The Moon & Mushroom pub finds success under new management

The Moon and Mushroom, an award-winning pub in Swilland, were close to administration before being taken over by the team formerly at K Bar in Ipswich, Richard and Charlotte Everitt.

Since taking over in January, the pub has doubled its takings and reached higher numbers than owner Nikki Gavin had ever imagined.

The Moon and Mushroom owner, Nikki Gavin, 79. Credit. Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Nikki, who will be turning 80 next month, has been in charge of the Moon and Mushroom for 18 years.

She said: "It is the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life, but also the most rewarding.

"People have had weddings here, and birthday celebrations.

The Moon and Mushroom is situated in Swilland. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"With it being such a local pub, if anything happens to you, everyone rallies around you and it's really humbling."

Under the new management, a new chef has been introduced to the pub too, with 26-year-old Louis Andrews taking over the kitchen after working with world-famous chefs.

Nikki continued: "I am feeling really optimistic about the future because we have the most amazing team.

The inside of the Moon and Mushroom. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"He is the best chef ever, he's created a whole team in that kitchen and once you have a good chef, everything else falls into place.

"I just couldn't be happier."

Louis, who now lives above the pub, said: "I recently moved back to the area and I spoke to Charlotte and saw the pub and I just fell in love with it.

Owner Nikki Gavin and new chef Louis Andrews. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"It's a very exciting time with the kitchen.

"Everything is fresh and homemade, all done daily.

"I live above the pub so I literally wake up, have a coffee and then get to work.

"We love supporting smaller local businesses, we use local butchers, fishmongers and everything like that."

Louis in the new kitchen. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The pub has now hired a pastry chef as well and is updating its menu to have lunch bites and desserts.

Louis continued: "There is a long way to go, but we are really excited."

The inside of the kitchen. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)