Great place and awesome, inspired cocktails. Service was friendly, fun, and spot on. . If you are looking for someplace serving unique, cool drinks...this is your place! read more

Anyone who doesn't give this 5/5 probably couldn't find the door. Situated in a makeshift barber shop, this speakeasy has everything! We came in and sat in the far back, but were immediately greeted with (awesome!) menus and a welcome. Since we were first time visitors (and tourists) we got the whole breakdown. The menu could take a whole afternoon to read but they broke it down quickly while we stuffed our face with (crack) popcorn. I had been drinking bourbon all day so stuck with a bourbon centric and very well presented (more on that later) drink. We each got something different, gin, smooth, banana; you name it. We had a 7pm flight to catch our we would have stayed all night. Not outrageously priced, $10 usd per drink, every drink exceeded expectations. I won't ruin all the drinks, as exploring the menu and learning the back story on each one is half the fun. See the pictures to check out the presentations. One on a book, another in a glass case and another just in a simple can. All sophistically presented and oh so delicious. Please stop here before dinner, after dinner, or just skip dinner and have alcohol for dinner. Ps heard they're coming to Los Angeles, California soon with a similar project. Can't wait to visit. read more

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Stopped by here on a Sunday, unaware of the bank holiday that Monday, to a packed place. While it felt really cool and inspiring, we decided to leave as there weren't any seats available. The set up is a cool speakeasy if you will. We took a photo to prove it. read more

Panda & Sons - They tried to fool you with a fake beauty parlor... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

In sumary......I like this place a lot!!! From the quirky Barber shop entrance reminicent of China White to the bookcase doorway its sets a great scene. The drinks menu is perhaps a little wordy.......there are a lot of words!!! But the drinks well....the drinks are beautifully crafted and well presented sparks of genuis. The waitress said they are going to have a bar snack menu soon but in the meantime the piri-piri popcorn will do just fine. Knowledgeable staff....nice setting....good drinks...Happy!! Panda & Sons comes highly JD Recommended!!! read more

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I am unashamed in how much love I have for this place. Londoners are spoilt for choice by themed speakeasy bars these days, with pricey cocktail menus and not-so-secret-anymore entrances ('you go through the FRIDGE?!?!'). But I hadn't seen anything in Edinburgh quite like this before. Secret entrance? Check. Look for a barbershop, take the stairs down to the basement, and enter through the bookshelf at the bottom. This stuff tends to overexcite me, so I had to stifle the urge to squeal as I pulled on a book sticking out from the rest, which doubles as a secret door handle to get inside. Quirky theme? Check. It's based around a family of pandas who run a barbershop and wear very smart tartan tweed suits. It's playful without being gimmicky, from the panda family portraits on the walls to the candles in old hair wax tins on the tables. Other vintage props like gramophones and old lamps and books complete the look. Awesome drinks? Check. I spotted a smoke-filled bell-jar being carried past as we sat down so, although the cocktail menu here is a thing of beauty (with more panda pics!), I decided to go for the shameless novelty factor and order that. It's called The Birdcage, and whisky-based too which swung my decision. The waitress lifted the bell-jar in front of us for the cinnamon-infused smoke to escape to reveal the glass. This was much to my two colleagues' amusement, as they attempted to distance themselves from their overexcited visiting London workmate and ordered beers :P All of this combined with attentive table service and knowledgeable barmen with bow ties, flat caps and creatively styled facial hair (it looks like a waxed moustache is a requirement to work here). Not too busy on a Wednesday eve, and it's quite reasonably priced for the whole package with cocktails starting around £7. Well played Edinburgh - I was well and truly charmed :) read more

