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The red and black front of Panda & Sons on Queen Street at night, a barbershop window under a painting of four pandas in tartan.
Edinburgh

Panda & Sons

A cocktail bar behind a barber shop front on Queen Street in the New Town, opened in 2013 by Iain McPherson and his family, and among the World's 50 Best Bars.

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Welcome

There's something about a bar with a secret, and Panda & Sons, on Queen Street in the New Town, keeps one of the best in Edinburgh.

From the street it looks like an old-fashioned barber shop, with a painting of four pandas in tartan above the window, and behind it is a theatrical, Prohibition-style cocktail bar full of quirky touches. The bar was opened in 2013 by the award-winning bartender Iain McPherson and his family, with the idea that everyone who comes in should feel welcome and be treated to the finest Scottish hospitality. The drinks are made with techniques such as freeze distillation and sous-pressing, which amplify their flavours. In 2025 it was number 34 in The World's 50 Best Bars, and in 2026 it was number 20 in Europe's 50 Best Bars. It opens at 4pm through the week, 2pm on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. It fills quickly, so book a table on its website before you go.

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Before you go

Open every day from the afternoon until midnight, and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Book a table on its website.

Where
79 Queen Street, New Town, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF.
Open
Monday to Thursday 4pm to midnight; Friday 4pm to 1am; Saturday 2pm to 1am; Sunday 3pm to midnight.
Booking
On its website.
Awards
No. 34 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2025; No. 20 in Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026.
Dogs
Not allowed.
Access
The entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
Phone
0131 220 0443

Opening hours

Their website
Monday
4pm–midnight
Tuesday
4pm–midnight
Wednesday
4pm–midnight
Thursday
4pm–midnight
Friday
4pm–midnight
Saturday
2pm–midnight
Sunday
3pm–midnight

Eaten here? Tell others what to order and when to go, and the best go on this page with your name.

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Where it is

On Queen Street in the New Town, EH2 4NF.

Close bythe New Town.
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  2. The Georgian HouseThe Georgian HouseA Robert Adam townhouse at 7 Charlotte Square, restored by the National Trust for Scotland; closed for conservation work and planned to reopen in 2027.Under a mile as the crow flies
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  4. Café St HonoréCafé St HonoréA candlelit French bistro down a New Town lane, where the chef Neil Forbes cooks with Scottish produce bought from farmers he knows.Under a mile as the crow flies
  5. Wellington CoffeeWellington CoffeeA small basement coffee bar on the corner of George Street and Hanover Street, pouring espresso since 2008, with a sunken patio beside the door.Under a mile as the crow flies
Directions
Rattan armchairs and brass tables under framed portraits in a lounge areaCafeMayvnA step away
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Kay's Bar on Jamaica Street West, a small stone building with red windows, white doors and John Kay lettered above them, on a cobbled lane.BarsKay's Bar0.2 miles
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Stay nearby

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