Panda & Sons Edinburgh
Of all the gin joints...
If you're wandering the streets of Edinburgh looking for a bar, you won't find Panda & Sons. However, if you come across a barbershop offering 25¢ haircuts and shaves you're in for a treat!
At the west end of Queen Street Panda & Sons doesn't look like a barbershop or a bar when you step in the front door. There's just a very dull looking set of stairs leading down to dead-end at a bookcase. However, if you know the right book to pull from the shelf (I'm sure you'll work it out) you'll discover a whole other world!
The basement location, low ceiling and nooks and crannies in the bar add to the secretive atmosphere. The barber stools and old adverts remind of the speakeasy theme. I also love the barbershop quartet music playing in the toilets.
The real reason to visit though is the cocktail menu - it's incredible! I spend every evening there asking what others were drinking and making a mental list of the cocktails I'll try next time. Top of my list currently is the Super Tonic - a new take on the classic G&T.
Panda & Sons can seem a little gimmicky but, if you're looking for a good cocktail and a different kind of night out this is the place to go.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Kukina – The borek place
"Kukina" in Edinburgh is known among my circle of friends as 'the borek place.' But I have to admit: once I had one their gozleme, I could never go back...
By
Fiona
Diack
Piershill Cemetery – Magical mystery
"Piershill Cemetery" in Edinburgh has a large Jewish section (quite uncommon), but the main thing that caught my eye was the tomb of the Great Lafayette...
By
Fiona
Diack
Pilrig Park – UK's only siege works site
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Dean Cemetery – Hidden stories
"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'
By
Fiona
Diack
Campervan Brewery – COVID-friendly beer spot
"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
By
Fiona
Diack
Considerat Chocolate – Incredible vegan donuts
Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints – Hidden finds!
"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nott Wine Bar – Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee
Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Lochend Park – Birdwatching bounty
"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Newhaven Harbour – Fish and chips by the sea
Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Starbank Park – Gardens with a view
"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Water of Leith – River through the city
The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...
By