Darwin & Wallace have been members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association since the inception of the business in 2012; rare for a new business. Since 2017 we have proudly achieved and maintained a coveted 3 stars, a reflection of our commitment thus far. Delighted to win Best Sustainable Pub Group 2019 at the Publican Awards and shortlisted again in 2021.
When creating Darwin & Wallace we wanted to do everything we could to help and to have the least amount of impact on the environment. From switching off the lights at night, being mindful of gas and equipment usage all the way to turning off that tap – we are convinced that every little bit helps.
We are committed separators and recyclers of all waste. From day one we have committed our suppliers to taking packaging away with them if they are unable to deliver in re-usable containers. Paper Round provide the means to split waste into 5 different recycling streams along with 100% traceability. We recycle food waste, bottle waste. coffee waste, cardboard and mixed recycling which accounts for 89% of all of the waste we generate. We only use GM-free rapeseed oil in our kitchens, which is then converted to BioFuel. Our long term commitment to sustainable energy means we use 100% green energy estate wide. By January 2019 we had removed single use plastic in the form of plastic straws and cling film from all of our bars AND any products containing palm oil from our business entirely.
Our menus are meticulously written to control wastage; from thoughtful and well utilised mise-en-place and mindful selection of meat cuts right through to plating and portion control. We work closely with our key suppliers to secure written agreements that favour British or local produce, a commitment to specific animal welfare standards, a sustainable seafood policy, palm oil free products, ethical trade commitments to a specified standard and we require environmental & land management commitments from each of our suppliers. We are continually looking to develop our significant and growing plant based and vegan menu which not only contributes to a more sustainable business but is entirely in step with changing consumer behaviour, something we have long been aware of, publishing our first standalone vegan menu at the beginning of 2019.
Recent impactful changes we are proud of; We were intrigued to participate in the Net Zero pilot scheme. The first industry-wide protocol & certification to set standard for Net Zero in the on-trade in partnership with Coca cola, Pernod Riccard and the Sustainable Restaurant Association. A further step towards evaluating, understanding and continuing to positively evolve the impact our business has on the environment around us.
From day one, we’ve supported a charity as part of a Plate Pledge, we donate 25p from the sale of two of our dishes named on the menu. We are excited to work with Only A Pavement Away and Magic Breakfast. OAPA aims to connect forward thinking employers in the hospitality industry and charities working with people facing or experiencing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans, to help place them into long term, stable employment. Magic Breakfast provides children a nutritious breakfast and the chance to succeed at school.
We are a founder member and supporter of the Clapham Business Improvement District (Funded by a percentage of rates contribution) developing local initiatives to promote a safe night time economy that benefits local residents through increased expenditure on additional policing, safe taxis and street cleaning as well as general cooperation between business owners and residents.
A bar first and foremost, a focus on low and no for the conscious drinker means the soft drink and non-alcoholic market and category on the UK has exploded. Championing ethically sourced green coffee beans from a local London roastery and preservative free, fresh squeezed juice from the outset has provided a strong foundation upon which to build. Recent additions to the menus include, Karma Cola, LemonAID and DASH waters, all chosen for being great tasting great looking products that operate fairly, ethically and give back to the communities from which they come. Darwin & Wallace is moving towards dehydrated garnishes throughout the menu, opting out of garnishes in some drinks altogether in a bid to reduce wastage.
THE MENU
All of our food is freshly prepared by us daily. Where we are unable to produce ourselves we look to local artisans
FLEXIBLE CHOICES
Throughout the day there are flexible choices - small and sharing for the casual occasion, tossed and sandwiched showcasing lighter salads and sandwich options and a wonderful selection of main courses for when the occasion calls for more.
A conscious choice not to add chips to the burger, allowing guests the choice of side dish. We grill and bake where possible, we love our grilled seabass and chips option that is batter free and not deep fried. And of course pudding.
AS VIRTUOUS AS YOU WANT TO BE
We serve a full English where nothing is fried. We add avocado and fresh spinach to our benedicts. We have a range of PRESS juices and smoothies, cold pressed and virtuous as a non-alcoholic option or a fresh addition to your day. We offer cucumber tap water to all of our guests, with mineral water available upon request.
THE PERFECT BRUNCH NEEDS GOOD EGGS
Our truly inspiring breakfast menu features free-range eggs with a delicious, dense yellow yolk that will remind you of a more traditional era. From a farm in Yorkshire, so no air miles.
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
A name indicative of a private address; spaces that feel home-from-home. Hand-picked, rather than off the shelf interiors, tailored to the habits and tastes of local community. Great-value, genuinely inspiring all-day food and drinks. A welcoming bar with delightful drinks from morning coffee to nightcap and everything in between. This is how we’re redefining what a pub can be…
THE DEVIL IN THE DETAIL
We work closely with local suppliers to create “real” places with integrity. We not only source but design and fabricate uniquely crafted furniture. We are champions of recycled materials and furniture.
THE ADDRESS BOOK
We source all our meat from the UK, free range, freedom foods and red tractor accredited, choosing organic where possible.
RARE BREED DEXTER BEEF
The smallest native breed of cattle in the British Isles, sourced from a local farm co-op. Supports local farmers to get a fair price.
HERDWICK SHEEP
Native free range sheep, sourced from a local farm co-op Lake District Farmers. Supports local farmers to get a fair price.
DINGLEY DELL PORK
High animal welfare, fabulous tasting, and revered ‘Freedom Food’ accredited from Suffolk
FREE RANGE ST EWES EGGS
St. Ewe Free Range Eggs, a multi-award winning, family-run, free-range egg producer, farming for over 40 years in Cornwall.
FREE RANGE CREEDY CARVER CHICKEN
Creedy Carver Chicken was founded in 1985 by Peter and Sue Coleman on the family run mixed farm in Crediton Devon. All Creedy Carver free range chicken are reared to the highest welfare standards with access to large, grassy, range areas, many of which are planted up with trees offering shade to encourage the chicken to range.
CARAVAN COFFEE
Ethically sourced green coffee beans and roasted on-site in their local London roastery. They also help train our bar team up to barista standard.
KARMA COLA
Good looking, great tasting, do gooding drinks. Good for our planet, our growers, and as good for you as fizzy drinks can be. #DrinkNoEvil
LEMONAID & CHARITEA
Each bottle contains only the best organic ingredients and supports fair trade. Each purchase supports the LemonAID & ChariTEA foundation.
DASH WATER
Helping to reduce food waste by infusing British sparkling water with wonky fruit and vegetables. Certified B Corporation.
CRAZY BAKER ARTISAN BAKERS
Our wood oven baked sourdough from this artisan baker in Kensal Green.
WILDFARMED
Wildfarmed sourdough bread across all nine of our bars, made by our long term partner Crazy Baker, who agreed to go on the sustainable sourdough journey with us creating a bespoke sourdough bread using stone milled flour from regeneratively grown grains by Wildfarmed.
ENGLAND PRESERVE JAMS
Homemade Jam made in London by Sky Cracknell and Kai Knutsen.
WATTS FARMS
A family run business, helps us achieve seasonality and locally sourced products. Leaf Marque, & Red Tractor accredited. Champions of wonky vegetables.