Gordon Ramsay's pub in London has been taken over by squatters and is now on the market for an estimated price of £13 million.
A group of at least six squatters have holed up at the Grade II-listed York and Albany Hotel and Gastropub, located just outside Regent's Park, boarding up the windows and shouting “laws” defending the takeover. The Sun reported that they had posted a warning.
Photos taken before the windows were further boarded up showed the squatters sleeping on sofas in the bar, surrounded by trash.
On Saturday morning, two masked squatters wearing black tracksuits and carrying backpacks and carrier bags exited the property and fled from reporters before being asked for comment.
A notice posted on the door said the group had the right to occupy the venue, but since the venue was not a “residential building” they were charged with the new crime of illegally occupying a residential building. It claimed to be subject to a 2012 law that created the .
The paper, signed by the “occupier,'' also read:
“Therefore, any trespassing or attempted trespassing on these premises without our permission is prohibited. It is a crime because
“If you attempt to gain entry through violence or threats of 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.”
Mr Ramsay called police on Wednesday, but it is understood they were unable to get the squatters removed.
Another notice asked passersby to “donate food, clothing, and other items you no longer need.”
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.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “On Wednesday, April 10, police discovered a squatter on the parkway in Regent's Park NW1.
“Police did not enter the scene as this is a civil matter.”
In 2007, film director Gary Love purchased ownership of the 19th century coaching inn.
He then leased the property to Mr Ramsay for a period of 25 years at an annual rent of £640,000.
The Kitchen Nightmares host unsuccessfully tried to be released from his lease in a High Court battle in 2015.
The venue was put up for sale late last year with an estimated price of £13 million.
According to government guidance, a squatter must occupy a property continuously for 10 years, act as the owner throughout that period, and have not previously been given permission by the owner to live there. You can apply to become the registered owner of the property.
A statement from the Metropolitan District said: “On Wednesday, April 10, police discovered a squatter on the Parkway, Regent's Park, NW1.
“Police did not enter the scene as this is a civil matter.”
