London bars shun Margot Robbie’s gin over shellfish allergen concerns
— The Guardian (@theguardian.com) March 17, 2026 at 8:28 AM
– Like Brad Pitt, Emma Watson, and Snoop Dogg, Margot Robbie has her own gin brand, Papa Salt. Launched in the UK 2024, it’s meant to evoke her beachy upbringing in Australia, featuring “botanicals like wattleseed, wax flower, and oyster shells.”
– The gin is filtered through oyster shells, which spirits expert Greg Dillon says has only a minimal effect on flavor and is more of a “brand story.” But it is enough that the gin can’t be declared allergen free, and could be a risk for people with shellfish allergies. Bars do not want to deal with all that when there are a million other gins.
– While it is currently available in stores like Waitrose and Harvey Nichols, Robbie is reformulating it for the London market so bars and other venues can carry it. The oyster shells have already been removed for the Australian market.
