Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, City of

Brilliant cocktails A absolute must to go to. UPDATE 05/04/25 We've been back a few times since my review. It remains one of the best in Edinburgh and definitely the most inventive. Science lessons too 😄 Today we came for the fabulous Grey Goose Tiny Tinis and stayed for more. Great staff and it's a vibe. Love it.

Amazing bar, great vibe, delicious cocktails and experienced service.

Very cool bar. The staff gives great recommendations and the vibe is awesome.

My husband and I had some pretty amazing cocktails. Very flavorful and inventive. Our server was hilarious and we had a wonderful time.

Fantastic hidden gem! Staff is amazing and great drinks and cocktail. Must go to bar

Love. A Monday night with a total buzz. Great whisky at incredible prices. Chloe knew what to recommend and got it all on point. Great unsuspecting spot for on point whisky drinking

drinks were super lovely, could tell the staff had really good knowledge and cared a lot about the quality of service

Thank you Chloé and Adam for making our time there very special!! Your recommendations on whisky and your professionalism were on point. She is a credit to this place. Definitely recommended.

Completely dissapointed to say this was recently ranked no 2 in the world, I wouldn't even class this as top 10 in Edinburgh... Service was terrible we were seated at 17:05 and didn't get our first drinks until 17:40. For the price you'd think you would taste some alcohol, not the case. I found the drinks quite unimaginative, we ordered the bamboo and the drink with two whiskeys in, they were both warm. Unbelievable for no 2 bar in the world. I also found the vibe of the place strange, we visit many speakeasy's and found the interior lazy. The toilets were also a dissapointment. Not a scratch on bars such as schofields and halcyon in Manchester... Wouldn't visit again

21:20 on Sunday, 23/03. The entrance and interiors are stunning. True: we didn’t have a reservation. True: there were many empty tables, and they could have simply said, “Okay, you can stay for 30 minutes.” The negative review is for the arrogant and unpleasant way the guy at the door looked us up and down and told us to leave. We were dressed casually, not inappropriately, and certainly better than many people inside. Yet, we got the strong impression that we were not welcome, as if we were being “bounced” for some strange reason. A terrible feeling. It could have been handled differently, but sometimes body language says more than a thousand words. Awful.

Amazing place. Chill and explore their weird and wonderful cocktails.

Nice bar with a laidback atmosphere. However, the cocktails we got were more ice than anything else (the ice cube was as big as the glass, I drank the cocktail in one sip). For the price, not worth it.

Now this is about expectations - as a basement bar Panda and Sons is perfectly acceptable - the fact at street level the windows are styled as a barbershop is novel - a rather tired stair case leading to a door disgusted as a book case is fun and opening into a rather ordinary bar area - but to be named among the WORLDS best - in fact named the 2nd best bar in the world by the US Food and Wine magazine - I expected so much more WOW. Welcome was friendly, knowledge of servers very good and they were attentive - but to be amongst the world's best the premises needs to be much more imaginative - velvet curtains that would benefit from a dry clean - paintwork and furnishings would benefit from upgrading. The cocktails were good - and at the prices changed they have to be - so service was good, drinks were good - but reinvestment into the venue is really needed - otherwise it's just a basement bar behind a door with false books. If it had not been styled as amongst the world's best then i would have adjusted feedback - it does question what criteria was being applied by the awarding body. So as somewhere a bit different to go and if you are willing to pay pretty much top dollar - almost £50 for 3 cocktails - then Panda and Son is fine - it's all about expectations.

It was a shame, the drinks were excellent and if I could have ordered them from a robot that made them that would have been ideal cause the guy serving us had less personality than one, I came up from London and decided to go to one of the top 3 cocktail bars in the UK but it was abundantly clear that the merit was on drinks alone

Cocktail was nice but really expensive considering it was 70% ice cube

Will made our experience tens times better. Super knowledgeable, laid back, funny, and friendly. Request him if you see a tall server with a stache! Walt was also a wonderful host. Went out of his way to chat and enhance the experience. Thanks for a great time!

If this store’s goal is to make customers feel uncomfortable, then the staff is doing a great job! If you’re not willing to hire better staff, you can just get a dog to guard the door—it would probably be more welcoming^ ^

The staff was super cool and nice! Even though the whole set up with the fancy cocktail menu seems fancy, the drinks were absolutely not our taste. We had 3 drinks and we did not like one of them. Next time, I order an amaretto sour or pornstar martini

I had a reservation for one and they gave me the choice of a table or barstool. The host recommended the barstool and I am so glad she did — I loved watching the bartenders create the perfect cocktails. The staff were all incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive. Would definitely recommend!

