Adi Staempfli, PhD — Founder, Urban Mushrooms London Ltd.
Hey there, I'm Adi, an ex-social worker and academic with over three decades of experience under my belt. My passion for foraging mushrooms goes back even further, and my dream of delving into mycology was always set for retirement. However, life had other plans for me. In 2020, right after completing my PhD, I had a revelation. Why wait for retirement to pursue my true calling? And so, in 2021, Urban Mushrooms London Ltd. and Adi's Urban Mushrooms was born, fueled by my huge love for these fascinating fungi.
My Journey
As a firm believer in social justice, I've made Adi's Urban Mushrooms a not-for-profit enterprise, dedicated to supporting people from all walks of life in their mushroom-growing journey. I take immense joy in collaborating with community gardens, uniting people through our shared love for nature.
In 2023, I founded The South London Mushroom Club for local mushroom enthusiasts to come together and engage in fun activities and share their stories and experiences and creating new ones!
What I Do
At the Remakery in Camberwell/Brixton, I cultivate mushrooms with the utmost care, ensuring you get nothing but the freshest and tastiest varieties at local farmers' market. And if there are any extras, I transform them into the most delicious mushroom jerky you'll ever taste.
And let's not forget the most important part — the taste! As an avid cook, I take pride in helping you create mouth-watering dishes to savour with your loved ones. Embrace the joy of eating locally sourced, sustainable, and oh-so-delicious mushrooms.
And there's more! I'm here to share my knowledge and passion with you. If you're eager to grow your own mushrooms at home, I offer workshops and grow kits, perfect for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Fancy learning about foraging for wild mushrooms? I learnt from the best trained mushroom controllers in Switzerland and have over 40 years' foraging experience. Now I would love to share this with you. I promise, you're in safe hands with me!
What Captivates Me
What truly captivates me about fungi is their incredible potential to combat climate change. From locally produced food and eco-friendly packaging to revolutionary medicinal applications, mushrooms are true sustainability superheroes. Together, we can create a world that recognises their immense importance in fostering local circular economies.
Life is a journey of learning, and I'm all about making it enjoyable for you. Drawing from my experience as both a learner and educator, my mushroom and foraging courses are a delightful blend of knowledge and fun. So, join me in this exciting mushroom adventure.
Credentials & Experience
- PhD in Social Work Education
- Over 30 years in social work (practitioner and academic)
- 45+ years of mushroom foraging experience
- Trained by expert mushroom controllers in Switzerland
- Founded Urban Mushrooms London Ltd. (2021)
- Founded South London Mushroom Club (2023)
- Over 80 five-star Google reviews
Sign up to Adi's Urban Mushrooms Newsletter below. Together, we'll connect with nature, relish mouth-watering meals, and make a positive impact on our planet. Let's eat, learn, and grow with Adi's Urban Mushrooms!
