Edinburgh, like many popular cities in the UK, is full of awesome bars, live music, and great people. You could walk around drunk and blindfolded and manage to stumble in a place that checks all these boxes. Panda & Sons is different. Everything about Panda & Sons is intentional. You walk through a hidden door into a low lit room where everyone is cooler than you if you're me. The tables look thrifted, the chairs are mismatched, there's a random broken telephone booth in one corner, and yet it all just flows. And then there's the menu. This is a cocktail bar for a cocktail connoisseur. Despite many of the brands being retail (think Absolute vodka) the actual drinks sing. There's also a number of infographics on their process as well as certified local recommendations, but our bartender told us this was all back-patting and to just order what we liked. The result: Best drink I've had in Europe in a long time. I ordered a coconut Daiquiri served with white chocolate and I'm still thinking about it a month later. If you're in Edinburgh this place is an incredible stop. My only regret is not ordering more. read more

Panda & Sons - Coconut Daquiri - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

We were a little disappointed with our experience here. A lot of the drinks are very herbal and not balanced well. The best drink I had was one I ordered à la carte rather than off the menu, an amaretto sour. Prices were on par with prices in the area at about £14-15 per drink. You definitely need a reservation. They turned some walking in away at the door. I thought this would be a speak ways type of atmosphere based on advertisement but really it's just a loud bar with a fancy bookshelf door. Even thought it's listed top 20 bars in the world, i would skip it next time I'm in town, you could get a good drink elsewhere. read more

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To be fair 3 stars isn't a real reflection of the actual experience. A "speakeasy"? We tried to get in but first of all it was hot and stuffy (heatwave in Edinburgh) even though it was like in the basement. Secondly there were a bunch of little tables inside, almost like a restaurant instead of a bar. We can't speak to the service since they couldn't seat us. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Super fun speakeasy with amazing drinks list. Great fun to enjoy a cocktail from their great menu. Drinks are creative and just reading the menu is a delight. read more

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No wonder Panda & Sons is rated one of the top 50 bars in the world. It definitely lived up to the hype. We enjoyed several cocktails along with some light bites. Great vibes, creative cocktails, and excellent service. Definitely worth a visit while in Edinburgh! read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Such a fun and atmospheric place. They lean into their speakeasy conceit from the moment you enter from the street (when you are not sure until you are in the right place) until you are seated at your table. It's a cozy, loud (but not too loud), spot. The drinks are great, very professional, lots of interesting choices. Fast and professional service. Good for a drink before dinner or to settle in for a special couple of hours. read more

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Apparently this is the bar to visit while in Edinburgh. We easily made reservations a few days before checking it out and I did see them turning away walk in's on a Monday night. Customer service was excellent and my drink the Daydreamer was good but there was nothing spectacular about it. I like that it wasn't sweet. Free still or sparkling water. Total cost was a little over $20 per drink. read more

Amazing cocktail bar. While traveling, I hit a few 'Top 50' bars in the world and each are fun and unique. Panda & Sons is no exception. Their menu is broken out into chapters. Each chapter presents their take on drinks leveraging a specific technique. The Wildness was fun and freshening. The sharp shooter delivered above expectations since I'm not at all a gin fan. Bonus points for our waiter who noticed the mini gummy bear on top of the drink fell into it while we were sipping and got us another one (mini gummy bear that is). Prices are fair for fancy drinks, however, it is probably not a place you get several drinks. Come for one or two either to start or end your night. Enjoy! read more

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Panda & Sons is one of the top speakeasy around the UK and I see why. The aesthetics and delicate cocktails make it worth a visit. The service was great. I ordered the bird cage and it was nicely smoked and had a great smooth taste. I don't think I would've liked this drink anywhere else but I liked it here. It wasn't all about the presentation but the drink was actually good. I must say you have to make a reservation well in advance. Many people come here in groups. Overall I definitely recommend this speakeasy in Edinburgh. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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What an impressive hideaway. The cockrails were creative and fun. The place was packed.