Booked a table as we were advised to by a friend who was there a couple of weeks ago. We were running slightly late and rang to let them know and it was no problem. When we got there, there were lots of tables so we had a choice of where to sit. Waiter was super attentive and explained how the menu works. Cocktails were lovely. The only thing I would say is the toilets were not terribly clean and would’ve expected a little more in somewhere that is quite expensive and seen as one of the best bars in the world.

It’s amazing hidden cocktails bar! Shout out to the staffs for being super nice and welcoming! Definitely recommend if you are visiting Edinburgh

Very attentive service and well made cocktails which arrived promptly! We needed a reservation for our visit time, around 4pm on Saturday. The end time was strictly but politely enforced. The menu is modern but they know all the classic drinks.

Brilliant little speakeasy! Quiet atmosphere and great service and menu selection!

Great speakeasy, interesting and innovative cocktails.

Amazing drinks, excellent service, amazing atmosphere and very knowledgeable friendly staff

I didn't drink any alcohol at this Bar but excellent Mocktails, was so impressive !!! 💕 Look great and Taste great 👍!!! Friendly service too !!!

Trendy spot with nice service. The cocktail menu is a bit confusing so be sure to ask for details. For example, the Red Panda is basically a Bloody Mary - very tasty. Solasta was tasty as well and similar to a Manhattan.

I walked in right as they opened and was seated at the bar. The bartenders were amazing and knowledgable at their craft. Not only were the drinks delicious, the banter was 10/10 — I hope to try the drink that one of them invented someday. What a great way to spend a birthday abroad :)

The random ID check rules (don't check when there are a lot of people, don't check when the bar is not full of people) is really interesting. These drinks are not good. I've been here three times (with different friends who want to try this so-called Top 50 Bar). Every time, I have a fluke mentality, thinking that if it's just a matter of picking wine. However, it really doesn't taste good. Drank almost more than ten cocktails, not as good as other places!

A very cool little bar! Such cool branding and a great vibe to it. All of the team were friendly and welcoming. Selenia looked after me at the bar, she gave great recommendations and really helped me get settled. I would love to come back here, just such a cool spot!

Visited here with a friend, the cocktails were all wonderful! We stayed for a few rounds. The place is generally quite pricey even for Edinburgh! But all the drinks are well worth it. The freeze dried refresher… was nothing short of vile! Probably one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever consumed in my life. But everything else was utterly sublime! We’ll certainly be back for cocktails! (Minus the freeze dried refresher)

Lovely cocktail experience at Panda & sons, if you’re looking for an aesthetic, warm and cosy bar in Edi, you should definitely try panda & sons, so many cocktail options and a great service, genuinely loved it and was accommodated and felt super taken care of by everyone working there especially Cameron and Celenia who made us feel super comfy with a natural attitude ❤️

Visited after online recommendations! Very good bar, with a good atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff. Nice music played at a good volume - we were sta beneath a speaker and had no problem having a conversation. Drinks were tasty and a good price. Next time we're in Edinburgh, we'll be back!

Fantastic vibe, wonderful service (Martin - hope that's correct- was super lovely) and delicious drinks! Will definitely recommend

Speakeasy entrance at the bottom of the stairs. Inventive cocktails served by knowledgeable bartenders. As time allowed we were able to get more detailed information on their spirits. Thank you for the copy of the menu to show off at our own bar back home.

A very nice and enjoying bar to have a drink. The alchohol and cocktails were good. Overall the environment inside was also very good. However there is a guy that was kinda rushing us while my friends haven't even finish their drink.

We hit multiple cocktail bars last weekend and had high expectations of this one, but we found the drinks to be just average. Mostly tourists here. Interior was basic. Service was just oke.

Absolute failure. I think this bar only lives because of its hype as a secret bar. We were greeted very unfriendly and the waiter who served us afterwards was similarly unmotivated. All cocktails around £15. If the cocktail is completely convincing that's okay, but since the cocktail consisted of 80% of a huge ice cube, the price wasn't justified. The only bright spot: the waiter who picked us up was very friendly and recommended other good bars after we expressed our criticism of the cocktails and our colleagues.

Been here a few times in recent years with the last being a cosy vibe and intimate atmosphere with great table service but this time it just was poor. DJ playing music like it was a boiler room set, crowded and loud enviornment, not what I remembered. Sad to see this place change. One drink and left.

