News Summary
The beloved British restaurant, The Moon Under Water, will reopen in Gulfport at 2832 Beach Blvd. S. by early 2026, nearly doubling its original size to enhance dining experiences. It will feature an outdoor courtyard, multiple bars, and stages for live music while maintaining a nostalgic British theme in its menu and decor. The owners are excited about their commitment to the Gulfport community, engaging in local initiatives and events.
Gulfport, FL – The Moon Under Water, a cherished British restaurant previously located in St. Petersburg, is set to make a return in Gulfport, with plans to reopen by early 2026. The establishment will occupy a new site at 2832 Beach Blvd. S., an address that was formerly home to The Drunken Taco.
The transition to the new location signals significant changes for The Moon Under Water, which will now boast approximately 5,000 square feet of space, nearly doubling the size of its original venue. Co-owner Mike Crippin estimates that renovations will take around three to four months, paving the way for an expansive dining experience that can accommodate between 250 to 300 patrons, depending on the layout.
Facility Features
The new restaurant will offer an outdoor courtyard and will include two bars: a traditional Irish, English-style pub bar and a 20-seat indoor bar that will focus on high-end cocktails. In an effort to support the local music scene, The Moon Under Water will incorporate two performance stages—one indoors and one outdoors—designed to enhance live music while maintaining a peaceful dining atmosphere, especially during events or soccer match viewings.
Menu and Decor
The restaurant aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia with a menu described as “Moon nostalgic,” which will highlight traditional British favorites alongside healthier, modern twists. Signature dishes will include popular items from the original location, and the new menu will also feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options. Decor will embrace a strong British theme, incorporating iconic elements like phone boxes, suits of armor, and Union Jacks, creating an immersive experience that reflects the spirit of the United Kingdom.
Team Commitment
The Crippin team, including co-owner Alison Crippin and Kevin Milkey from Grand Central Brewhouse, is dedicated to reviving the restaurant’s original spirit while also refreshing some aspects to suit the new venue. The new Moon Under Water will offer a late-night bar menu and brunch services on Saturdays and Sundays, coinciding with English soccer matches, a key appeal for sports enthusiasts.
Location Transition
The decision to relocate follows the closure of The Drunken Taco, which operated for two years before shutting its doors in September 2024 after a change in ownership. The new restaurant will be conveniently located just a 12-minute drive from the original Moon Under Water location, providing easier access to free parking for patrons.
Community Engagement
The owners express their enthusiasm for joining the Gulfport community and have intentions of playing an active role in the local area. They aim to integrate their offerings with community events and support local initiatives, further establishing The Moon Under Water as not just a dining destination but a hub for social interaction and cultural engagement within Gulfport.
With ambitious plans underway, The Moon Under Water is looking forward to welcoming back its loyal patrons and attracting new customers in its Gulfport location come early 2026, marking a new chapter for this beloved establishment.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Rising: The Moon Under Water Finds New Home
- Google Search: Moon Under Water Gulfport
- I Love The Burg: Moon Under Water in Gulfport
- Wikipedia: Gulfport, Florida
- Patch: Beloved St. Pete Restaurant Closing Soon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
