19/06/2026
The Muddy Duck.
There were moments when I genuinely didn’t think we’d get here.
Which is probably why today feels so strange.
Surreal. Exciting. Daunting. Rewarding. Slightly mad.
A mixture of emotions that’s difficult to put into words.
After months of planning, building, tasting, changing, testing, soft launches and countless conversations, today we finally open the doors.
Are we ready?
Are you ever really ready?
Opening a pub in 2026 feels slightly bonkers.
Three pubs close every single day in this country. Costs continue to rise, hospitality faces challenge after challenge, and yet here we are, opening one.
Why?
Because we love hospitality.
Not just the easy bits. All of it.
The graft. The pressure. The setbacks. The sleepless nights. The constant pursuit of making something just a little bit better every day.
And because we’re genuinely excited about what we’ve created.
What many people never see is just how hard it is to bring somewhere back to life.
The long days.
The sleepless nights.
The doubts.
The setbacks.
And none of it happens alone.
And the truth is, without Cinz and GC at Smoking Lobster, The Muddy Duck probably wouldn’t be opening its doors today.
What started as a friendship became an idea.
An idea that grew into plans, and plans that eventually became what stands in front of us today.
Together with Lewis, Balasz, Liam and so many others, we’ve built something we’re genuinely proud of.
Lewis has led the team here through the twists and turns. Balasz and Liam have helped shape the food and now lead a fantastic kitchen team.
And to Kate, Nick and everybody at The Menu Partners, thank you for everything you’ve done behind the scenes to help make today possible.
A huge thank you to every single person who has been part of this journey.
Everyone involved has poured an incredible amount of time, energy and heart into this project.
Without that friendship, support and shared belief, there’s every chance The Muddy Duck would still be closed today.
For that, I will always be grateful.
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