Margot Robbie's Gin Faces London Ban Over Shellfish Allergy Concerns
Margot Robbie enjoyed a glamorous night out in Los Angeles with friends Cara Delevingne and Stella McCartney, but back in London, her business venture is encountering significant hurdles. The actress's artisan gin brand, Papa Salt Coastal Gin, has been shunned by numerous top-tier bars and restaurants in the capital due to serious allergen fears.
Celebrity Night Out in West Hollywood
The blonde actress, aged 35, looked effortlessly chic as she arrived at The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood on Saturday. Margot sported a strapless playsuit, which she paired with casual cowboy boots and sunglasses for a relaxed yet stylish appearance. She showcased her recently trimmed locks and carried a brown leather jacket under her arm, ready for an evening of celebration.
Her close friend, model Cara Delevingne, 33, also made a sophisticated entrance at the exclusive venue. Cara opted for a brown patterned two-piece suit, which she layered over a crisp white waistcoat. She completed her look with brown loafers and a practical black bag to hold her belongings.
Fashion designer Stella McCartney, 54, joined the gathering for a catch-up with her celebrity pals. Stella arrived in a comfortable yet elegant ensemble of black leggings and a simple white T-shirt. She added a touch of refinement by draping a blazer over her shoulders and slipped into a pair of towering black heels to enhance her statuesque frame.
Allergy Fears Lead to London Rejection
However, Margot Robbie's outing comes amid troubling news for her gin brand. Papa Salt Coastal Gin, which retails for approximately £40.99 for a 700ml bottle in department stores like Selfridges, uses oyster shells as a botanical ingredient. This has sparked major concerns in London's hospitality industry.
The bottle carries a clear warning label stating 'contains molluscs,' leading top bars and restaurants to reject the product. For individuals with severe shellfish allergies, consumption can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction. Although the distilling process removes most shellfish proteins, trace amounts can remain when oysters are used in production.
One bar owner explained the dilemma to The Guardian, stating, 'In order to stock her gin, we would have to train all our staff to ask guests if they have a shellfish allergy when they ordered a G&T. It is simply not worth the time or the risk.' A restaurant manager echoed this sentiment, highlighting the already challenging climate for restaurants and the added burden of allergen inquiries.
Reformulation and Future Plans
In response to these concerns, Margot Robbie's spokesperson has confirmed that the gin is being reformulated. An oyster-free version is expected to reach the market by the end of 2026. The actress, who created the Australian liquor brand with her husband Tom Ackerley, had previously expressed her hope that the gin would evoke the sandy dunes of her homeland.
Margot Robbie, known for her role in Wuthering Heights, recently welcomed her first child with Tom in November 2024—a baby boy whose name remains private. Despite the setback with her gin, her star power continues to shine on both social and business fronts.
