Squatters who have taken over a former restaurant in Barnet High Street might soon be having to contend with a new owner of the property. The three-storey building is in the process of being sold with a guide price of £875,000.
When the covid pandemic forced the temporary closure of the hospitality industry in early 2020 one of the High Street casualties was Spizzico.
It failed to re-open this year and was commandeered by a group of squatters four months ago.
The presence of squatters in the former restaurant – it is thought to be a group of five or six men and women – has divided opinion with several nearby property owners saying their occupation of the building has been no problem. Others have been angered by the failure to get the squatters evicted.
Estate agents Savills listed the property – 196 High Street – for sale in an online auction (on 8.11.2022) but it did not make the reserve price.
It is being advertised as a freehold restaurant with potential to convert the two upper floors into flats and to add a house at the rear of the building which is accessed via Nesbitts Alley.
In listing the property at a guide price of £875,000 the agents say, “Savills have not inspected the property as it is currently squatted, and completion is subject to vacant possession being obtained”.
Given the backlog in the courts, the task of securing vacant possession could take months. The squatters appear well versed in the law and seem to have no intention of moving out any time soon.
“Legal warning” says the notice on the front door which explains the former restaurant is classed as a “non-residential building” within the law.
Therefore, any claim to repossess it would have to go to the County Court or to the High Court – as the owners lack the protection afforded to householders who can ask the Police to remove squatters from their homes.
The squatters – or as they describe themselves, “The Occupiers” – claim their residence of the building has protection under the Criminal Law Act, as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
Anyone attempting to enter the property or secure possession is given a clear warning:
“We live in the property, it is our home, and we intend to stay here.
“At all times there is at least one person in the property.
“Any entry or attempt to enter into these premises without our permission is therefore a criminal offence.
“If you attempt to enter by violence, we will prosecute you and you may receive a sentence of up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.”
Some nearby shop owners and residents say the squat is damaging the appearance of the High Street. All the windows facing the pavement are covered up from the inside with a variety blankets, black plastic bags and old curtains.
Access to the property appears to be via a heavy door at the rear in Nesbitts Alley – the only indication of habitation is a peep hole.
Several people living nearby say the squatters appear have been well behaved and always acknowledge neighbours living in Nesbitts Alley, saying good morning, or whatever.
“People do have to live somewhere, and this property is empty and so long as there is no problem, good luck to them.
“The police did show an interest to begin with, but this was a restaurant and not a house and the Police know getting squatters evicted from commercial property needs a court order.”
Spizzico was popular in its day. It was billed as a “modern restaurant with slick, carved furniture and a menu fusing Mediterranean and Cajun flavours”.
