Gordon Ramsay could lose buyers and have to pay multi-million pound rent for one of his loss-making London pubs after it was taken over by squatters, MailOnline can reveal.
A group of at least six squatters holed themselves inside the Grade II-listed York & Albany hotel and gastropub in Regent’s Park and said they were setting up a soup kitchen to feed the homeless at the beginning of the month.
The group posted a legal notice outside the building, threatening legal action against anyone who tried to evict them. Ramsay was about to sign a multi-million pound lease with new partners when they arrived.
With squatters in the property, there could be a lengthy battle to evict the individuals at significant financial cost as Ramsay attempts to rid himself of the loss-making pub.
Since opening in 2008, the business has racked up losses totaling £15.3 million, according to the latest Companies House accounts.
Gordon Ramsay’s pub, the York & Albany, has been taken over by squatters who say they will turn it into a soup kitchen
Gordon Ramsay reportedly left furious after his York & Albany pub was taken over by squatters
One of the squatters occupying Gordon Ramsay’s former York & Albany pub and hotel in Regents Park
The squatters shared images from inside the pub, including dogs (left) and some of the food prepared (right) by the so-called community kitchen.
The interior of the York & Albany pub when it was still open, showing its comfortable seating and luxurious facilities
The Kitchen Nightmares star currently remains bound by the 25-year lease after unsuccessfully trying to free himself from it during a High Court case in 2015.
After losing the case and as losses continued to pile up, he put the lease of the historic pub on the market with a guide price of £13 million in December last year. There are nine and a half years left.
The latest accounts filed with Companies House for Gordon Ramsay (York and Albany) Limited reveal £3.2 million is owed in rental payments which must be paid over the next three years.
The latest accounts also show the celebrity chef had a total of five years to pay the money, which started in 2022.
They also show a further £3.5 million is due before the end of the lease.
Accounts show Ramsay owes around £6.7 million for the lease recall. It is understood that some of this money has been paid.
In 2007, director Gary Love purchased the freehold of the former 19th century coaching inn. He then leased the property to Mr Ramsay at an annual rent of £640,000.
Two people who were inside the former York and Albion pub fled when approached on Saturday.
Two of the squatters were seen leaving with backpacks and bags on Saturday morning.
Mr Love has yet to comment on the current row with the squatters. However, speaking last year when the York and Albany lease was put on the market, he said big names including artist Damien Hirst and Soho House founder Nick Jones would be interested in the purchase of the property.
Occupying a person’s non-residential property without their permission is not itself a crime in the UK, although the police can take action if crimes are subsequently committed, including damaging the property or steal it.
Under government guidelines, squatters can apply to become registered owners of a property if they have occupied it continuously for 10 years, acted as landlords for that entire period and have not been previously licensed to live there by the owner.
Under UK property law, a landlord would need to apply for a civil interim possession order (IPO) to force squatters to vacate the property.
This can be granted within 48 hours, but does not give the business owner full possession of the property.
After an IPO has been granted, a hearing will be scheduled at which the squatters can appear to state whether they believe they have the right to occupy the property.
The civil case would be heard in the County Court and if the court is satisfied with the business owners’ right to the property, they will grant a Summary Possession Order (SPO) which would give them full possession of their property.
The squatters moved furniture as they pleased and left their belongings strewn across the pub floor.
A note on the pub’s door (pictured) insists squatters can stay there as it is a “non-residential building”.
A notice stuck to a door said the group had the right to occupy the venue, which they said was not a “residential building” and therefore not subject to the 2012 legislation which created a new crime of squatting in a residential building.
The piece of paper, signed by “The Occupants,” also stated: “Take note that we occupy this property and that there is at least one person occupying this property at all times.
“Any entry or attempted entry into these premises without our authorization therefore constitutes a criminal offense as any of us in physical possession resist such entry without our authorization.
“That if you attempt to enter by violence or threat of violence, we will prosecute you.
“You could face a sentence of up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
“That if you want to get us out, you will have to file a possession claim with the County Court or the High Court. »
The squatter group created the Camden Art Cafe which describes itself as a “self-sustaining” establishment in north London that is “committed (sic) to providing free food and creating a space for the community”. Six squatters are believed to be involved.
A sign posted outside the building reads: “We are accepting donations of food and clothing or anything you no longer want or need so we can keep our store free… Knock or contact us on Instagram @camdenartcafe.”
A sign on one of the pub’s doors shows that the squatters are asking for donations to help them run their soup kitchen.
Crates of potatoes were left outside the building by donors
Since the squatters moved in, photos have emerged showing beer cans strewn across the dusty floor along with pint glasses.
The premises were also littered with items such as tobacco, corks, empty water bottles and wine glasses.
A pair of crutches can also be seen, believed to belong to one of the six squatters who entered the property.
In other photographs taken before the windows were closed again, a squatter could be seen sleeping on a sofa in the bar, surrounded by trash.
It is believed Ramsay contacted the police last week, but so far they have failed to evict the squatters from the property (Pictured: York and Albany when it was open)
On Saturday morning, two masked squatters wearing black tracksuits and carrying backpacks and carrier bags left the property, fleeing before they could be approached for comment.
Ramsay called the police on Wednesday but was unsuccessful in getting the squatters evicted, it appears.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Police received reports of squatters at a disused property in Parkway, Regent’s Park, NW1, on Wednesday April 10.
“This is a civil matter and the police have therefore not attended the scene.”
Representatives for Ramsay have been contacted for comment.
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