Panda & Sons, a speakeasy-style bar in Edinburgh, has been named the only Scottish venue on the inaugural Europe's 50 Best Bars list for 2026, ranking 20th. The bar also received the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award for its Transcend 2.0 menu.
Recognition at the Inaugural Ceremony
Sponsored by Perrier, the first Europe's 50 Best Bars ceremony took place in Amsterdam on June 30, 2026. Among the 50 award-winning bars, Panda & Sons was the sole Scottish establishment to make the cut. The list celebrates creative menus and flawless hospitality across the continent.
Hidden Gem on Queen Street
Located at 80 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Panda & Sons is concealed behind a vintage barbershop facade, owned by a panda. The interior features a theatrical, Prohibition-style space with quirky decor. Staff wear panda-emblazoned aprons, and the cocktail list includes freeze-distilled and sous-pressed drinks, with a Frozen Delights section offering alcoholic sorbets and ice creams.
According to the Europe's 50 Best Bars website: "Concealed within what looks like a vintage barber shop – one that's ostensibly owned by a panda – lies one of Edinburgh's most exquisite cocktail bars. Here you'll find a theatrical, Prohibition-style space, with quirky decor."
Previous Rankings and Awards
Panda & Sons has consistently appeared in top bar lists, ranking 30th in the World's 50 Best Bars 2024 and 34th in 2025. The bar's founder, Iain McPherson, created the award-winning Transcend 2.0 menu, described as a "masterclass in extreme-low-temperature flavour extraction." The menu uses freezing techniques to intensify seasonal flavours without heat degradation.
Public and Customer Reactions
The bar announced its achievement on Instagram on July 1, 2026, receiving praise from patrons. One comment read: "Been here, can confirm it is excellent. Well deserved." Another added: "Can't wait to visit again soon @pandaandsons and try the new menu!" A third customer wrote: "Literally so cool to be able to say that I have been to the 20th best bar in all of Europe!! Congrats!"
Bar Details
Panda & Sons is open Monday to Sunday from 4pm, with cocktails averaging £9.50. The bar aims to create a welcoming environment for all ages, offering wine, craft beer, and a wide selection of cocktails.
