Darwin’s Gin Parlour
Magdalen Road, Exeter
An eclectic mix of the wonderous discoveries of Charles Robert Darwin, and his theories behind nature, geology, biology and the evolution of the world. Combined with the discovery and evolution of some of the best gins the world has produced to date.
At Darwin’s Gin Parlour, we want to create an exploration experience where we are always adapting, adjusting, modifying and improving our offering, techniques and most importantly of all, giving our customers a reason to come back.
This is not just a Gin Bar, this is a Gin Parlour, an experience, where we want our staff, and the guests to be continuously learning and making new discoveries.
About us
Conceived as a complementary addition to Magdalen Road, we wanted to create something that offered our locals and travelling guests an experience they would not forget. Like any evolution, Darwin’s has come a long way from the first spark of life, but we hope you will find something special in each and every corner of our wonderous Gin Parlour.
Nowadays everyone is a G&T expert, but we really are striving to ensure our staff are just as knowledgeable as the wonderful people that produce each Gin that we stock, and we hope your knowledge and senses are just as developed after spending an evening with us.
Why Darwin?
Charles Darwin was renowned for his work as an English Naturalist, Geologist and Biologist. He travelled the world and is the man behind the theory of Evolution! And Evolution is something that we want to continuously bring to our Gin Parlour – By researching, learning and developing what we do every day, so we can offer the best experience to the wonderful people of St Leonards.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change” – Charles Robert Darwin
FAQs
Where are you located?
Situated in the popular and thriving area of St. Leonards, Exeter on Magdalen Road.
What do you offer?
A great selection of local artisan gins and gins from around the world. The gin chosen charts the journey of the Beagle with distinctive and subtle influences from the regions visited from the cocoa found in the Brazilian Amázzoni Gin, the Yerbe Mate infused los Apostoles gin from Argentina, or the subtle fragrant coastal botanicals of the Australian coastline found in Manly Gin. Although the Beagle didn’t make the mainland area of Asia the flavours in Tarsier Gin are redolent of the Cocos Islands with Thai sweet basil and galangal, creating herbal flavour notes with a tang of spice. The delicate floral notes of the Fynbos in South Africa have inspired the award winning Inverroche Gin, leading back ‘home’ to the samphire infused gin of Falmouth!!
The selection charts a unique and distinct journey for the palate which we hope you’ll experiment with and enjoy!
What facilities do you have?
Our community lounge is set in a small but inviting conservatory set at the back of the building which is available to book for meetings, groups, get togethers, games nights and drinks!
Monthly Offerings
Quiz Night
We run a monthly quiz held on the first Tuesday of the month and hosted by local legend Pat! With a picture round and general knowledge questions it’s a great brain teaser. Ask staff for details or book in advance.
Jazz Night
Held on the last Thursday of every month with our resident band the Ronnie Jones Trio and special guests, showcasing a range of genres performed by consummate musician’s, it’s a great night, free entry, great atmosphere and great margaritas! What’s not to love.
Gin Exploration Events
We hold quarterly gin exploration events, held by ambassadors in the Gin industry (ask our staff for more details). Indulge your senses with this masterclass in Gin, botanicals, garnishes and paired tonics and cocktails. Includes full tasting session with three samples, three cocktails and nibbles.
Contact us
29 Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX2 4TA
We’re a ten minute walk from Exeter High Street, located in the boutique street scene of Magdalen Road.
Make an enquiry
Opening Hours
Sustainability
A sustainable and ethical approach is at the core of how we aim to work at Darwin’s Bar, it’s not just about replacing plastic straws (although that’s good!) but a core approach that is woven into the fabric of what we do, it’s in our DNA and part of our own brand of natural selection in deciding who we chose to collaborate with; working with local innovators and suppliers that share a combined vision to provide a brilliant product that also has a positive impact on the community with a commitment to reduce the impact on the environment.
This approach is reflected in some of the gins we have to offer such as the Land of Saints gin from Cornwall, which has partnered with Fauna & Flora International, and Brighton Gin which is registered with the Vegan Society, meaning everything from the ingredients to the bottle’s label is animal free!
Our tonics are freshly infused on site by our London Essence dispenser, reducing the need for bottles, minimising waste and transportation; helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
Our collaborators powder keg brewery based just a stone’s throw away have a firm commitment to sustainable production and their ‘free-thinking’ craft beer offers the perfect marriage of taste and integrity.
Part of the profits go towards funding education of Budongo Forest Staff
http://www.budongo.org/