Panda & Sons
Edinburgh's hidden speakeasy where barbershop secrets unlock theatrical cocktails, smoky spectacles, and a fictional family's boozy tales in cosy, low-lit elegance.
Hidden beneath a vintage barbershop on Queen Street, Panda & Sons is Edinburgh's premier speakeasy cocktail bar. Enter through a disguised bookshelf door to discover a Prohibition-era haven of theatrical drinks, inventive mixes, and bow-tied staff serving complimentary popcorn. The menu unfolds like a novel, chronicling the fictional Panda family's boozy adventures with creative concoctions like smoky birdcage presentations and barrel-aged classics. Cosy seating, low lights, and eclectic decor create an intimate, classy atmosphere perfect for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a unique night out in the New Town.
A brief summary to Panda & Sons
- 79 Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF, GB
- +441312200443
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 4 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 4 pm-1 am
- Thursday 4 pm-1 am
- Friday 4 pm-1 am
- Saturday 2 pm-1 am
- Sunday 3 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Book ahead, especially for weekends or groups, as tables fill quickly in this intimate spot.
- Dive into the menu's stories for drink inspiration—staff excel at custom off-menu creations like vegan options or classics.
- Savour the complimentary popcorn and small plates to complement elaborate cocktails without overfilling.
- Opt for theatrical presentations like the Birdcage for a dramatic flourish on special occasions.
- Dress smart casual to match the classy vibe—perfect for date nights or celebrations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Panda & Sons location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Panda & Sons
Secret Entrance and Speakeasy Allure
Step into the unassuming barbershop facade at 79 Queen Street, where faded signs advertise 25p haircuts and shaves—a playful nod to the bar's whimsical theme. Descend a short flight of stairs to a concealed door masquerading as a bookshelf. Pull the magical book, and the portal swings open to reveal Panda & Sons, a true Prohibition-style speakeasy transported to modern Edinburgh. This hidden access builds anticipation, immersing visitors in a world of secrecy and sophistication from the moment they arrive.Theatrical Cocktails and Creative Mastery
The bar's cocktails are the undisputed stars, each a meticulously crafted spectacle blending rare ingredients, innovative techniques, and dramatic presentations. Signature drinks like the Birdcage arrive shrouded in cinnamon-clove smoke under a glass cage, lifting to release aromatic clouds over Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, rhubarb shrub, and Aperol. Wild Horse Canyon offers a fruity-sour balance of Gentleman Jack, plum-basil compote, fresh orange juice, and absinthe whispers. From barrel-aged Boulevardiers with deep, puckering bitterness to smoked whiskey bells and takeout-container rums topped with cucumber noodles, every pour tells a story of mixological ingenuity led by owner Iain McPherson.Narrative Menu and Panda Family Saga
Unfurling the drinks list feels like opening a novel, with chapters dedicated to the fictional Panda lineage—barbers and bootleggers whose escapades weave through global spirits and family lore. Recipes intermingle with tales of adventure, from macabre barber pole origins to exotic ingredient quests. This storytelling elevates the experience beyond mere drinking, inviting guests to savour narratives alongside sips of mezcal sours, grilled pineapple gingers, or papaya-infused exotics. The menu's thickness belies its charm, rewarding patient readers with personalised recommendations from expert staff.Intimate Ambiance and Attentive Service
Inside, low lighting casts a warm glow over plush chairs, eclectic decor, and barber-themed touches like striped poles and leather seats. Bow-tied servers glide efficiently, delivering endless bowls of complimentary piri-spiced popcorn, topped-up water, and flawless table service. The soundtrack hums with subtle jazz-era vibes, fostering a relaxed yet stylish mood ideal for intimate conversations. Small plates like cheeseboards with oatcakes, dipping oils, pesto toasts, and pork rinds complement the libations without overshadowing them.Edinburgh's Cocktail Vanguard
Panda & Sons stands as a pinnacle of Edinburgh's cocktail renaissance, blending heritage craftsmanship with avant-garde flair in the heart of the elegant New Town. Open evenings through late nights, it draws those craving elevation from pint-and-shooter norms into a realm of refined indulgence. Whether hiring an alcove for groups or claiming a cosy corner, the bar delivers consistent excellence in an ever-evolving drinks landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
15 Charlotte Square
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Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial
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The Dean Bridge
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Statue of King George Ⅳ
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Forward and Half Moon Battery
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James Clerk Maxwell Statue
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The India Cross
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St Andrew Square & George St
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The Witches Well
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A poignant cast iron memorial outside Edinburgh Castle honoring the thousands accused and executed as witches in Scotland’s dark past.