I want a redo. Being someone who makes cocktails at home as a hobby, I'm always someone that's looking for cool bars to try when I travel. When I visited Edinburgh recently Panda & Sons was one of the places I was looking to the most. However my experience was left feeling very mid. It's one of those things when you research a bar where I live and see also this fun and fancy decor and think to yourself, "Looks cool but are the drinks actually good?" I didn't want to think this though. I spent a little time reading the Switching method in their menu and thought that was a cool preparation method. But when I tasted my Birdcage for example, all I really tasted was Whiskey. I barely tasted any Aperol or anything else. The reason why Im still giving this place a higher review than I normally would is because of the service and ambience. If you've never been, getting down to the actual bar for the first time is a treat in itself. I feel like this was just an off night. It definitely was a full house the night me and my friends went so it's understandable that maybe things just slipped this particular night. I know from personal experience that when the ratios are a bit off, sometimes the flavors just kinda fall flat like an old soda and that's kinda what I tasted in my drinks that night...at the same time I still at least tasted alcohol. A good amount. Now you may laugh and say, "What do you mean? Why wouldn't there be?" Well...where I come from in the states theres places have cool decor and service but serve you drinks with barely any booze and charge you and arm and leg. Thankfully I was stumbling home a bit that night so no harm and no foul. I shall return for the runback the next time I come to Scotland! read more

Panda & Sons is the first cocktail bar we found this week in Edinburgh. In such a magical medieval city, it's not surprising we would find an amazing cocktail place right away. We were a bit confused and intrigued by the name, but all of the reviews were fantastic so we thankfully gave it a try. It's a speakeasy bar known for its hidden location behind a vintage barbershop facade and its innovative, science-backed approach to mixology. The bar was founded in 2013 by local Iain McPherson. Right away we felt like we were among friends when greeted by the staff. You never know if a place like this will be too full of themselves or capture the right attitude of sharing their craft in a casual and fun environment. The fun name of the bar is really just that, fun so no snobbery here. The design is a fun combination of a European pub, elevated cocktail bar, and everything cute and adorable pandas . They're known in the cocktail community for an experimental approach to cocktails, using techniques like "switching" and "sous pression" to enhance flavors and textures. They actually call their basement bar lab the "Brain-Melting Society". I'm not sure what those techniques are, but the cocktails were delicious. I had a wonderfully complex scotch cocktail called Cereal Killer and my beautiful wife had a delicious vodka-based champagne cocktail called Pop Culture (photo #2). Unfortunately, we didn't have a second because we had to head to dinner, but I already had my eye on a bunch of recipes that looked amazing. Next time!! These guys are as friendly as they are serious about their craft. They consistently rank among the best bars in the world so it's a must to check out when you make it to this incredible city. Thank you for the delicious cocktails and pandas. Salute . @thejohnnycocktail on IG Cereal Killer Bruichladdich Scotch Dolin Rouge Vermouth Muyu Chinotto Nero Cherrios Almond Pop Culture Vodka Sake Pink & Szechuan peppercorn syrup Moet champagne Pink soda read more

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What a delightful neighborhood speakeasy spot in the heart of Edinburgh! I was lucky enough to be able to experience this place on a recent trip and while I made a reservation, for some reason it didn't come up, but they were so accommodating in allowing me a table on arrival since I came at open. They have a wide array of spirits and cocktails and if you don't know what you might be interested in partaking, the team is always happy to give recommendations. I had a delightful coconut daiquiri which I was at first hesitant about ordering, but the balance of the spirits with the light sweetness of the coconut, actually made it quite a bespoke and artisan cocktail, served with a piece of white chocolate, which was a nice touch! The music and the vibes are absolutely delightful. Gives a little bit of modern hipster aura, but also has its own speakeasy charm with fun decorative pandas littered throughout the space. If you are interested in food, they have some small snacks for purchase (nuts or chips to be exact) as well as some merch available. Such a charming spot in town! read more

