The public relations department of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey successfully maintains a balanced image of him, showing a stark contrast between his often aggressive demeanour with would-be chefs, and his much softer nature towards budding young culinarians. Now, however, it appears that the department he shows a deficiency in is perhaps his legal representation.
A $16 million squatter dispute has sprung up, which may have been avoided had there been an adept team of real estate attorneys on hand. Squatters have reportedly taken over one of Ramsey’s restaurants in London, transforming it into a ‘community space’ in one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, according to a report by Business Insider.
A total of at least six individuals have claimed residency in York & Albany, a restaurant and hotel in Camden Town. The establishment was temporarily closed as the celebrity chef was finalizing a new lease. Reports suggest that the group has barricaded themselves inside and threatened potential lawsuits against anyone who dares to try and remove them.
In typical style, Ramsey has issued his own threat of legal action in retaliation to the squatting. This response, however, is considerably less aggressive than his infamous reactions to undercooked fish dishes.
Perhaps it’s late, but better late than never that the cavalry has arrived. Ramsey’s legal team served papers to the squatters, and it seems their plans of turning the pub into a soup kitchen have been thwarted. The Daily Mail revealed the squatters announcing on their Instagram that they have been served papers and were forced to halt their ‘café’ opening.
Finally, a piece of advice to Mr. Ramsey: investing in some security personnel might very well be worth it in the long run.