Gordon Ramsay, the renowned British celebrity chef and restaurateur, has served legal papers to individuals occupying his £13 million pub, the York & Albany, in London. The pub, which also operates as a boutique hotel, was temporarily closed while Ramsay finalized a multi-million-pound lease with new partners.
During the closure, a group of "six professional squatters" known as The Camden Art Cafe collective managed to gain access to the Grade II listed building. They have since been living there, setting up a community kitchen, and even operating a cafe on the premises.
The squatters posted a notice threatening legal action against anyone attempting to remove them, claiming that they are entitled to stay as the building is non-residential. However, they later announced the cancellation of the cafe after being served legal papers by Ramsay.
The group explained their occupation as a stand against gentrification and aimed to provide a space for local artists to display their work without the restrictions of traditional galleries. They also asked for donations to maintain their "free shop" initiative.
Despite Ramsay's attempts to have them removed, the squatters remain inside the property. The situation has been described as a civil matter by the Metropolitan Police, who did not attend the property.
Photos from inside the pub show the extent of the damage caused by the squatters, with debris scattered around the bar area. Ramsay is reportedly frustrated with the situation and has been unable to resolve it through legal means thus far.
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