A NEW bar in Wokingham that offers over 200 gins has exceeded all my expectations and transformed me into a gin lover.

The Leafy Elephant opened its doors to the public on Friday, May 17 in the town’s new Peach Place square and I was lucky enough to be invited to taste their gins before the official opening.

I have never been a huge gin lover, so I wasn’t sure what to expect or whether I would be impressed but I soon discovered its much more than just a simple gin bar.

Behind the bar over 200 gins are displayed from over 25 different countries alongside 20 different mixers and 30 garnishes, which have been paired with each gin.

Their signature gin cocktail ‘A Leafy Elephant’ is infused with caramel and with every sale £2 is donated to the bars designated charity Save the Elephants.

This immediately warmed my heart and I just had to ask the bartenders the meaning behind this and why they had chosen the charity. I was pleased to discover that the family are huge lovers of the mammals and want to make a difference in protecting wild elephants from poachers.

After hearing this there was only one thing to do, order the signature cocktail, this was a no brainer when I also realised it came in an elephant shaped cup.

As I mentioned I am not the biggest fan of gin, but I think the cocktail has completely changed my mind because I loved it. I was also amazed at how the drink was made, watching the bartenders who were obsessed with precision and accuracy.

The second drink I tried was called ‘The Bathtub', which was quite literally served in a bubble bath. I was once again surprised at how much I enjoyed it and as I looked around the room many people also appeared to be enjoying themselves.

However you might like your gin, whether it is fruity, chocolatey, aromatic, spicy or citrusy this bar definitely has all bases covered because you are spoilt for choice. 

The evening came to an end with owner Duncan giving a speech and thanking everyone who had helped open the bar from staff to the decorators.

If you’re a gin lover then the bar is definitely worth a try so don’t let the prices put you off. For more information, visit: https://www.leafyelephant.com/.