Great atmosphere and charming staff,delicious cocktails

Speakeasy with creative and tasty cocktails. Nice vibe, 80s soul from loud speakers. Some staff are very engaged, others more processing.

Visited Sat 4th Jan 2025, and honestly it's a really nice place. Decent atmosphere for a Saturday night, staff were really helpful. The cocktails are interesting but don't taste strong at all, and for £15 I want to feel like I am drinking something alcoholic. We spent around £70 on 4 cocktails and some spicy nuts which is not cheap but we knew that before visiting. For me it's not a top 50 bar in the world, it's similar to a Mr Foggs for example. Glad I went but won't be back

Can't believe what we've just went through. We arrived at 20:04 and ordered 4 drinks. Just after staying for about 30mins, the employee blurted out to us that we've got 30mins left. Out of nowhere. When we had arrived, we weren't informed that we would only be allowed to stay for less than an hour. If we were told so, told that they would have to literally kick us out after an hour, we wouldn't have decided to stay there. There are tons of other great pubs in Edinburgh. The employee took our glasses, implicitly giving us a blunt nudge to leave. We were deeply offended.

Great with my allergies and lovely cocktails, especially helpful server Cameron

Walked in, rude staff, walked out. Too many nice places in the Capital to accept that

Unfortunately, I left here rather disappointed. Went in with a party of 3 on a Friday evening, without a reservation, got a table without having to wait, bonus. From the get go, service was short, and not overly welcoming or friendly. We were seated and shortly after our waiter for the table service came over and offered menus and asked which type of water we’d like, confused, as this isn’t standard in any bar, I questioned it and received a short, snippy reply back. Browsing the menu, there were many nice choices, although I think having a flavour profile of each would help understand what you’re ordering fully before you pay circa £15 per drink. We all ordered drinks, which arrived shortly after. Drinks were mediocre, but by no stretch what I’d call a nice cocktail. What astounded me was the use of ice to fill drinks, the cubes put in any glass based drink are HUGE (see photos). Rather reluctant to pay over £40 for another round of drinks for 3, we asked for the bill and left paying £48 including the 10% service charge. I will not rush to return and wouldn’t recommend anyone else to do so either.

We walked in without a reservation and had to wait a while, the hosts were very gracious in keeping us updated. Drinks were incredible and it was a cozy fun vibe. Well deserved 5 stars!

Great & friendly service Cocktails were good!

Unfortunately my panda bar visit was very disappointing. The whole concept is not customer orientated. We booked a table for 90 minutes and we were literally thrown out already after 73 minutes. The waiter "ordered" already after 30 minutes that we have to leave in 30 minutes... Eventhough the first cocktail we had was very good I will definitely not come back. Customers shouldn't accept this treatment just to satisfy the owners big ego.

It's just so-so, not particularly amazing; wilderness is just a pure sweet wine, with a particularly low alcohol content; malted affogato is a bit like espresso martini, with the more obvious sourness of low-roasted coffee; enchanto sour doesn't have the aroma of grapefruit, and is more strong and smocky , the sour and spicy powder sprinkled on the cup is a little more interesting; the bartender is relatively cold and the service is average; the environment is a bit too bright and loses some mystery

Incredible bar and probably the best in Edinburgh, in my opinion. Staff were friendly, the menu was completely diverse and intriguing and a great atmosphere. We appreciated the phone box in the corner and the bartender did not hold back on the alcohol. Absolutely brilliant.

It's a shame, I was here once 2 years ago and found it much better. We were told that we could have the table for an hour, but after 15 minutes we were asked about the last round and after 20 minutes the bill was put in front of us. In addition, two things that were ordered were forgotten/not brought. Unfortunately disappointing.

Amazing good, some of the best we've had, decent selection of cocktails also.

Very loud music, half empty and yet there is pressure with supposed reservations

The staff here are clearly pushing the boundaries of cocktail theory, and it shows in the menu which not only presents a fantastic list of cocktails for you to enjoy, but also goes into detail about the methods used to create the drinks you will be enjoying. The whole experience was phenomenal. As a cocktail design enthusiast myself I enjoyed reading up on the methods and thinking of ways to apply those methods to my own work in the future, but even the cocktail amateur can enjoy the delicious drinks panda & son's has to offer. 11/10, highly recommend, especially as a location for a first date.

