Squatters begin leaving Gordon Ramsay pub

Squatters leaving the York & Albany pub near Regent's Park

Squatters began leaving a Gordon Ramsay pub in London on Friday after the High Court ruled that the chef's firm could retake it.

Four people have so far left after locking themselves into the York & Albany near Regent's Park last week.

It is unclear how many people are still inside but BBC reporter Nick Johnson said people could be seen coming and going from the pub.

The court order means enforcement officers can retake the premises.

On Friday morning squatters left the Grade II-listed building two by two, with the first squatter to leave fist-bumping his friend before taking off on a bike.

The other squatter, dressed in a bucket hat, face covering and carrying a skateboard, left in the opposite direction on foot.

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He refused to comment to the PA news agency, saying he was busy eating a liquorice sweet. Later, two more people left the building in silence.

Bedsheet banners were still draped from the balcony on Friday morning, reading "whatever they say, squatters will stay" and "squat the lot".

It is not known how many squatters were at the pub

A Squatters of London Action Paper had also been taped to the York & Albany's gate, encouraging prospective illegal tenants to join their ranks.

The squatters included members of the Anarchist Association London Branch and the Camden Art Cafe.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has not publicly commented

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 squatter group ran 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".

The former pub and hotel building is up for sale for £13m following a protracted legal battle between the Hell's Kitchen presenter and film director Gary Love.

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