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Warm speakeasy with a quirky Panda themed interiors. The menu is all about cocktails crafted using different cryogenic techniques. It's a great vibe with delicious bold cocktails to spend your post dinner time. Service is quick & friendly. Reservations are a must given its popularity. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Panda & Sons is certainly one of the most talked-about cocktail bars in Edinburgh, and for good reason! The whole concept is fantastic: finding the entrance hidden under a functional barber shop on the street level is a fun and unique experience that really leans into that speakeasy vibe. Once you head downstairs, the atmosphere is truly eclectic. The interior is dark, quirky, and beautifully designed, definitely reflecting its status as an award-winning bar. It's a great spot for a date night or to show off to visitors. However, where it counts most--the drinks--I felt they were just decent. They were creative, well-presented, and definitely fine, but none of the cocktails we tried blew us away or stood out as exceptional, especially given the hype and the price point. They were solid and enjoyable, but not truly memorable. The service was professional, and the atmosphere is top-tier. I highly recommend visiting for the brilliant concept and ambiance alone, but manage your expectations slightly on the cocktails themselves. A great place to check off the Edinburgh "must-do" list. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This is where you want to go for fun in Edinburgh: a speakeasy of course. The design is very cool with a faux facade as a haircut salon. You walk in and find a false library door and then you are in a lovely speakeasy. I had the Birdcage, a very smooth whisky drink that was smoked table side which was a nice presentation. Great place to bring friends. read more

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A top 50 bar in the world for a reason! Panda & Sons is located in the new town area of Edinburgh. On the corner of Queen Street, this "speakeasy" is hidden behind a library of books. Be sure to make a reservation as they've become quite popular given their rating. What makes this place stand out is their unique method- taking a scientific approach to alcohol! They describe their different methods in their menu including a unique process of freezing alcohol to remove the water and replace it with other liquids like coconut water to deepen the flavor. My husband and I both really enjoyed our drinks! He got the red panda that came smoked up and I got a drink from their ice cream section of the menu which was a delicious clarified drink that had a maple flavor. Yum! read more

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This is the place I was most excited to try in Edinburgh -- after all, it's one of the world's 50 best bars! And though I enjoyed it, I feel like it was just good and not great. I shared a bunch of cocktails with my wife and two friends, so we went through quite a bit of the menu. My favorite was the Birdcage -- the presentation is super fun and the flavors were intense and smoky. However, that may have been the only truly great cocktail I tasted that evening. I was excited to try the Coconut Daiquiri as it was mentioned in the World's 50 Best reviews, but I found it to be a bit bland and underwhelming. Another sort of confusing cocktail I had was something whose name I can't remember, but it was essentially a take on a Bloody Mary -- it was good, but honestly not worth the price of a top craft cocktail place like this one. Service was friendly but very slow -- we had empty glasses for about 15 minutes before anyone took our second order, so we rushed a bit to finish our second drinks before their table time limit was over. Overall, a cool experience, but maybe my expectations were a bit too high. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The best bar I went to in Edinburgh! The ambiance is fantastic and the drinks are unique and delicious. Just don't get the drink with Worcester and you'll be happy! read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Ok, so I've done it. I tried one of the best 50 bars in the world! By the end of my visit I might have forgotten what city I am (my bartender is as from Italy, so I thought Milan), but it was a truly amazing experience! $55 well spent. I enjoyed all the three drinks I had, the ambiance and the bartenders that kept me company. Awesome place! read more

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Inventive cocktail spot with some speakeasy vibes. Really unique menu with a variety of libations to satisfy a variety of tastes! Friendly service and super fun music. It's a win win of a spot to check off a spot on this years World's 50 Best Bars list. read more

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5 stars for service alone!!!! A local of Glasgow recommended this spot and after a journey on the train which consisted of wasted coffee all over one's self, this was necessary. I sat at the bar, next to who I later learned was one of the managers and had a really great experience. Let's start with I had no reservations and the menu is slightly intimidating but due to the staff - I survived I started with their version of a martini and should preface I AM VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT MY MARTINI but this was a fantastic choice. I don't remember what was in it but you can look it up serious but not serious ‍ I then went to a shot of Jameson, which I typically wouldn't do buttttt the manager was friendly and I couldn't be rude. I ended with acocktail that consisted of coconut non dairy ice cream and it came with a spoon. Not something I'd typically order but it was tasty and a great finisher to the evening. I'd 100% come back to the panda if in the area, thanks guys and gals for a fantastic first time experience read more

