Squatters at £13m Gordon Ramsay Pub: Opening as Art Cafe, Defy Eviction
A group of squatters, estimated to be at least six people, have taken over a £13m pub owned by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in London.
They plan to transform the Grade II-listed York & Albany near Regent's Park into an art cafe, with the goal of making it accessible to those who couldn't previously afford to visit.
The building is currently up for sale.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants have been contacted for comment by the BBC, while the Met Police were called but did not attend as squatting is considered a civil matter.
The squatters aim to open the cafe regularly, welcoming anyone, particularly those affected by gentrification in the area.
An iconic cafe in Camden, which has been standing since the 1820s, will offer free food, drinks, and a space for art display.
The area has a large wealth disparity, and the group occupying the venue believes it's fitting that expensive properties should be accessible to all.
The group claims they have the right to occupy the non-residential building, as it is not subject to 2012 legislation.
Occupying a property without permission is not a crime in the UK, but police can intervene if crimes occur or property is damaged.
Squatters can apply for property ownership after continuously occupying it for 10 years, acting as if they are the owners during that time, and without the owner's permission.
(Summary: Squatters can become legal owners after 10 years of unauthorized occupation and acting as owners.)
The building is currently up for sale.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants have been contacted for comment by the BBC, while the Met Police were called but did not attend as squatting is considered a civil matter.
The squatters aim to open the cafe regularly, welcoming anyone, particularly those affected by gentrification in the area.
An iconic cafe in Camden, which has been standing since the 1820s, will offer free food, drinks, and a space for art display.
The area has a large wealth disparity, and the group occupying the venue believes it's fitting that expensive properties should be accessible to all.
The group claims they have the right to occupy the non-residential building, as it is not subject to 2012 legislation.
Occupying a property without permission is not a crime in the UK, but police can intervene if crimes occur or property is damaged.
Squatters can apply for property ownership after continuously occupying it for 10 years, acting as if they are the owners during that time, and without the owner's permission.
(Summary: Squatters can become legal owners after 10 years of unauthorized occupation and acting as owners.)
