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Warm interior of Panda & Sons bar with wooden flooring and bar stools
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7.9
speakeasy$$

Panda & Sons

Gallery

Elegant cocktail with large ice cube and garnish on wooden table in Edinburgh
Bookshelf styled as a hidden door in a vintage-themed bar in Edinburgh
Pair of cocktails with a blue 'TRANSCEND 2024' menu in the background in Edinburgh
Essential Information
Today16:00 - 00:00
Address
79 Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF
Reservations
Walk-ins

Reservations recommended and available via website booking system at pandaandsons.com/book. Walk-ins accepted based on availability, but booking in advance is strongly advised as it's a popular venue any night of the week.

Price Range
$$
About

Panda & Sons is an award-winning speakeasy cocktail bar hidden behind a barbershop façade on Edinburgh's Queen Street. Opened in 2013 by renowned bartender Iain McPherson and his family, this intimate venue has earned global recognition, ranking among the world's 50 best bars. The bar's foundation is built on exceptional Scottish hospitality, welcoming everyone into its cozy, subterranean setting featuring plush seating, warm lighting, and thoughtfully themed rooms. The innovative cocktail menu, titled "Transcend," is organized into creative chapters showcasing cutting-edge mixology techniques. Each cocktail is expertly crafted by knowledgeable mixologists who take pride in explaining their processes, from the precision of their ice cubes to the balance of complex flavors. With its speakeasy charm, professional service, and commitment to quality, Panda & Sons offers a memorable cocktail experience in Edinburgh's New Town, perfect for those seeking expertly crafted drinks in an intimate, stylish atmosphere.

Ambiance & Features

Intimate speakeasy atmosphere with plush seating, warm lighting, and thoughtfully themed rooms. The space splits into several small rooms with mostly table seating, creating cozy pockets throughout the subterranean venue. Vibrant and fun energy with lively buzz, though music volume can be quite loud.

Atmosphere

Speakeasy
Intimate
Cozy
Vibrant
Warm Lighting
Plush Seating
Underground
Lively
Stylish

Noise Level

Loud - music volume crosses into too loud territory according to reviews

Lighting

Warm lighting

Music

background-music

Features

craft-cocktails
speakeasy-entrance
hidden-behind-barbershop
multiple-rooms
expert-mixologists
creative-menu
water-service
award-winning
globally-recognized
Our Ratings
7.9
/10

Overall Score

Our BCG weighted scoring system

Score Breakdown

Cocktail Quality

8.5

Service

8.0

Ambiance

8.0

Value

7.0

Accessibility

6.0

✗ Not confirmed accessible

Subterranean venue may present accessibility challenges

Awards & Recognition
Award
Award
Award
Award
Frequently Asked Questions(5)

Yes, Panda & Sons accepts reservations. Reservations recommended and available via website booking system at pandaandsons.com/book. Walk-ins accepted based on availability, but booking in advance is strongly advised as it's a popular venue any night of the week. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Panda & Sons is open 7 days a week. Friday: 16:00–01:00. Monday: 16:00–00:00. Sunday: 15:00–00:00. Tuesday: 16:00–00:00. Saturday: 14:00–01:00. Thursday: 16:00–00:00. Wednesday: 16:00–00:00.

Panda & Sons is known for: Creative cocktail menu titled 'Transcend' organized into thematic chapters by drink preparation method, showcasing cutting-edge mixology techniques. Notable drinks include the Panda Martini. Menu features innovative flavor combinations with attention to ice preparation and presentation.

Panda & Sons is located in the New Town neighborhood of Edinburgh. The full address is 79 Queen St, Edinburgh.

Panda & Sons is moderately priced, offering good value for quality cocktails. The price range is $$.

Good to Know

Food & Menu

Creative cocktail menu titled 'Transcend' organized into thematic chapters by drink preparation method, showcasing cutting-edge mixology techniques. Notable drinks include the Panda Martini. Menu features innovative flavor combinations with attention to ice preparation and presentation.

What People Say

Overall Sentiment:

very positive

Guests Love

  • Ranked among the world's 50 best bars with global recognition
  • Exceptional cocktail craftsmanship with creative and unique flavors
  • Professional and knowledgeable staff who explain mixology techniques in detail
  • Warm Scottish hospitality making every customer feel valued and welcome
  • Charming speakeasy atmosphere with cozy, intimate setting and plush seating
  • Outstanding mixologists including staff members Alex, Cameron, Becca, Noah, and Alexa

Other Considerations

  • Music volume too loud, making it harder to relax and converse
  • Service can be slow due to fragmented layout and staffing
  • Cocktail flavors lack complexity and balance compared to expectations for a globally recognized venue
  • Pricing around £15 per cocktail considered expensive

Location

79 Queen St, Edinburgh, GB

Directions

55.953249, -3.206946

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