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You want a cocktail like you've never had before? You visit Panda and Sons. They are creative geniuses and absolute innovators in the craft cocktail space. The atmosphere here is comfortable and welcoming; it's like an old, darkly lit library. I will say, it's much less speakeasy than it used to be in regards to the fun element of finding it. At my most recent visit, there was a host standing right in the barber shop checking to see if people had made bookings (and they weren't letting anyone in who hadn't). They then led us down the stairs where the "secret" door was propped wide open. The staff here is lovely; the host was friendly, and our server was exceptional. She made great recommendations, helped us research what was plant-based, and when my friend ordered the Instagram drink (the Birdcage; made with Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Aperol, Angostura Bitters, Rhubarb & Lemongrass Shrub, and Cinnamon & Clove smoke) she made sure to slowly remove the glass case and swirl the smoke around for the fully immersive experience. The menu changes, or at least has changed since my first visit years ago, to now (...I think I read they've even changed it again in the past couple of months). I tried several cocktails, the stand-out being the Culture Club (made with Flor de Cana 12 year old rum, discarded banana peel rum, biscoff, soya yoghurt, maple, lime, and bitters) which tasted like a banoffee pie dessert! read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Good news, this place has some of the BEST cocktails you will ever have. Bad news, there's no actual barber, so if you're in desperate need of a haircut - this is not the place. Hidden behind a vintage barber shop, this speakeasy uses a unique technique to make their cocktails. It's thoroughly explained in their menu, where they use a freezing technique to influence the taste of the cocktails and you can truly TASTE the difference. I ordered the Birdcage (Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Aperol, Lemongrass & Rhubarb, Angostura bitters, and Cinnamon/Clove Smoke). This was so incredibly delicious, it was the perfect whiskey drink for me. My friend ordered the Culture Club (Flor De Cana 12yo rum, discarded banana peel rum, biscoff, soy yogurt, maple, lime, & bitters) THIS was probably our favorite drink. It was so smooth, so creamy, and each flavor profile highly complimented the other. I'm not a rum girl but I can drink the Culture Club cocktail for days. This place made it onto "The World's 50 Best Bars" for 2023. The cocktails are great, customer service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and dimly lit like a classic speakeasy. I would love to bring more people to this bar! read more

Panda & Sons - Culture Club - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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This place was not at all what I expected, but in such a good way. They had funky 80 dance music that set such a fun tone. The wait staff were very friendly and happy to make Recommendations. The first cocktail I got was very gin forward, but not bad and the 2nd drink was a coconut daiquiri that you just have to try. Whether you're looking to impress a first date or your getting together with old friends, this place is perfect! read more

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I love a speakeasy. We made reservations for 5pm (pre-dinner drinks) and even though I'm pretty sure we didn't have to, I'm glad we did because the place was fairly busy for an early evening. If I were to complain, it's that when you walk in, it's clearly not a speakeasy. The hostess asks you immediately if you have a reservation. Now, this wasn't a problem and I'm not complaining about it but it would be cuter if she had asked if we needed a trim or a shave first. We descended the stairs and entered through the "bookcase" and were sat near the bar in some very comfortable swivel chairs. The decor was old timey cute with many a panda to look at. I got a few cute coasters to take home which made me very happy indeed. Our bartender/server was really nice and made fun of us in the nicest way. Apparently they had changed the menu recently, which upset some of the people near us, but we loved this menu and found it super interesting. The cocktails here are made with a lot of love and precision. Watching them intensely make your cocktail feels slightly voyeuristic but not pretentious at all. I wish we could have tried more drinks but *Spoiler Alert* we were way past drunk by the end of the evening and I'm so glad we stopped at 2 here. read more

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Best drinks I've had in Scotland. I passed by this place a few times and thought nothing of it as it says Barber shop but the bright red facade is very noticeable. My daughter mentioned this place and told me it was on the top 50 best bars in the world. So when my friends and I went what a surprise to know it is a speakeasy. We did not have reservations but it was early enough that they accommodated us. We were led down some stairs through a door of books and were surprised at the dark but accommodating space. We we given what looked like a child's story book which was actually the drinks menu. Each chapter denoting the method that section of drinks are made. The service was great and the drinks were even better. Wish I had time to try them all. This is a must try spot. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Very accommodating, friendly service. Such an interesting story! Everyone was happy with their cocktails. The music is lively but not so loud that you couldn't have conversations. Similarly the lighting is well enough for reading the menu but soft and easy on the eyes. My only tiny problem is the abundance of candles making it difficult for me to breathe. read more