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First I heard of this place was when visiting the "Wine with a view event" in Ghillie Dhu not so long ago. The 15th November 2013 was their opening night to the general public and I could not resist trying it out. We walked along Queens Street and arrived at a barber shop. "Is this it?" Some really intelligent questions crossed my mind. Luckily, one was enough. The bouncer let us in - old enough, no doubt :-) And down the stairs we went, standing infront of a book shelve. "Where is the entrance? Where are the handles? Eh?" Ahhhh, and that's for you to find out :-) You enter the main room, bar on the right and other rooms spread around the centre. We found our place and settled comfortable into a cozy corner. The interior is chic and classy. I so love the PANDA bear picture hanging from the wall. There are more Pandas in the cocktail menu. Oh yes, the AWESOME cocktail menu. So many choices, you won't believe. Each cocktail tells a story. Yes, you can have a Gin Tonic or a Bloody Mary , but what is so exciting is that all these come with a twist. We started off with MILKY BAR HERO cocktails that serve 6 people. It came served in little pots with pink and white striped paper straws. My personal favourite was the Red Panda (Bloody Mary with a kick), followed by the Emperor New Clothes (Mojito) and Super Tonic (G&T). The personell was lovely. Nikki really knew the cocktails by heart and recommended a few. Apparently the cocktail making bar man is able to make you any cocktail you like. Next time my dear, I might just take him up on the option. I will definitely be back for more tasting and a midnight cup. read more

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This is such a fun speakeasy! It's hidden in the basement of vintage barbershop where the entrance is literally a door of books. Service was some of the best. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable and all around helpful! Drinks were so unique, very tasty and a show in themselves (see my video). One of our favorite bars in the UK and anywhere! Definitely recommend. read more

This place is seriously amazing. When on vacation here in Edinburgh a few months ago this was one of my places "if I don't make it here on this trip I'm seriously going to throw a fit". It did not disappoint. I love the fact that it's designed like a speak easy. It's beautifully decorated and everything about this place is fantastic. It's dark but very comforting. Drinks were high quality and tasty. Loads of local choices (I myself got three different gin drinks because hey when you're in Scotland you drink Whisky or Gin and since I'm obsessed with Gin, I was going to drink as much of the good stuff as I could) The pop corn is just outrageously tasty; I have no idea what it's seasoned with but it's addictive. Hilariously my one friend kept ordering drinks that were served in tins. When we laughed about it to our waiter he then brought more popcorn in a tin. Then when he brought our check over he delivered in it a tin saying "last time I promise!" We just about died laughing. All the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I had a fantastic time and I'm so sad I'm so far away that I can't visit more. I only hope the next time I make it back to Scotland I get a chance to visit again. read more

Panda & Sons - Delcious Pickering Gin and a wonderful floral based Gin drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

All the talk among Yelpers these days, we were happy to finally try Panda & Sons out last night. I am not sure what to make of the elaborate panda barbershop speakeasy theme yet, but at least it is amusing. The cocktail menu is a novella of drink descriptions. You basically need to order something to drink while you read through the menu to decide what you want to drink. My Shanghai Paloma came in a plastic lemon with a big bendy straw - clever presentation in theory, but in practice the strong smell of the plastic took away from my enjoyment of the drink (which was otherwise very good). My second cocktail, whose name I have forgotten, came in a regular old glass and was delicious. There were some good beers available as well, for those not delighted by cocktails. read more

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

One thing for sure is that the barstaff at panda and sons are highly skilkful cocktail ninjas. Working with subtly tones and flavours in every expertly made drink. The problem I have is not with the place (secret basement bar- perfect), or with the slight wait on the drinks (skill takes time) but actually with the menu. They've taken the old fashioned pokey cocktails (rightly so to match the barbershop decor) but they've not made them accessible to the crowds. When trying several drinks I could appreciate the expertise in making them but the truth of the matter is that after sampling at least 4 cocktails (a few of my boyfriend's as well) I found them all to contain at least one ingredient that I didn't like and I'm not as fussy as most people. If you like bold, hard spirits with a kick behind your drinks, you'll love it. If you're more of a delicate sweet tooth then stick to the pandas at the zoo. read more

I love this place! Do I need to write more? Oh well let's see. The name was the first thing to catch my attention. I love Pandas and Panda is even the name of my dog so this seemed like an excellent choice for me and my boyfriends vacation. When we found the place though we got slightly confused. Outside it say "Panda barber shop"....and that's it. Oh and some prices for a shave and stuff.... We still went inside and downstairs. There we were met by a dead end of a book shelf, only it was a door looking like a book shelf. So awesome. When I get my own house I am definitely having a secret doorway somewhere! The staff was really nice and we were served directly at the table. The bar looks really relaxed and homey but you still get the classy vibe from it. I started with a Robinson Crusoe. It consisted of a class of whiskey and a bottle of poison (or some kind of juice). The meaning was that you could blend the drink yourself to have it as strong or sweet as you'd like. It looked awesome and was a great idea. In the end a little too strong for me but then again i'm not good at drinking whiskey. The second drink was a shared one: Monet Talks. This one was so creative and really made our day! We were served a bottle of prosecco, two empty glasses, a painyt palet and three tubes of "paint". Here we also had the chance of making our own little masterpiece. So much fun! The menus are a little hard to read, but that was the only "negative" thing I could think of. My new favorite place! read more