All of the drinks had a very similar viscosity & mouth feel, would prefer to see more variety

Highly recommend the Red Panda cocktail. Amazing drink.

Favorite cocktail bar in Scotland hands down. Always a great time; amazing hospitality, delicious drinks, and a great vibe.

The best cocktail experience I’ve ever had. Could not recommend it more, not that it needs my support.

The cocktails are a work of art. We took a cocktail of each category and none disappointed. The Osaka spritz was the favourite. The venue itself is really nice, music isn't too loud so conversation was very easy and the staff were super.

Experience! Really good and tasty. We‘ll come back.

Enjoyable place for a drink, extensive drinks menu, friendly staff, nice and clean. Probably better to book ahead at busy times, which we didn't. But they did manage to get us a table which was appreciated

This is amazing for cocktails, there really isn't anywhere close in Edinburgh I've been. Booking is a must for the weekend as it's very busy but doesn't detract from the atmosphere.

Had our first visit in this bar and it was brilliant, lovely and helpful staff, atmosphere was really nice I feel like I was in 90’s speakeasy bar back in prohibition. Cocktail was really interesting, I love the techniques and also garnishes of the drinks. 10/10 recommend. Top 30 best bar on the world well deserved.

After seeing a lot of TikTok videos and good reviews about Panda and sons we decided to pass by last night (Oct 30,2024). The barber shop cover entrance and the way down to the secret door was such a beautiful experience and we found it very creative! But… the drinks we ordered were ok and not that impressive! The slow service was so annoying as we had to wait for almost half an hour for hour drinks although the waitress was so friendly! The bill was a slam on the face! It was overpriced tbh for just regular well branded drinks! Wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone and I would never go back there!

Best cocktails, perfect combination and a fun idea with the panda style.

I have never seen a bar like this, beautiful and all panda themed, welcoming and pleasant staff make you feel at ease, excellent quality drinks. I highly recommend going there.

Really cool speakeasy with attentive staff and innovative cocktails.

Such a great place. Tucked under a barbershop sign, this place near downtown Edinburgh will stay in your heart. Perfect cocktails, trained and friendly bartenders, cheerful but at the same time discreet atmosphere. Simply awesome.

Another top 50 bar checked off the list! Having already visited the best cocktail bars around Europe I have never been to panda & sons which is on my door step. Booked a table early, cocktail were very good something for everyone. Service was 10/10 I will be back for the holiday season!

Loved this speakeasy and so glad we made the time to go here while we were in Edinburgh. The cocktails were interesting and different and the atmosphere was great. I would suggest stopping here for an hour before going to dinner or after

Charming speak easy style bar. Carefully crafted drinks made by professionals. Great details; no real food options other than chips & olives but overall a lovely experience. Drinks are worth every penny.

The best staff and the most amazing drinks

WOW. I'll admit I thought this was going to be one of those obnoxious yet trendy molecular mixology speakeasy cocktail bars. It may be trendy, it does use speakeasy kitsch, and does employ fancy technology for their drinks... but something about this particular spot draws it all together in a beautifully cohesive way. I mean, it's also got pandas everywhere. How can you be a hater when you're surrounded by pandas? First up was the woman at the door. She was awesome. We showed up with no reservation (MAKE A RESERVATION) but it was early in the evening so we didn't think we'd need one. It would have been a very good idea to have made one. Despite it being full, she managed to move some things around and squeeze us into a table. All the staff were great. Super helpful and accommodating. The drinks were outstanding. Really interesting flavours, textures, and presentation. I was a doubter until I tasted them. I don't normally even like rum but the Culture Club surprised me in the best way. I do love bananas so that helps. A lot of the cocktails seem simple in the menu when you look at ingredients, but the techniques really bring the drinks to a new level. I think some of the best cocktails are ones that know how to perfectly balance unique combinations of minimal ingredients in new ways. We had only been planning on one drink, but stayed for 2 more rounds. Amazing experience in every aspect. I can see why this place is consistently packed and has won so many accolades. I can't wait to try them again on my next visit.

Some delicious cocktails in a very pleasant atmosphere. The music also accompanies.

A must visit in Edinburgh. Our server was Morgan and he was great. Would definitely recommend

Great barber. Best shave in town.

Long line out the door to get in but is worth it.

One of my top 3 favorite bars to date. Came here last Christmas time and got lucky to get a bar seat right away. Bartenders were so friendly and the vibe is awesome. Drinks are exceptional. One of the better espresso martini’s I’ve had. This is a must visit when in Edinburgh

The most amazing place! Chloe our waitress was so kind and made the whole experiance wonderful! really enjoyed our time and will definitely be back!!!

