04/11/2025
Andy’s 9 to 5:
Looking into the distance of our restaurant coming to an end, we have been thinking more about our supply connections who have been with us throughout our journey. There’s one supplier in particular who’s more than just his wild finds; he’s our best friend.
Andy is a man who lives in a time when paper maps, foraged food, and daily exposure to nature are the norm. He lives slowly and naturally, like we should all be open to being. He happens to be a lead vocalist in his own band and an abstract artist of the scenery he walks.
Andy told us to meet last Monday morning at Three Bridges station. Next, rather than taking the bus, we ventured through nettles and main country roads to where the land grew quieter, with towering pines and birches.
We were crouching down at Mysyliym of all colours and shapes, amazed by how they were just the antennae of a much larger system which connects everything.
We were in awe of his knowledge of where specific mushrooms would grow in which sort of nook within a constantly changing landscape.
Coming back into nature felt healing to all of us; it was a reminder of how everything starts and ends in nature.
Not to mention our picnic; we collectively agreed that it was the best spread we have ever had. Feasting in a secret garden next to a scenic pond, where Andy allowed his creative mind to flow on paper.
Picking food directly from its source, then carefully carrying it through the London trains and back home to our kitchen for a staff meal. The cauliflower mushroom was battered, fried, and glazed in a dashi reduction, and served with rice and pickles. You couldn’t get better than that. We love you, Andy, and all you show the world.
