Squatters have taken over one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants in a defiant stand against the TV chef.
In shocking images obtained by The Sun, a gang of at least six "professional squatters" have reportedly invaded the 57-year-old's $16 million restaurant, the York & Albany pub and boutique hotel, near Regent’s Park in central London.
The group allegedly used Ramsay's own kitchen appliances to form a barricade to keep others out and even slapped a note on the door threatening legal action against anyone who tried to remove them from the building.
"Take notice that we occupy this property and at all times there is at least one person in occupation," the note read.
"That any entry or attempt to enter into these premises without our permission is, therefore, a criminal offense as any one of us who is in physical possession is opposed to such entry without our permission," it continued, adding that if anyone attempts "to enter by violence or by threatening violence", they will be prosecuted and "may receive a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000 ($6,230)."
The note, which was signed at the bottom by "The Occupiers" also warned: "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."
Photos from inside of the building show people dressed in shorts, and t-shirts and carrying grocery bags around what was once a lively eatery. Other images also show people lying on leather sofas surrounded by trash and empty water bottles.
It has been reported that Ramsay has already called the police, but removing the invaders might prove to be a little more difficult than originally anticipated.
A source who spoke to The Sun delved into more detail, stating: "It’s an absolute nightmare scenario for poor Gordon. The pub was temporarily closed whilst he was finalizing a new lease, and during this handover period a gang of professional squatters somehow bypassed all the security and CCTV, and got themselves in.
"They’ve now boarded themselves in the building and are slowly taking over the place, leaving their crap everywhere and brazenly telling locals this is now their home," the insider continued. "They’ve glued tight all the locks and are cooking up a storm in the kitchen, which is especially galling for Gordon."
Speaking of Ramsay's intervention, they also revealed that the renowned chef "is trying to secure an eviction notice, but it’s proving an absolute nightmare."
"It’s increasingly hard to forcibly remove these people," they added. "Gordon is at the end of his tether. Not surprisingly, a few choice words have been said."
It comes as film director and actor Gary Love bought the freehold of the derelict former coaching inn in 2007 from the Crown Estate and leased the premises for 25 years Ramsay who transformed it into a hugely successful boutique hotel and restaurant.