Chloe made our experience just magnificent!! Had the best time, thank you Panda & Sons 🐼💖💖

Bad attitutite, ship place to drink!!!!

One of my favorite activities while traveling is to check out cocktail bars wherever I go. Panda & Sons was incredible for so many reasons - walkable location from many areas of Edinburgh, great decoration and overall vibe, amazing service, and most importantly exceptional cocktails. They use techniques many other bars don’t and the drinks are all filled with flavor without being overpowering or jarring. I can’t wait to come back and visit again someday. Thanks for an amazing last night in Scotland!

Having already visited the best cocktail bars around Europe I have never been to panda & sons which is on my door step. Booked a table early, cocktail were very good something for everyone. Service was 10/10 I will be back for the holiday season. Take care

A bar in Edinburgh that makes great cocktails. I especially want to try all the signatures! If you like smoky whisky🥃, I definitely recommend birdcage! It's the best cocktail 😆

If you’re after cocktails that’ll make your taste buds do the Macarena and staff so friendly you’ll wonder if you’ve known them your whole life, this is the spot. Forget your average night out—get in here and let them serve up a great time with a side of laughter and a dash of charm. Trust me, you won’t leave thirsty or bored!

Really nice place with some great staff, cocktails were fine, only tried a couple but mostly simple combinations.

Amazing atmosphere, fantastic and friendly service, and dynamite drinks. Definitely try this place out!

Unfortunately didn’t have a great experience. Despite booking a table at least a 1-2 weeks prior, we were sat quite literally at the door into the bar. This meant that the entire time we were there (we didn’t stay very long) it just felt we were in an entrance hallway - just people in and out behind me and speaking to the ‘hostess’. Additionally the table right by the door is directly under a huge speaker so couldn’t hear myself think, let alone my partner who I was trying to have a conversation with. A walk-in came in about 5 mins after us, and got a better table, that had just become free so we didn’t get a chance to ask for it. I feel that booked tables should be at least half-decent and the worse tables should be reserved for walk-ins. The atomosphere was loud/busy which is nice, but where we were sat felt very much outside of that - all I could hear/ experience was 1) the flow of people arriving and leaving and 2) the music which was extremely loud due to the speaker. The drink I had, (the daydreamer, I think) was nothing special at all tasted like water with touch of pineapple. Really wanted to enjoy this place, really really let down.

Very cool place. Delightful and strong drinks.

This is the place that sparked my love for craft cocktails. The drinks were well balanced—flavorful yet strong without being overpowering.

Wonderful experience and very attentive informed staff

Expertly crafted cocktails by the most skilled and kind staff. I can't wait to go back!!!

Beautiful and surprisingly spacious speakeasy turning out inventive cocktails. The menu is overwhelming. However our server was wonderful and after explaining the type of flavors I was after, he recommended the coconut daiquiri which was divine! I wish I could pick this bar up and plop it in my own hometown where I would no doubt be a regular.

Excellent cocktails with a huge variety of interesting options. The current menu is very thoughtfully organised with informative and adorable illustrations. We have been taking our guests here when they visit the city and everyone has been blown away. My only complaint is that the music is a bit too loud sometimes for the chill, speakeasy vibe they seem to be going for. But that may be a plus for some people!

This Edinburgh speakeasy bar unquestionably earns a five-star rating. Arriving without a reservation, we were graciously accommodated and promptly seated—though I would strongly advise booking ahead, as the place quickly reached capacity shortly after our arrival. The table service was exemplary, with drinks arriving swiftly and flawlessly. The cocktails were not only exquisitely crafted but also offered at a reasonable price point. A word of advice: it’s best not to arrive on an empty stomach, as the menu is limited to light snacks. The interior design is both elegant and thoughtfully arranged, providing a sense of intimacy and privacy even amidst a full house. A true haven for cocktail aficionados and a standout in Edinburgh’s bar scene.

The "Mecca" for bartenders in Edinburgh

Fantastic speakeasy with a great menu. Wish we could have stayed longer to try more drinks!

I have become a devoted regular at Panda (I cannot believe I haven’t left a review for this place yet) but it is incredible! From the aesthetic and the speakeasy vibe, to the elevated cocktail menu and PHENOMENAL staff. This place is required for your visit to Edinburgh!

Fun atmosphere and helpful wait staff.