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My first impression was tI this was a real barbershop when I walked by the place until I saw the prices. Clearly, this was something else. I stumbled in and was met by a "doorman" who called me into the staff downstairs. Behind the bookcase was a bustling speakeasy with DJ spinning some trip-hop tunes and a team of bartenders cranking out bespoke cocktails. In my opinion, the drinks were great! Interesting menu items for snacking but the chili popcorn was addictive for sure. The service I experienced was above average. The bartender ("Shan" sp?) was very entertaining and was tolerant of my questions. She made some visually inspiring beverages like the smoked old fashion. I think this is going to be one of my favorite stops in Edinburgh. Nice people, great menu and well-appointed venue. Overall, I would recommend Panda & Sons! read more

First visit to this new establishiment and it won't be the last! The cocktail list is vast but I choose the "theatrical" Birdcage from the menu after Cressida F mentioned it to me. Wow! That's all I'm gonna say - I don't wanna spoil your moment if you order this cocktail! It's tasted amazing too! The space is small but somewhat well laid and fresh. It was quite busy, but that's a friday night in town. I guess i would come back to experience it all again hopefully on a quieter night as i could barely hear what other folks were saying in conversation as it was super noisy! Defo worth a trip though! read more

Panda & Sons - Is it bookcase or .... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

After visit N.Y hidden/speakeasy bar scene for a couple of times and I have a high references of speakeasy places p&s really impressed me. Cool place, its really hidden bar and also exellent coctails, very polite and helpful staff aswell. Place is very big for be a speakeasy bar but edinburgh have good potential as one of the most beatiful cities in the world. read more

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Went here at 4:30 on a Monday, grabbed a few cocktails alone. All three drinks were great, and the bartenders were even better. Very kind young men working. You receive popcorn with your drinks as well, it was good. I would return again! read more

I always love going to Panda & Sons. It's magical. Suggesting one thing and delivering another far more enjoyable. The attention to detail helps enter the theatre of it all. This isn't just a cocktail bar, it's a must do experience. No spoilers here- just go and live it. Think Alice in Wonderland in a tasty bar full of unique panda expressions everywhere. If you don't want cocktails or any booze, don't worry, there's loads of other things- rich cheese boards, replenishing popcorn and much much more. read more

Only gripe is it can be hard to get into - great cocktails - fair prices and a fun vibe

I was fortunate to be staying at an apartment across the street from this gem. I mean, when I asked locals where to go, almost all of them recommended this place. I recommend it too! It's a speakeasy with great drinks. They give you popcorn to munch on while you converse with your company. Take the time to read the menu. It's pretty entertaining. If this place was in my neighborhood, I would go pretty frequently. Like most places in Edinburgh, they close at 1am. I learned this the hard way. read more

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These are the best American prohibition style cocktails in Edinburgh. If you're a whiskey man/woman. Go for the boulevardier or the Robinson Caruso. They serve a delicious and fair sized cheese plate, as well as a few other items like complementary spicy house made popcorn. Great atmosphere, hip music (no club music) and great service. (Especially from our favorite for the trip, Nikki) Stayed in Edinburgh 4 nights and we went here 3 nights. read more

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LOVE THIS PLACE! Cool little underground dive bar not far from princes street. We could've stayed out all night here, because it was such a good vibe. Try the Copa America cocktail (pictured)- you won't regret it! Obsessed with the panda theme and humorous panda stories throughout the beverage menu. The bartenders were very friendly! Bonus points- they offer a complimentary little popcorn snack that's super yummy! read more

