The York & Albany pub located near Regent’s Park in London had been occupied by squatters, which included members of the Anarchist Association London Branch and the Camden Art Cafe. The squatter group had even run a cafe out of the pub last week, handing out free food and drink to “the people of Camden who have been victims of gentrification and parasitic projects like HS2”.
However, on Friday, the High Court ruled that the chef’s firm could retake the pub and squatters began leaving the Grade II-listed building. It remains unclear how many people are still inside the building but according to a BBC reporter, people could be seen coming and going from the pub. Bedsheet banners were still draped from the balcony on Friday morning, reading “whatever they say, squatters will stay” and “squat the lot”.
Four people have so far left the premises after locking themselves in for the past week. The court order means enforcement officers can retake the property. In a post on Instagram, the Camden Art Cafe announced it would be leaving the premises but added: “We wish those left in the building the best of luck in their endeavours.”
The former pub and hotel building is up for sale for £13m following a legal battle between the Hell’s Kitchen presenter Gordon Ramsay and film director, Gary Love. Ramsay has not publicly commented on the incident.
It should be noted that the BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites, and listeners can stay up-to-date with the latest news and stories on BBC Radio London and follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More