters have claimed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s London pub, which currently is on the market for $16.1 million.

A group of at least six people have locked themselves inside the York & Albany hotel and gastropub near Regent’s Park, BBC News reports.

In addition to boarding up the windows, the squatters also have put up a “legal notice” defending their takeover. It says they have a right to occupy the space, which is not a residentia­l building and therefore is not protected under 2012 legislatio­n that outlawed squatting in a residentia­l building.

“Take notice that we occupy this property and at all times there is at least one person in occupation,” the warning reads. “That any entry or attempt to enter into these premises without our permission is therefore a criminal offence as any one of us who is in physical possession is opposed to such entry without our permission.”

Later, the warning says, “That if you attempt to enter by violence or by threatenin­g violence we will prosecute you. You may receive a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonme­nt and/or a fine of up to £5,000.”

At least six people have locked themselves inside a London gastropub owned by Gordon Ramsay (left), BBC News reports.

The notice, signed by “The Occupiers,” also says anyone seeking to boot them from the premises will have to do so by going through the courts.

The Metropolit­an Police said in a statement they were alerted to the squatters’ presence earlier this week, but “did not attend the property” as the issue is a “civil matter.”

The BBC reported the squatters hope to make the space a community art café.

Neither Ramsay nor his restaurant group have publicly commented on the issue.

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