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To beard - verb: to boldly confront or challenge. But while it's bold, there's nothing confrontational about this new barber-themed bar. It's cosy but not poky, light but not glaring, and there's so much space that will easily fit the many people who no doubt will begin to flock here as word spreads. And what fun! The candles on the tables nestle in old hair wax tins. The bill is delivered in a Fisherman's Friend tin. The walls are home to old framed adverts for hair treatments in that excitably verbose writing style found only in old adverts... and occasionally my reviews. Some of the chairs are even barbers' chairs; add to this the majestically styled facial hair of the gentlemen behind the bar and you have a mighty fine theme going on. All of the staff were also wearing very nice bow-ties and were extremely perky. How can one not be perky, when one is finely coiffed and attired in a nice bow-tie? Now here's something extra exciting: I ordered water. The guy basically juggled my glass around anyway as though he was making a cocktail! Scoop! Sloosh! Ice with a flourish. Plop! Lemon slice with aplomb. This is the happiest water I've ever had. Edinburgh has been famous for its pandas for a while now - here's one more to bring the crowds. read more

Off the bat you need to get an espresso martini here. They do amazing ones here. I first heard of Panda & Sons at a cocktails in the city event (read more about that here https://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/yelp-masterclass-cocktails-in-the-city-edinburgh) and I remember at the time thinking I'd heard a lot about them, and that I wanted to try it out. Well it has finally happened! I was in here on Good Friday for cocktails and I think this place has their deal down. The staff are firing out the cocktails in super smart time. Despite the bar always been 2/3 deep I never felt like I had to wait ages for my drinks. I feel this is what really makes this place 5 star because I hate feeling like I have to spin my drinks out because ordering them takes bloody ages (I'm looking at you here lebowskis) They give out complimentary popcorn but all the stuff I had was stale, but hey it's free. Cool bar, cool setting, amazing cocktails. read more

This could so easily be an overwhelmingly 'hip' place where one is made to feel uncomfortable for being 5 minutes behind the newest fad. Thankfully it's not! Easy to find despite its concealed 'speakeasy' entrance, we were instantly given a warm welcome by the staff, and the promise to find us a seat ASAP. While we waited we watched the barmen doing their thing, and tried in vain to stop my sister playing the 'touch the fruit game', as explained by a plaque on the bar (impossible to photograph though, so you'll have to check it out to see what the game involves) We had just selected our drinks when we were seated, and they were soon brought over to our table - one of our party ordered the Birdcage and it was presented with all the pomp and circumstance you would expect! Plenty of cocktails to chose from, and some jchuzzed-up takes on standard 'spirit-and-mixer' drinks too (I really enjoyed my inquisitive G&T). Not cheap but I was expecting more expense tbh. And there's a really great relaxed speakeasy feel inside. I'll definitely be coming back. See you there! read more

I didn't think I'd like this spot because I didn't think lounge/cocktail bars were big over here. I was wrong, again. It definitely is a dope cocktail bar. If you are into a speakeasy vibe, come here. Aye, mate. read more

This is rapidly becoming my regular - In fact Nikki from the bar said as much (Thanks!) - I upped my review with one star, thus a perfect score. This is well deserved as the amount of work and detail that these girls and guys put into their cocktails and service is amazing. We went on a busy Saturday night and it was clear that word had spread... could that be our reviews?! It didn't take to long to find a decent spot for 6 people to sit and indulge and enjoy themselves. We positively went for the "Red Panda" cocktail - as recommended by ..moi, swiftly moved on to the "Milky Heroes" for 6 and I took the opportunity to order "The Birdcage". Oh my .. "The Birdcage".. : a delightful, sensational and try wonderful cocktail. When arrived in its revealing splendour the table fell silent - for a bit (well Tanja was still talking, but mostly silent) then the "Oooh" , "Aaaah" and "Wow""-s were plentiful. All deserved. The cocktail is covered by a glass dome (Kolk) filled with the scent of wood fire smoke. And when we smelled it we were all imagining a campfire in the woods, this was amazing. The preparation of a good cocktail takes time, this may be an issue for people that want things "now, now, now".. I'd like to advise them to hold their horses and calm down. You are here to enjoy the FULL experience which includes the opportunity to see their exquisite cocktails being prepared to perfection in front of you. They take no shortcuts, though variations in presentation are clear between each cocktail maker, which is fine with me. And you can always use the table service, which is fairly frequent but you need to take into account when it is busy that it too, may take a bit of time. The service is brilliant, yes they just opened, but they take the time for each and every one of their guests. Yes 'guests' not 'customers'. You feel like you are visiting as a guest - being it a paying one though, I hope that feel stays. I like going here. read more

