Gordon Ramsay gets court order against squatters

Gordon Ramsey has taken out a court order against a group of squatters in his Regent's Park pub.

In a legal maneuver that could end a standoff between renowned chef Gordon Ramsay's company and squatters, Gordon Ramsay Holdings International Limited (GRHI) has obtained a High Court order for the possession of a historic London pub.

The Grade II-listed York & Albany hotel and gastropub, located just outside Regent’s Park, found itself at the center of a controversy when a group of individuals took residence within its walls last week. Calling themselves the Camden Art Cafe, the squatters established an "autonomous cafe" with promises to provide free food to the local community.

However, GRHI, which operates under the directorship of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, asserted its legal right to the property and sought an order for possession, citing the risk of potential public disturbance. Represented by lawyer Timothy Foot, GRHI argued that the squatters had unlawfully entered the premises without consent.

During a brief hearing in London, Judge Simon Brown granted the order, clearing the path for High Court enforcement officers to reclaim the occupied pub in the coming days. Despite being served legal notices, none of the squatters attended the hearing nor were they represented by legal counsel.

Foot emphasized GRHI's continued leasehold of the property, even though the venue had ceased trading. He underscored the potential for public disruption posed by the squatters' presence, noting that while the cafe had closed, some individuals remained on the premises.

This legal development follows previous attempts by Gordon Ramsay to address the situation. Reportedly, Ramsay had contacted the police, though they determined it to be a civil matter and did not intervene.

The York & Albany's complex ownership history adds layers to the current situation. Film director Gary Love acquired the freehold of the 19th-century coaching inn in 2007, subsequently leasing it to Gordon Ramsay for a 25-year term. Ramsay's attempt to extricate himself from the lease in 2015 was unsuccessful.

The pub was listed for sale at the end of the previous year, with a guide price of £13 million. GRHI, as per Companies House records, serves as the holding company providing management and operational support to restaurants within the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Limited group.

With the High Court order secured, attention now turns to the imminent enforcement action, marking a potential resolution to the standoff at the York & Albany.