Squatters have moved into the £13m-valued York & Albany pub in London, which is currently owned by chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsey.
The venue, which is currently up for sale, was taken over by a group who are calling for a new community arts space in the Grade II building that is located near to Camden Town and Regent’s Park.
An Instagram account called the Camden Art Cafe released a statement stating: “Camden is a borough with one of the biggest wealth disparities in London, so it seems only fitting that £13 million properties that most locals would never be able to afford to visit should be opened up to all.
“The York and Albany is an iconic building in Camden since its opening in the 1820s; it has withstood wars and bombs, and despite what the media says, it will withstand the potentially short but hopefully long stay we squatters have here.
“At a time when Camden market has been bought out by a billionaire and many longstanding local businesses are being evicted from their units, it’s even more important that we all band together in all the forms of resistance that we know and can.”
According to the BBC, a notice asking for food and donations at the pub has been taken down, and the Metropolitan Police has described the situation as a civil matter.
A notice also said that the group had a right to occupy the venue as it was a not a residential building and therefore not subject to 2012 legislation that banned squatting. Occupation is not a crime, but police can take action if damage is incurred to a property.
It also said: “If you want to get us out you will have to issue a claim for possession in the county court or in the High Court.”
Film director Gary Love bought the building in a derelict condition in 2007 before leasing it to Ramsey on a 25-year term with an annual rent of £640,000.
Ramsey subsequently tried to release himself from the contract in a High Court battle in 2015.
Last year, the pub and hotel went on sale at a guide price of £13m, and the pub was closed while the pub was on the market, offering the squatters an opportunity for entry.
