Panda & Sons
Panda & Sons
4.5
3:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Monday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
3:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
3:00 PM - 1:00 AM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: New Town
Suits and shopping bags rule the streets of New Town, until after dark when strappy dresses come out to play. This is the city’s central business district with its smaller offices, clothes boutiques, and many of the city’s flashiest restaurants and ritziest clubs. The architecture along roads like George Street helps give it a swank and formal feel: it’s a planned Georgian development of regal townhouses, geometric squares, and self-important statues. But it’s also a very wanderable neighborhood, with a healthy bustle at almost any time of day and fine people-watching in places like St Andrew's Square which fills with picnickers around lunch. You’ll also find a series of cheerful basement bistros on Hanover Street, while dark Rose Street has something of the feel of an undiscovered back alley and is chock-full of characterful pubs and small independent shops.
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,976 within 3 miles
Attractions
488 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Le_laLjubljana, Slovenia10 contributionsWhat can I sayThis underground, prohibition-like themed bar is the little gem that saves Edinburgh. First of all the stuff was amazing, big applause for the kindness, preparation, friendliness and most of all politeness. The atmosphere per se was worth the visit because the bar presents itself as a barber shop and just if you book a table in advance you will be able to enjoy the underground's secret. They have little light to make it more comfortable and evening like, the tables are quite far from each other to ensure not just social distance but also to keep it private. But the real reason to visit the bar is for the cocktails. They have such a nonconformist list of ingredients that it was the first time I heard not just the use of them for the drinks but at all. The prices are fair for what they offer, after all is a taste experience and not a get-wasted type of evening. I would love to come back as soon as I visit Edinburgh again. I drank a coconut based cocktail that in my opinion was stratospheric and my boyfriend opted for a more fruity one and his was delicious too.Visited September 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten September 24, 2020
- Gemma W47 contributionsGreat CocktailsCame here on a weekday shortly after opening and it was already starting to fill up. The bar has a nice vibe and the menu is one of the most unique I've eve come across. The staff are knowledgeable about the drinks and will happily give recommendations if you're not sure what to go for. I thoroughly enjoyed both drinks I tried here.Visited January 2020Written January 17, 2020
- Jason and MicLondon, United Kingdom15 contributionsWhat a treat! Must visit for Edinburgh!Looking like an inconspicuous barber shop, you are led to a door disguised as a bookcase to enter the speakeasy style bar. Super accommodating when busy, and the staff are extremely knowledgeable of the cocktails, as we asked for recommendations. The drinks are expertly crafted and while tasting delicious, packed a real punch! They did not rely on gimmicks, and the emoji stickers or candy floss on the drinks only added to the experience. Would 100% reccomend for anyone coming to Edinburgh!Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,090 reviews
Excellent
770
Very good
207
Average
43
Poor
28
Terrible
42
Vicky
12 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We visited Panda and Sons whilst visiting Edinburgh for a few days travelling up from Manchester. We researched a few bars and decided to visit here due to reviews we had read. However, we left feeling extremely disappointed. On arrival we were asked to sit in a corner on extremely uncomfortable high chairs which rocked due to not being flat and steady on the ground, therefore had to request a move to a lower table.
The drinks were very expensive for what they were, very small and out dated. The margherita style glass was an absolute joke and one drink had an ice cube that big in it we got about 4 sips of drink from it. The place was dark and dingy and looked like it needed a revamp. Compared to other cocktail bars we have recently visited, we were shocked that a place could serve drinks to this low standard and be so expensive at the same time. However, the plus side was the staff were really polite and attentive and a credit to the place.
The drinks were very expensive for what they were, very small and out dated. The margherita style glass was an absolute joke and one drink had an ice cube that big in it we got about 4 sips of drink from it. The place was dark and dingy and looked like it needed a revamp. Compared to other cocktail bars we have recently visited, we were shocked that a place could serve drinks to this low standard and be so expensive at the same time. However, the plus side was the staff were really polite and attentive and a credit to the place.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louisesays
Dubai, United Arab Emirates5 contributions
Mar 2020
My self and friends were recommended to try this cool cocktail bar, we had not booked a table so had to wait 30 mins to get in, on top of this we were told once seated that we had the table for 2 hours max! The staff are impolite and obnoxious. Drinks are good but expensive and the venue is very overrated dark and dingy won't be going back. We left and went to tiger Lilly which had a much better atmosphere.. atmosphere...