5/5. Wow pretty crazy after having one cocktail here and less an hour! So ill tell you why... firstly I havent been in a cocktail bar like it. Barber shop from the outside...carpeted entrance which felt like I was entering one of my friends flat..and then a quicky bookshelf entrance. I love how this place is different. The cocktail i had..it wasnt even that keen on, but thats not to say it wasnt well made or you couldnt tell it was a 'proper' cocktail. It just wasnt my taste, but that was my fault not theirs and you have to try to find out. Im excited about this place, and cmon lets me honest who doesnt like a strong cocktail and pandas! Its a winner...Oh and MEET CRESSIDA is happening there??!! awesome!! read more

Man oh man. Was Panda & Sons a delightful treat! First of all, let's discuss the marketing behind Panda & Sons... or rather, the lack of it! I love the idea that Panda & Sons is a "secret" in Edinburgh, although slightly less secret if you have access to Yelp or Tripadvisor. :) Still, a business that doesn't put out any ads or the like, and relies on word of mouth alone? COOL! Secondly, of course, comes the nature of Panda & Sons itself. A barber shop entrance disguising a hidden passage into a dark and secret cocktail bar? Sign me up! I love the idea of a speakeasy-themed bar, which although I didn't get much of a good look around, too distracted by good company, excellent drinks, and the dimly lit interior as I was, I still found charming with its old-fashioned relics. Third: the drinks! Man, talk about knocking my socks right off. Let me preface my glowing review with a warning. Be ready to leave this place with your wallet significantly lighter than it was upon entry. But trust me when I say that it's absolutely worth it. The expansive list of delicious cocktails is not to be missed out on! From birdcage-encased beverages revealed with a whoosh of smoke, to smaller drinks served in quaint tin cans full of slush, yeah. Not only is the presentation excellent, but the drinks themselves are five-stars all around. I didn't have a drink I didn't like--and considering I was also sampling my friends' and they mine, that's not a bad shout! (The "one wheel on my wagon" was a particular favorite of mine that night, if you fancy whiskey!) Fourthly, our waitress for the night was chipper and prompt, which seals the deal in my book. An excellent place to go for a night out with friends or, for me, to plot revealing to your American friends when they arrive for a visit! read more

It's a cool quirky bar, a little off the beaten track. The staff are friendly and it's got a nice vibe. I like bars that are a little different... There was a lot of thought put into this one and the attention to detail is great - I particularly like the bookshelf doors. My only issue was how long it took to get a drink at the bar, a really long time. They either need more bar staff, or need to get rid of the bar stools on busy nights, as there was only a small section that you could order from. Hopefully they'll sort that out. They do have table service, maybe the trick is to never leave your seat? read more

Had to give a 5 star review! Went here last night and it's brilliant! It was great fun walking in through the bookshelf 'secret' door. When we walked in it wasn't packed but it was busy. The waitress came over and immediately plied me with a jug of tap water and a glass of popcorn (that was refilled throughout the night). We ordered just beer. For George St/ West end it was what I expected price-wise (around £4 for a pint). It took a wee while to get served, but it wasn't an issue because we munched on popcorn while we waited! When the bill came it was in a tin of fishermans friends, a great wee way to finish off our night- by bursting open our sinuses! read more

Ingenious bar menu with a great seed for their globally inspired menu. Loved our cocktails, the service and the establishment itself (the doorman makes sure there's available seating before he lets you down). Can't fathom why some people order wine or ale here. Cheers! read more

