Written by Darren Boyle and John Brady
April 13, 2024 11:28, updated April 13, 2024 11:50
Squatters who have occupied Gordon Ramsay's Regent's Park pub claim they are setting up a soup kitchen to feed the homeless.
Camden Art Cafe is a “voluntary” venue in north London that describes itself as “committed to providing free food and creating space for the community.” Six squatters are said to be involved.
The extremist group moved into the York and Albany pub earlier this month, but since the store closed while negotiating to hand over the lease to a new partner, donors have donated raw materials, including 10kg of potatoes. are bringing in.
But local residents who spoke to MailOnline this morning accused the campaigners of saying Mr Ramsay's takeover of the pub, which they claim did not break any laws, amounted to “legalized theft”.
And Ramsay himself reportedly became furious and called the police to remove the squatters. However, police say they cannot intervene because the matter is a “civil matter.”
A sign posted on the outside of the building reads: “In order to keep our free shop running, we welcome donations of food, clothing and other items you no longer need…knock or contact us on Instagram @camdenartcafe Please.” it says.
Cardboard was placed on the windows to prevent curious onlookers from seeing inside, and a “legal warning” was posted stating that the pub was not a residential area and therefore not subject to anti-squatting laws.
The group also claims that anyone who attempts to remove Mr Ramsay could face a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison, and that if Mr Ramsay tries to enter his pub. is considered to be a violation of the law.
Camden Art Café's unauthorized occupation of the building caused anger among local residents, and Mr Ramsay himself is said to have called for police intervention.
Colin J, 56, who works at a nearby post office, told MailOnline: “What's the point in working hard for a living and contributing to society when these guys can invade and take over your property?”
“It's legalized theft. The government has failed hard-working citizens by failing to close the loopholes that allow squatters to operate with impunity.
“That doesn't seem right. They're using the law for their own benefit. The law should work for hardworking people.”
The squatters are part of a collective group calling itself the Camden Art Cafe. They seemed to work quickly. According to Camra's WhatPub guide, York & Albany just closed last month.
The people behind the occupation created an Instagram account for their campaign this month and began posting on April 10, when they announced the opening of a “new squatter community space in Camden.”
A second post, posted the next day, read, “First day of the cafe opening!” Come join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 4pm. There's always free coffee, soup, and the perfect atmosphere. ”
This was endorsed with the hashtag #SquatTheLot, a popular call for private property ownership in squatter communities.
But two masked squatters wearing black tracksuits and carrying backpacks fled reporters Saturday before being asked for comment.
An anonymous donor has placed 10kg of new potatoes at the entrance of a three-storey pub next to London's Regent's Park. Squatters have even moved on cats.
A video shared on the page showed soup being made and numerous dogs lounging indoors.
Scattered inside were crutches, life bags, cigarettes, plugs, empty water bottles, and sleeping bags.
A piece of paper signed by the “occupier'' was taped to the window and read:
“Accordingly, it is a crime to enter or attempt to enter these premises without our permission and any of us who are in physical possession of such premises are prohibited from entering or attempting to enter such premises without our permission. Because we are against trespassing.”
“If you attempt to enter using violence or threatening violence, we will prosecute you.” You could be jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to £5,000. .
“If they want to evict us, that means they have to apply for possession in the county court or the high court.”
In the UK, the unauthorized occupation of a person's non-resident property is not itself a crime, but police may take action if a subsequent crime occurs, such as property damage or theft.
According to government guidance, a squatter becomes the registered owner of a property if he or she has occupied the land continuously for 10 years, acted as the owner during that time, and was not previously given permission to live there. You can apply to become one.
The Sun reported that Ramsey is seeking an eviction notice after squatters moved in while he was renegotiating the terms of his lease.
A source said: “The pub was temporarily closed while the new lease was finalized and during the handover period a group of professional squatters somehow managed to sneak in past all security and CCTV cameras.” he said.
“They have now boarded up the building and are slowly taking over the place, leaving their penises everywhere and brazenly telling locals that this is now their home.
“Some crash into the sofa, but others occupy beautiful bedrooms. Only God knows the damage and stains.”
A representative for Mr Ramsay declined to comment, saying the matter was “being handled legally”.
Those occupying the building refused to speak to a Sun reporter.
Film director and actor Gary Love reportedly bought the freehold of the derelict former coaching inn from the Crown Estate in 2007.
Mr Ramsay then began leasing the property in 2009, turning it into a successful boutique hotel and gastropub restaurant, before unsuccessfully trying to break the lease in early 2015.
This restaurant has issues on TripAdvisor. Last week, the site published a scathing review claiming it was serving a small steak and “oversalted” chips for £23.
The one-star review was titled “Gordon is not Heston”, referring to his rival Heston Blumenthal.
The Mail on Sunday reported in 2020 that the pub had racked up losses totaling a staggering £15 million since opening in 2008.
Records also reveal that the facility lost more than £550,000 in just one year to the end of August 2019.
The Metropolitan Police told MailOnline: “On Wednesday, April 10, police discovered a squatter on the Parkway, Regent's Park, NW1.”
“Police were not present at the scene as this is a civil matter.”