East Princes Street Gardens
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Explore the beauty and tranquility of East Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, a hidden gem offering stunning views and a peaceful retreat.
The Mound & Mound Place
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John Knox Monument
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Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
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Experience the magic of perception at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh's premier museum of optical wonders and interactive displays.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
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Scott Monument
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Georgian House
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Step back into 18th-century Edinburgh life in this exquisitely restored Georgian townhouse filled with authentic period furnishings and stories.
The Oxford Bar
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Experience the heart of Edinburgh at The Oxford Bar, a historic pub known for its literary connections and welcoming atmosphere.
St. Bernard's Well
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An exquisite 18th-century Greco-Roman temple over a healing spring, blending classical beauty with Edinburgh’s rich spa heritage.
St. John's Church Hall
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Historic Gothic church hall on Princes Street, blending stunning stained glass artistry with vibrant community events in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Heriot Row
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Discover the timeless elegance and historic charm of Heriot Row, a prestigious Georgian street overlooking tranquil gardens in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
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Explore the Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Edinburgh's historic spiritual haven filled with stunning architecture and rich heritage.
Ross Fountain
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A dazzling Victorian cast-iron fountain beneath Edinburgh Castle, blending French artistry with Scottish heritage in vibrant color.
Rose St
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A lively, historic pedestrian street in Edinburgh’s New Town, famed for its pubs, boutique shops, and rich literary heritage.
Panoramic view Castle
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Discover breathtaking, near eye-level views of Edinburgh Castle framed by historic gardens and vibrant city life at Princes Street.
Stockbridge Market
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Edinburgh’s vibrant Sunday market offering fresh local produce, street food, crafts, and a lively community atmosphere in charming Stockbridge.
Assembly Rooms
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Timeless Georgian elegance meets vibrant cultural life in Edinburgh’s iconic Assembly Rooms on George Street.
Circus Lane
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Explore the enchanting Circus Lane in Edinburgh, a hidden gem lined with colorful flowers and charming architecture, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Princes Street Gardens
0.6 km
Historic urban oasis in Edinburgh’s heart, featuring iconic monuments, seasonal events, and stunning views beneath the castle.
Princes St
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Edinburgh’s bustling main street with stunning views, historic gardens, iconic monuments, and vibrant shopping in the heart of the city.
Edinburgh New Town
0.6 km
Explore Edinburgh New Town, a Georgian-era masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and enlightened urban planning in Scotland’s capital.
Essential places to dine
BABA
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Levantine spices and charcoal-grilled excellence on Edinburgh's George Street.
Aizle
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Discover Edinburgh’s acclaimed modern European tasting menu with seasonal Scottish ingredients in a bright, relaxed Garden Room setting.
Badger & Co
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A charming Wind in the Willows–themed gastropub in Edinburgh serving elevated Scottish pub classics and creative cocktails in a lively, welcoming setting.
Contini George Street
0.3 km
Elegant Italian dining in a stunning Georgian banking hall, blending authentic flavors with Scottish freshness on Edinburgh’s George Street.
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
0.3 km
Sophisticated Thai dining with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, blending authentic flavors and stylish ambiance in the heart of New Town.
Forage & Chatter
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Discover innovative Scottish cuisine crafted from local ingredients in a cozy West End setting at Forage & Chatter, Edinburgh.
The Pompadour
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Experience refined modern Scottish cuisine with stunning Edinburgh Castle views in the elegant setting of 1925 at The Pompadour.
Purslane Restaurant
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Intimate basement fine dining where ambitious modern cuisine meets Scottish sourcing and genuine hospitality.
Six by Nico Edinburgh
0.6 km
Discover Edinburgh’s Six by Nico for innovative six-course tasting menus blending playful flavors and stylish ambiance in the city’s vibrant New Town.
The Table
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Ten seats, two chefs, one unforgettable table—Edinburgh's most intimate fine dining theatre.
Dine Edinburgh
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Elegant Scottish brasserie above the Traverse Theatre, blending seasonal local flavors with refined service and a chic cocktail lounge.
Amarone
0.8 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and lively ambiance in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town at Amarone, a bustling Italian restaurant with a rich menu.
TIMBERYARD
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Michelin-starred modern British cuisine in a candlelit converted warehouse, celebrating seasonal Scottish produce with meticulous technique.
The Palmerston
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A stylish West End restaurant serving modern Scottish cuisine in a refined, relaxed setting just steps from Edinburgh’s city centre.
The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh
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Elegant British brasserie with Scottish flair, inventive cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Scottish Design Exchange
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Discover Edinburgh’s vibrant hub where over 300 local artists showcase unique creations, supporting Scotland’s creative economy with every purchase.
The Treasure Trove
0.3 km
Discover Edinburgh’s charming charity shop with unique handmade gifts that support local artisans and meaningful causes.
Mangue - The Gift Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in a friendly boutique on Edinburgh’s vibrant Rose Street.
ScotlandShop
0.3 km
Discover bespoke tartans, tailored kilts, and authentic Scottish gifts at Edinburgh’s ScotlandShop on Queensferry Street.
One World Shop
0.4 km
Edinburgh’s oldest fair trade shop offering ethical gifts and vegan treats beneath historic St John's Church on Princes Street.
Edinburgh Gifts
0.4 km
Discover authentic Scottish treasures and local craftsmanship in the heart of Edinburgh on iconic Princes Street.
Those Were The Days Vintage
0.5 km
Discover timeless elegance and authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s to the 1990s at Edinburgh’s curated boutique, Those Were The Days Vintage.
Greyfriars Art
0.6 km
A welcoming art supply haven in Edinburgh’s New Town, fostering creativity with quality materials and expert advice.
CIRCUS Vintage and Curios
0.6 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and curiosities in Edinburgh’s charming Stockbridge at CIRCUS Vintage and Curios.
Portcullis Gift Shop
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Edinburgh Castle’s largest gift shop, offering exclusive Scottish crafts, clan gifts, and souvenirs in a historic setting.
Great Scot
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Discover authentic Scottish heritage and craftsmanship at Great Scot, a vibrant gift shop on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street.
Unicorn Antiques
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Discover Edinburgh’s hidden gem for authentic antiques, vintage furniture, and timeless treasures at Unicorn Antiques on Dundas Street.
Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition
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Discover Scotland's rich textile heritage at the Tartan Weaving Mill, where history meets craftsmanship in a vibrant exhibition and unique shopping experience.
Carnivàle Vintage
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Herman Brown
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Panda & Sons
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Edinburgh's hidden speakeasy where barbershop secrets unlock theatrical cocktails, smoky spectacles, and a fictional family's boozy tales in cosy, low-lit elegance.
Dirty Dick's Pub
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Heads & Tales Gin Bar
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The Rat Pack - Piano & Cocktail Bar
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The Caley Bar
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The Bon Vivant
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The Last Word
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Thistle Street Bar
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NQ64 Edinburgh
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Bramble Bar
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Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Grand Cru
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Edinburgh's cocktail haven on Hanover Street, blending masterful drinks, modern European bites, and seamless day-to-night vibes in the heart of New Town.
All Bar One Exchange Plaza
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Stylish and contemporary wine bar in Edinburgh’s heart, perfect for relaxed socializing and after-work drinks with attentive service.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
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Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
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Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
PDT Please Don’t Tell
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Edinburgh’s intimate speakeasy-style nightclub offering expertly crafted cocktails and a cozy, conversation-friendly atmosphere.
Opal Lounge
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A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
Club Tropicana
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Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant retro nightlife with classic disco hits and lively dance floors at Club Tropicana on Lothian Road.
Garibaldi's
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Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
El Barrio Latino
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Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
Shanghai Nightclub
0.7 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
Why Not Nightclub
0.7 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
The Liquid Room
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The Bongo Club
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Legends
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Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
Sneaky Pete's
1.1 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
1.3 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
La Belle Angele
1.3 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