Not only is this one of the top 50s best bar in the world but this is one of the best experiences that I've had while in Edinburgh. They had so many great options to drink from and they had an awesome booklet describing the processes they have to make the various drinks covered with pandas. The ambiance was amazing. Highly recommend getting reservations because it's always busy and make sure you get them a few days if you can. We got lucky and went last minute and were able to just wait a few minutes before being seated. The service was amazing and our server knew the perfect pairings and gave us the best recommendations including a blend of Scotch smoked up in a glass. I absolutely had an amazing experience and will be back next time I am in Scotland. read more

It was definitely a cool experience and if you are a cocktail aficionado then you would love to go here. It's quite a full experience. There is a speakeasy-esque entrance that was super cool and the menu explaining why their drinks are different was fun to read. I however am not particularly a fan of elaborate/fancy drinks or out there food/drink techniques so it wasn't a highlight for me but I can definitely see the appeal. read more

Panda & Sons - Coconut daiquiri cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Wow - what an amazing experience. Cocktails are perfectly crafted and all of them were delicious. I think we had about 4 or 5 of just the espresso martinis! The vibe of the place is dark & intimate yet just the right amount of noise and ambiance. You have got to come here if you're in Edinburgh! read more

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Awesome unassuming speakeasy. We came around 4:45pm on Saturday without a reservation. They were all booked, however, a table with a reservation hadn't shown up and was past the hold time, so we were able to get seated. Great vibe and innovative cocktail menu. read more

Great ambiance, service, and drinks. The unique cocktails were delicious and the cozy, speakeasy vibe made the experience even better! read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Such a great cocktail bar! Inventive drinks, attentive staff and very cosy speakeasy atmosphere! read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This speakeasy wasn't too far from our hotel and we walked by it everyday and thought nothing of it until someone mentioned it to us. We went on a Thursday night, without a reservation, luckily they had a space available for us. It was pretty busy and I really liked the ambiance and décor. Based on reviews I had read, it seems like they may have changed parts of their cocktail menu. They have so many drink options and the waitress and bartenders are able to help you pick a drink based on your preferences. It was a good time, definitely the place to be. read more

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Great spot! The location isn't hard to find either, it's in a nice part of town (multiple cocktail bars around). Their take on the espresso martini was marvelous, seriously order it. Although every cocktail I had was exceptional. I really stuck to the classic menu which includes their most popular cocktails since they opened their doors 9 years ago. I was overall really surprised by the drinking scene in Edinburgh. The server was so kind he even sat down and chatted with me for a bit since I was alone. I loved everything about how the bar was dressed up, lots of beautiful antiques and the furniture was vintage, really lovely. Definitely stop here if you're around. read more

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What a fabulous surprise! We had no idea what we were walking into but boy did we have a great time. The craft cocktails were creative and delicious. And the staff was entertaining, informative and courteous! This is a fabulous "speakeasy " to start your night or end it but be sure to make a reservation. Cheers!! (I've been twice summer 2023) read more

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Went with co-workers to this Fantastic place. From the entrance (speakeasy door) to the service and the drinks it was wonderful. The creations are fantastic and delicious. The servers are very knowledgeable and available to answer all your questions and even help in deciding your best choice(s). The atmosphere was quaint, cozy and relaxed. Great for dates to group fun or even just by yourself and meet people. Will definitely be going back (and taking more friends). read more

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If you've read a couple of my reviews, you know that I am not a drinker. I have yet to develop the taste for alcohol, warm beverages, most juices, and soda. But that's another story. Anyway! My friend told me about this place and said that even if I don't drink, this place is worth visiting. She was RIGHT! This place is awesome, unlike any bar I've been to in my life or heard about in my life. It mascarades as a barber shop on the outside but once you find the secret library door, it unlocks a SPEAKEASY (it's not illegal though, it's just the theme) It's so cool! You feel all fancy and old timey. They have an awesome extensive menu of cocktails and alcohols, and FREE POPCORN. My friend and I had like 6 bowls. I ordered one of their ''interactive'' cocktails, a long island ice tea that turns black when they add their special syrup. It was super fun to watch and I did enjoy sipping it for the time we were there. I absolutely recommend this place! read more

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Super cool speakeasy that makes you feel like your transported back to the prohibition era (although there was never prohibition in Scotland). Hidden behind a barbershop front, you go through a bookcase door into a hip, bustling dive that offers swanky drinks. We had Rok the Casbah and Tragic Summer, both very delicious and ingeniously made! It's worth a visit, even for just the experience. read more

Panda & Sons - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH