Panda & Sons, a Scottish bar located in Edinburgh, has recently been recognized as one of the top 50 best bars in the world. This prestigious accolade places Panda & Sons at number 30 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024. The bar, known for its experimental cocktails, was first opened by Iain McPherson in 2013, offering a unique speakeasy-style experience to its patrons.
McPherson, who previously worked at the Voodoo Rooms in the city, saw an opportunity to create a bar that went beyond the traditional cocktail offerings. He and his team focused on crafting speciality drinks with a theatrical flair and innovative methods, setting them apart from other bars in the area.
In addition to being recognized for its exceptional cocktails, McPherson was also honored with the title of ‘Bartenders’ Bartender’ by Altos, an award voted on by fellow bartenders on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. This recognition speaks to McPherson’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of bartending and creating a unique experience for guests at Panda & Sons.
The top spot on this year’s 50 Best Bars list was awarded to Handshake Speakeasy in New Mexico, with Bar Leone in Hong Kong and Sips in Barcelona following closely behind. Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, congratulated all the bars on the list, emphasizing the diversity and quality of the global bar scene.
For those looking to experience Panda & Sons for themselves, the bar is located at 79 Queen Street in Edinburgh. Visit pandaandsons.com for more information on their menu and offerings. As Panda & Sons continues to make its mark on the international bartending stage, it also highlights the vibrant and innovative bar scene in Edinburgh, showcasing the city’s creativity and talent in the world of mixology.
