Wetherspoons pub owned by Alan Sugar taken over by squatters | UK | News | EUROtoday

A former Wetherspoon pub owned by no nonsense enterprise tycoon Lord Sugar was overtaken by squatters inside days of it calling final orders, however they had been swiftly evicted.

The George in Wanstead, east London, was a preferred pub run by the nationwide chain, but it surely closed its doorways for the final time on October 13.

Lord Sugar, well-known for his long-running stint on BBC1’s The Apprentice, selected by way of his property agency to not renew the lease.

It was as an alternative given to impartial London pub chain Urban Pubs and Bars, which has about 52 venues throughout London.

However, inside hours of it closing, the doorways had been re-opened by brazen squatters.

They even caught up indicators goading locals that “we live here now” and “nothing can be done”.

One signal caught within the entrance window of the massive Edwardian constructing stated: “Police know we are here – there is nothing they can do. Check back for legal notice – we live here now.”

One native man, who wished to stay nameless, instructed Express.co.uk: “I walked past on Sunday afternoon and all these signs were up in the front doors and they covered some of the windows with paper to screen it off. They must have got in there pretty soon after it closed the weekend before.”

However, the occupation was solely brief time period, after the proprietor and new tenants are understood to have secured an emergency injunction and the undesirable visitors had been booted out at round 11am on Monday, October 21.

Builders had been seen contained in the property this afternoon finishing up early work for the deliberate refurbishment by the brand new tenant.

The George dates again to the 1700s however the present constructing was accomplished in 1903.

Urban Pubs and Bars confirmed it’s going to reopen as The George and Dragon, the identify it had till 1904.

In a press release the agency stated: “We are delighted to have the ability to rescue this a lot cherished pub, a spot that has been a part of Wanstead’s historical past since 1716.

“Following some refurbishment work the pub will reopen as a great London traditional pub serving great food including a range of delicious Sunday roasts and a wide selection of beers. We look forward to seeing you soon.”

Wetherspoon stated it didn’t want to remark and Lord Sugar has been approached.