I love Panda & Sons - it's a quirky new cocktail bar with a difference. Situated in the end of Queen Street you see this Barber Shop (really, is this it?), steps leading down and finally through the bookcase doors - it's all in the 'speakeasy' and vintage style. And it's the first bar where I can sip a drink in a vintage barber's chair, if I wish so. Oh the cocktails are pretty strong! I have sampled quite a few - 'Milky Bar Hero for 6 people' was served in a cute little mini milk bottle with a straw, how cute is that! ILast time I had what was probably one of the most delicious Bloody Mary I have ever had - it had proper flavour, without being too strong and not watery - just right. What impressed me was the care the barman took with making the drinks. It was not a rushed job, like often happens in a busy bar on a Saturday night. He even tried a little bit, just to make sure the flavour was right. You get little pots of pop corn as complimentary snacks, and you can also buy other nibbles from the bar. This place brings a smile on your face! read more

I'll admit that I jumped to certain conclusions about Panda & Sons, based purely on the silly name; and yes, there was a lot of luxuriant facial hair behind the bar. But I quickly decided this place is much more than a cynical hipster-trap. I was there the night before the official opening (I know - get me) so the paint was just dry and the carpets in the entrance hall still had that unnaturally springy show-home quality. Despite having a decent-sized street level shop front, Panda & Sons is basically a basement bar. But what a basement! Three large rooms are beautifully decorated and lit, striking a tricky balance between brightness and coziness which makes the best of the low ceiling and oddly angled walls. From the front door (located on the corner of Queen Street and Charlotte Square) right through to the olde-worlde glass cabinets on the walls, the theme is barber-shop. It's not over-played though - just lots of dark wood, candles in pomade tins and even a gleaming brass gramophone. It's very classily done. The drinks are the star turn though, with the extensive and inventive cocktail list offering plenty to intrigue even the most jaded bar-fly. The highlight of my evening was Bamboo - a cold, tart sherry-based affair of which my granny would definitely not have approved (bless her). Because it was a slightly unusual evening, the bar wasn't exactly packed, which I think cooled the atmosphere a bit; this place needs to be jumping. But I'll definitely come back during normal opening hours to explore further. Panda & Sons promises to be a very welcome addition to Edinburgh's ever-growing lineup of credible, cool and quirky cocktail bars. read more

I'm insanely proud that I am not shit faced off cocktails while writing this because frankly I wanted to write my love letter to this place the minute I arrived. As many of my friends will mock me, I am lame. And this could be due to the fact that I don't *really* like booze that much. Don't get me wrong, I like booze-effects... but I don't like alcohol. I like a cold brew on a Friday evening after a long work week. I like an embarrassing glass of white zin with ice, and I like a £7 tastes free of alcohol, heavy of citrus, cocktail. Oddly enough, I wouldn't imagine Panda and Sons sells white zin and I wouldn't waste a visit here with a beer. There was a cocktail menu with pretty much no indication of what was in anything, so I decided that for £7+ I could tell the bartender to make it taste like herbs and lemons and not like booze and he would probably do it for me. Yes, he did. And he triple goddamn checked to make sure I liked it. And he let me have the teeny bit extra that was watered down because of the ice that most bartenders won't let you even see, and he let me gush at him while he shook a million others and then he made me another one that he *knew* I would like. And that, my friends is how you get someone LAME, who hates 'too cool for school', 'full after 5.30' 'dark and pricey' 'gussied up girl' cocktail bars to come time and time again. It is the perfect, no, better than perfect, place to take all your work mates after a long day of speaking slowly to foreigners, to get buzzed ASAP and be best friends forever. It's the perfect place to have a girls night out. And it's the perfect place to dare someone to buy you drinks all night to see if they're willing to spend loads of money on you (not that money is important, just checking). There is a door, that is hidden by looking like a bookshelf. I could have just said that and you should have run the hell down there. read more

Great bar, interesting cocktails and very friendly service. Without a doubt the speak easy nature of the entrance adds something different to the experience. I live within 100 meters of the bar, and only found out it was a bar when I tried to book a haircut. No joke. read more

Super fun speakeasy type cocktail bar with some seriously good drinks. If you're into the cocktail scene, you've got to see this. Ranks with the greats. read more

