Padfield took over the pub, which was previously called the British Larder, from Ross Pike and Madalene Bonvini-Hamel in 2015.
Some 12 weeks after opening, the Unruly Pig suffered a devastating fire, losing 40% of the building and resulting in its closure until November that year.
However, since then the venue has transformed and has received a number of accolades including Best Pub for Wine at the Great British Pub Awards in 2019 as well as topping the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list three times alongside being awarded Front of House Team of the Year in 2020.
Wall has been leading the kitchen since 2015 where he was head chef from its opening, later becoming chef-patron and partner in the business.
September 2021 saw Karl Green, who has now been at the business for a decade, promoted to head chef with he and Wall becoming known as the ‘dynamic duo’.
Padfield previously spent more than three decades as a solicitor but a lifelong passion for food and drink progressed when he took on the gastropub.
So very proud
In an email sent to customers, he said: “When we first opened the Unruly Pig in 2015, I set Dave Wall the goal of making us one of the best places to eat in Suffolk.
“I never imagined then that he and Karl would deliver such national acclaim (for example, winning the number one Top 50 Gastropub award three times).
“If you will forgive my immodesty, I shall never forget when Masterchef judge Grace Dent reviewed the Unruly Pig and said we were ‘about as good as it gets’.
“My wife Claire and I are therefore so very proud of what Dave and Karl have achieved. What a privilege and honour it has been to work with them both and all of Team Unruly. What a lucky chap I have been in life.
“Thank you all therefore so very much indeed for your custom, loyalty…. And in so many cases, your friendship too.
“It has been a privilege to meet and serve you all. I shall still be hovering around but very much in the background.
“But this is now Dave and Karl’s time. It is what they wholly and justly deserve.”
Business as usual
Wall expressed his gratitude to Padfield over the years and outlined how initiatives previously implemented will continue.
He told The Morning Advertiser: “I am absolutely chuffed to have spent 11 years working with Brendan.
“He has been a fantastic mentor and his influence has run thick and hard through the Unruly Pig and that will remain.
“The things he has implemented will remain at the heart of what we do and I’m delighted to be able to continue the journey with Karl at the helm.”
Wall highlighted how it will continue to be “business as usual” as he takes the reins and “the backbone of the Unruly Pig remains”.
He added: “I’m thrilled to be able to continue the Unruly Pig legacy and take the reins. I’m also chuffed to bits that Karl will be my business partner with the partnership Brendan and I had replicated so I’m thrilled to make room for Karl’s progression.
“It has been nearly 11 years, as ever we are trying to work out ways to remain relevant and be a bit better every day and looking forward to the challenge.”