​Legal Tensions at Gordon Ramsay's York & Albany as Squatters Move In

Gordon Ramsay's York & Albany pub and boutique hotel near Regent's Park in London has been occupied by squatters. The group has fortified their position, using kitchen appliances to barricade entryways and issuing legal threats against trespassers.

Ewan Munro from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The property, a £13 million Grade II listed building, was under temporary closure as Ramsay was negotiating a new, multi-million-pound lease agreement. However, during this transition, the pub was overtaken by what a source described as 'a gang of professional squatters.' The source further revealed, 'They've boarded themselves in, are leaving their belongings scattered, and have even taken to cooking in the kitchen, which is particularly infuriating for Gordon.'

At least six individuals are reported to be inside, including five men and one woman, with images capturing one man sleeping on a sofa. Despite Ramsay's efforts to involve the Metropolitan Police, they have stated that this is a civil matter and have not intervened.

The squatters have posted a legal notice on the premises declaring that unauthorised entry could lead to criminal charges, including potential imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

The property, leased from Gary Love since 2015, was the subject of a previous legal dispute by Ramsay to terminate the lease, which did not succeed.

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