They boarded up the windows of the upscale restaurant and refused to leave.

Gordon Ramsay's £13m west London pub has been taken over by a group of squatters.

The Grade II listed York and Albany Hotel and Gastropub next to Regent's Park is currently for sale, but at least six squatters have turned it into temporary accommodation.

The intruders posted a legal notice on the door of the pub which read: “Please note that we occupy this property and there will be at least one person occupying it at all times.

“Any entry or attempt to enter these premises without our permission is therefore a criminal offense as any of us in actual possession would object to the entry into such premises without our permission.

It continued: “If you attempt to enter in a violent or threatening manner we will prosecute you. You may be jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to £5,000.

“If you want us to leave you have to make a possession claim in the County Court or the High Court.”

according to sunsquatters have been using bars to set up soup kitchens to provide food to the homeless.

Another sign posted outside the building reads: “We welcome donations of food and clothing, or anything else you no longer want or need so we can continue our free shop…please knock on the door or come by Connect with us on Instagram @camdenartcafe.”

They exploited a loophole in 2012 legislation which created a new offense of squatting in residential buildings. The squatters claim the TV chef's restaurant does not qualify as a “residential building”.

Ramsey has yet to comment or issue a statement on the matter.

It is understood he initially called police when he learned of the break-in earlier this week but was unable to remove it.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “On Wednesday, April 10, police were informed of squatters at a derelict property in Regent’s Park Parkway, NW1.

“This is a civil matter and therefore police are not attending the scene.”

The only way the police can take action is if it is clear that the squatters have damaged the property or stolen anything from the premises.

Ramsay began leasing the property from film director Gary Love in 2007 on a 25-year lease with an annual rent of £640,000.

In 2015, the 57-year-old unsuccessfully tried to get out of the lease in a legal battle in the High Court.

The place has been for sale since late last year.

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