Gordon Ramsay’s £13million London pub taken over by squatters: ‘Absolute nightmare scenario’

Mr Ramsay is said to be attempting to finalize an eviction notice

Squatters have taken control of a £13 million London pub restaurant owned by Gordon Ramsay. The Grade II-listed York & Albany pub, located near Regent’s Park, has been occupied and barricaded using kitchen appliances.

A source close to the celebrity chef revealed that at least five men and one woman are currently squatting in the restaurant. The Metropolitan Police were informed about the situation but declined to intervene, citing it as a civil matter.

Gordon Ramsay's London pub, York & Albany, was taken over by squatters before the celebrity chef could sign a deal with new partners.

The Met spokesperson stated, “Police were alerted to squatters at a disused property in Parkway, Regent’s Park, NW1 on Wednesday, April 10.”

Described as a "nightmare scenario" for Ramsay, the source explained that the pub was temporarily closed while Ramsay was finalizing a new lease. During this transition, a group of professional squatters managed to bypass security measures and CCTV to gain access.

One person was seen barefoot and sprawled across on a black leather sofa inside the restaurant, with their personal belongings and debris, including empty wine bottles, strewn across the floor.

“They’ve now barricaded themselves inside, leaving a mess everywhere and boldly claiming the place as their new home,” the source added. “They’ve secured all the locks and are using the kitchen facilities, which is particularly frustrating for Gordon.”

Despite Ramsay's attempts to serve an eviction notice, the process is proving difficult. The source expressed, “It’s increasingly challenging to evict these individuals. Gordon is extremely frustrated. It’s not surprising that some heated words have been exchanged.”

There are at least six "professional squatters" -- five men and one woman -- living inside the restaurant and its attached bedrooms.

When The Sun visited the pub, one squatter declined to comment. A legal notice posted by "The Occupiers" warns that unauthorized entry is a criminal offense, threatening prosecution with potential imprisonment or a fine.

Ramsay leased the property from Gary Love, a director and actor, on a 25-year term. In 2015, Ramsay engaged in a legal battle to terminate the lease, which was ultimately unsuccessful. Under British law, squatters can claim ownership of property or land if they occupy it for ten years, act as the owners during that period, and do so without the owner’s consent.

The squatters themselves have threatened legal action against anyone that tries to force them out of the restaurant.

Gordon Ramsay was in the process of finalizing a new lease, and the pub had been temporarily closed.

The "Master Chef" star was embroiled in an unsuccessful legal battle to free himself from the lease in 2015 that put his family members at odds.