Squatters Occupy Gordon Ramsay’s Pub in Central London
Squatters have occupied a pub owned by Gordon Ramsay in central London, which is listed for sale at £13,000,000—worth about $16,000,000 U.S.
The group, consisting of at least six people, has boarded up the windows and posted a legal warning to defend their action at the Grade II-listed York & Albany hotel and gastropub near Regent’s Park.
BBC reporter Alison Earle at the scene mentioned that a notice soliciting food and donations had been taken down. According to social media posts, this new squatted community space is being set up as the Camden Art Cafe and Autonomous Winter Shelter. Police have acknowledged the situation but have not intervened, labeling it as a “civil matter.”
Photos before further security measures showed a squatter sleeping on a sofa in the bar surrounded by litter. Press Association reported that on Saturday morning, two masked squatters were seen leaving the property, avoiding journalists.
A taped notice on the property stated that that the occupation does not breach the 2012 anti-squatting law as the property is not residential. The contents of the note were reported by The Guardian as follows:
“Take notice that we occupy this property and at all times there is at least one person in occupation.”
“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.”
“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.”
“That 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 Metropolitan Police confirmed their awareness of the situation on April 10, saying, “This is a civil matter and so police did not attend the property,” per the BBC.
As per the existing laws, squatters can claim ownership if they continuously occupy the property for 10 years, acting as owners throughout that period without the original owner’s permission.
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