
06 Dec 2024
Panda & Sons is one of Edinburgh’s coolest cocktail bars. For the uninitiated, it passes as a barbershop. But this is a ruse. Behind the fake facade is a prohibition-style speakeasy bursting with flavour and originality. Come in, take a seat, and prepare to be wowed. Just remember to make your reservation first.
Top 100
Opened in 2013, Panda & Sons is a prohibition-style speakeasy guised as a barbershop, hidden beneath Edinburgh’s pretty Queen Street. The owners opened the bar with one thing in mind — to create a space where all people could feel welcome, whether it be for one of the deliciously creative cocktails, wide range of craft beers, or a taste of something from the extensive wine list.
Loved by locals and tourists alike, Panda & Sons has won numerous awards and nominations under its belt. From being shortlisted twice for the best European cocktail bar award, to being included in a guide to the top 100 bars in the world, these guys have certainly earned their stripes.
Stories
It’s not difficult to see why Panda & Sons have enjoyed such great success. Cocktail making is taken seriously here, with the menu presented like a story book (each chapter delineating a different type of cocktail), and the expert mixologists who have years of experience under their belt.
The options are endless. The classics – Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary – never fail to disappoint. Alongside these sit punchy, innovative numbers that are well worth a taste.
We particularly like the Birdcage, complete with Aperol, angostura bitters, rhubarb and lemongrass shrub, and finished with cinnamon and clove smoke.
And who can resist the Dubai in the sky? Composed of clarified yuzu cordial, calvados, pink grapefruit, and absinthe — wow!
Twists
In the middle sits the ‘classics with a twist’ (think Martinis with olive oil, Margaritas with jalapeño cordial, and Bellinis with strawberry and hibiscus infused purees). Not sure what to choose? We can’t blame you! Happily, the knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to recommend drinks based on your flavour preferences, and even whip up a cocktail of your own choosing. Each drink is served in its own, beautiful glassware, and you’ll be treated to a bowl of nibbles on the house, too. Of course, it’s not all about the cocktails: there’s also plenty in the way of excellent craft beers and finely selected wines. What’s not to like?
Panda & Sons artfully combines the glamour and sophistication of a suave cocktail bar, with the cosy, welcoming atmosphere of a local pub. It’s truly a spot for everybody. There’s old school wooden tables, each topped with flickering candles, comfy booths that are perfect for groups, and a gorgeous bar lined with mirrors. The atmosphere is always buzzing, with great music and happy chatter filling the air all evening long.
We love a bit of theatre and even getting into this place is a bit of an adventure (hint: head for the bookcase!). It’s a great place to impress a date, chill out with friends, or even a spot to linger over a solo glass of wine. The prices are reasonable and the service is amongst some of the best in Edinburgh. For a night out with a difference, look no further.