Wow. The cocktails here are wonderful. There is an extensive menu with something for everyone, including the dry amongst us (hello January :/). On the advice of another Yelper I sauntered up to the bar and told the moustachioed tattooed barman to make me something fabulous, sans alcohol. What I received was delicious, tangy and sweet with a strong minty taste. I was happy, though as a friend pointed out my drink was a glorified, unblended, breakfast juice. Enough about the drinks though, even if they weren't up to scratch (which my aquaintances assured me they were) the novelty of this bar is enough to draw you in. From the outside an assuming barber shop...though one might get a tad suspicious at the 25c haircuts and the bouncer... You enter a carpeted hallway and head downstairs to a bookcase which opens into a wonderful old timey bar. the decor is a mix between old man mahogany office and 1920's speakeasy. The barstaff are clearly well trained and certainly earn their keep with impressive techniques that make ordering a drink a whole show! This, of course, means things can get a bit slow at times but it's worth it! This is definitely a place to bring your out of town friends and be all 'Yeah...Edinburgh *is* awesome, isn't it?' while sipping away pretending you aren't impressed and in awe too! read more

This subterranean joint is cozy and elegant, and amazingly spacious. They are renowned for their cocktails, and we had some flaming smoking whiskey delight that tickled my tastebuds and had me reeling. Nice bar staff, cute patrons, and all themed as a barber shop run by a family of pandas - if I got that right. Good times. read more

I've been aching to get the time to go to Panda & Sons for weeks now and I finally got the chance to go one night with my fiancee and friends. The initial experience wasn't very good as we approached and were told by the gent on the door that it was a "2 out 2 in" approach as it was so busy, which was fine as there was a 40th birthday party going on. 30 seconds later we were told that we could go in, so we got all excited and walked towards the door then we were stopped and were told that only 2 could go in. After explaining that we were a party of four and were wanting to remain that way we were turned away again. We decided to come back later. We came back after visiting another few pubs and went through the same routine as before. We were told we could go in, walked towards the door then were told only 2 could go in. This must have happened another 2 or 3 times before we all had to kindly ask the doorman if he could just tell us when we could all go in instead of telling us the same thing over and over knowing what we were going to say. We finally got in and upon entering it was worth the wait. Entering what looks like an old barbershop, you go down a set of stairs and through a "secret door" which is shaped and looks like a bookcase, it has a very classy feel and sends you back to 1920-30's USA where the sale, manufacturing and transportation of all alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the states, hence where the Speakeasy scene came from. You almost feel like a VIP upon entering as you enter in to the main bar area. Low sitting seats and tables are dotted all over with quieter and more intimate areas further away from the main bar. Even the bar workers (I hate saying barmen but it is a very stereotypical set up, men making the drinks and females wandering around the bar with trays picking up empty glasses) are very dapper in appearance. The ceiling is low, the lighting is low, the dress code is the classy side of casual, verging on "hipster casual" (shirt, ties/bowties, waistcoat yet there were gents who were there in plain shirts and jeans). The gents behind the bar were all "slicked back hair and waxed moustache", creating cocktails at ridiculous speeds, making it look as easy as pouring a glass of water. The beers are poured in dimple/stein glasses and the cocktails look beautiful. I tried a Long Island Ice Tea which got quite watery rather quickly but I would put that down to the heat and not the mix. The other cocktails I seen get made were beautifully presented like mine and I did at one time watch the barman create a cocktail for a gent off the top of his head because he (the gent) wasn't getting excited about anything on offer. At the bar of the bar is where it's best to sit with friends if you're only wanting a drink and a chat. As well as little booths that are built in to the wall there are cabinets full of old shaving/barber equipment. Brushes, waxes, old Wilkinson's razor (the straight ones). Overall this bar is amazing and would be well worthy of 5 stars without a doubt but because of the initial experience, I was a bit miffed. Will definitely be coming back a bit earlier during the week in the evening to get a full experience of the place. For the negatives that I have shown, please be safe in the knowledge that the positives were outweighing them tenfold. I just had to stop typing. Get your best going out clothes on and enjoy a night here. read more

Cocktails - ace Location - off the beaten track Beer - needs work but has goose island which is nice. Seating - plentiful but book on a weekend night Food - not tried it yet but I need to. Staff - nice enough. Only holding off 5 stars as I want to go back again! read more

Great atmosphere and good cocktails! Very friendly staff and very helpful on the selection of the drinks. The decor reminds me of a 20' scene ( the hidden library entrance and wallpapered walls ). read more

Panda & Sons - Great atmosphere and good cocktails! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH