Panda & Sons: Edinburgh’s Award-Winning Speakeasy Cocktail Bar
Discover Edinburgh’s hidden speakeasy with award-winning cocktails, theatrical drinks, and a vintage barbershop charm beneath Queen Street.
Nestled beneath a vintage barbershop facade on Queen Street, Panda & Sons is a renowned speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Edinburgh. Known for its innovative drinks, theatrical presentations, and cozy, intimate atmosphere, it offers expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish setting with attentive service and a playful nod to 1920s prohibition-era charm.
A brief summary to Panda & Sons
- 79 Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF, GB
- +441312200443
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 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 a table in advance to secure a spot, especially on weekends when the bar is busiest.
- Try signature cocktails like the 'Birdcage' for a dramatic, smoke-infused experience.
- Enjoy complimentary seasoned popcorn served with your drinks as a tasty bar snack.
- Look for the hidden entrance disguised as a barbershop and a secret bookshelf door for a true speakeasy feel.
- Inform staff of any dietary preferences; they are knowledgeable and can recommend suitable cocktails.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Panda & Sons location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Panda & Sons
A Hidden Gem with a Vintage Twist
Panda & Sons is cleverly disguised as a traditional Victorian barbershop at street level, complete with barber chairs and a classic striped pole, evoking an authentic old-school vibe. To enter, guests descend a staircase and unlock a secret door disguised as a bookshelf, stepping into a dimly lit, intimate space that feels like a well-kept secret from the Prohibition era. The decor is sophisticated yet cozy, featuring plush seating, low lighting, and charming details like paper-striped straws and carefully chosen glassware that enhance the immersive experience.Innovative Cocktails with Theatrical Flair
The bar is celebrated for its creative cocktail menu, which reads like a novel with each drink telling a story linked to the fictional Panda family legacy. Proprietor Iain McPherson and his team employ cutting-edge techniques, including freezing and smoke infusion, to craft visually stunning and flavorful concoctions. Signature drinks like the 'Birdcage'—served under a glass cage filled with cinnamon and clove smoke—and the 'Wild Horse Canyon' showcase the bar’s dedication to both taste and spectacle. The menu offers a range of unique options, from fruity and sour to bold and boozy, catering to diverse palates.Atmosphere and Service That Transport You
Staff dressed in black-and-white attire reminiscent of 1920s cinema add to the bar’s charm, providing knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive service. Guests often enjoy complimentary bowls of seasoned popcorn, enhancing the relaxed yet elegant vibe. The bar’s ambiance strikes a perfect balance between stylish and welcoming, making it ideal for intimate nights out, special occasions, or simply savoring expertly made cocktails in a unique setting.A Destination for Cocktail Enthusiasts and Story Lovers
Panda & Sons is more than just a bar; it’s a storytelling experience. The detailed menu chapters and the bar’s backstory invite patrons to delve into a playful narrative while enjoying their drinks. This approach, combined with the speakeasy’s innovative mixology and immersive environment, has earned Panda & Sons international acclaim, including top rankings among the world’s best bars.Accessibility and Practical Details
Located centrally on Queen Street in Edinburgh, Panda & Sons operates primarily in the evenings with hours extending to 1 AM on weekends. The venue welcomes dogs and offers table service, though booking ahead is recommended due to its popularity. While the bar embraces a vintage aesthetic, it maintains modern standards of comfort and hospitality, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors seeking a memorable cocktail experience.A Landmark of Edinburgh’s Nightlife Renaissance
Since its opening in 2013, Panda & Sons has been at the forefront of Edinburgh’s cocktail renaissance, combining traditional speakeasy elements with innovative mixology. Its reputation as a top-tier bar is bolstered by numerous awards and a loyal following. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a curious traveler, Panda & Sons offers a captivating journey into the art and theatrics of modern bartending within a uniquely Scottish setting.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
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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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Contini George Street
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Elegant Italian dining in a stunning Georgian banking hall, blending authentic flavors with Scottish freshness on Edinburgh’s George Street.
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
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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
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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
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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 dining in a historic Edinburgh warehouse with seasonal, locally sourced cuisine and a celebrated natural wine cellar.
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
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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
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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
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Discover authentic Scottish treasures and local craftsmanship in the heart of Edinburgh on iconic Princes Street.
Those Were The Days Vintage
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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
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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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Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition
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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.
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Bramble Bar
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Grand Cru
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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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Opal Lounge
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Club Tropicana
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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
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Why Not Nightclub
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The Liquid Room
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The Bongo Club
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Legends
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Sneaky Pete's
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The Hive Nightclub & Venue
1.3 km
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La Belle Angele
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Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Lively
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