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fraser
Glasgow, UK31 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Used to be great, visited last year and the atmosphere was awesome. However our visit this weekend wasn't so great.
We were greeted and shown to our table at the back in the corner away from the bar but next to a speaker that was BLASTING 80/90s pop. We ordered our first drinks and were given water which was topped up a few times by a very attentive server. After getting our first cocktails a group of three were seated next to us (when there were lots of empty tables as it was early afternoon) who ordered cokes and a pint. They seemed to think it was a normal pub and started watching football loudly on their phone. Ruined the atmosphere for our group and they scared off the server so we didn't get another round (we would of if the server had come back) we had to chase someone down to get our bill and card machine.
No free popcorn this time although I saw a table next to the bar get some, seems to be only certain people qualify for this? When we spent over a hundred quid on cocktails in under an hour I'd have appreciated even just one glass of popcorn/chips to try.
The place seems to be more of a normal pub now than a special cocktail place.
We were greeted and shown to our table at the back in the corner away from the bar but next to a speaker that was BLASTING 80/90s pop. We ordered our first drinks and were given water which was topped up a few times by a very attentive server. After getting our first cocktails a group of three were seated next to us (when there were lots of empty tables as it was early afternoon) who ordered cokes and a pint. They seemed to think it was a normal pub and started watching football loudly on their phone. Ruined the atmosphere for our group and they scared off the server so we didn't get another round (we would of if the server had come back) we had to chase someone down to get our bill and card machine.
No free popcorn this time although I saw a table next to the bar get some, seems to be only certain people qualify for this? When we spent over a hundred quid on cocktails in under an hour I'd have appreciated even just one glass of popcorn/chips to try.
The place seems to be more of a normal pub now than a special cocktail place.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blobrod
167 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Kind of stumbled on this place by accident. We were a group of six and had constant trouble finding places in the city centre we could get a table. Had all but given up and then walked past here just as it was opening and the helpful host managed to fit us in. Excellent menu with a combination of theatrics and just straight up high quality mixology. We only stayed for a couple of drinks but the bar obliged my (annoying) off menu requests with some skill and much to my delight. Thank you. A must visit for fans of high quality drinking. Book or be prepared to queue.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Join the Campbells
Perth, UK111 contributions
Aug 2020
Loved this place, we visited this bar on a Topjaw recommendation and were not disappointed.
Once past the Barber shop exterior and down the stairs you enter into a bar that looks and smells like it is directly from prohibition times, the décor is then punctuated by pictures of pandas on the walls. We order a couple of drinks from the cocktail menu, one of which was the birdcage.
Whisky, Aperol and Angostura bitters, smoked in Cinnamon and cloves and very theatrically presented.
This could well be our new favourite Edinburgh bar, we will be back.
Once past the Barber shop exterior and down the stairs you enter into a bar that looks and smells like it is directly from prohibition times, the décor is then punctuated by pictures of pandas on the walls. We order a couple of drinks from the cocktail menu, one of which was the birdcage.
Whisky, Aperol and Angostura bitters, smoked in Cinnamon and cloves and very theatrically presented.
This could well be our new favourite Edinburgh bar, we will be back.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eden C
London, UK46 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Me and my friend visited after hearing great things and the place really did reach up to the expectations. The music was lovely, the decor had a really nice feel to it and our waiter was super friendly. The cocktails all tasted great and price was reasonable considering how good the reputation of this bar is. I would definitely visit again and I would recommend a visit to this bar. It is busy so you would 100% need to book a table prior. This can be done online so it’s super easy to do so.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
REVIEWER2023
London, UK113 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
This is a great bar with fine interior decor and is sure to make anyone smile when sitting in. Drinks were average price for Edinburgh however only a small glass provided. I have to make an additional point however: 1 of the staff members was a bit rude and tried to force us in a seat he wanted us to go in even though lots available which caused a scene in the bar in front of others. We sat somewhere suitable for us and moved. They are also a bit strict ref covid so I would probably recommend people go in time when more relaxed - hopefully then some of the staff members might have been replaced too.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClevelandSkidmore
York, UK15 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Upon walking through the bookcase door, I was encapsulated with the ambience created by the dim lighting and the panda embellished environment I was sat in.
I have to let potential visitors know that a mobile phone is a must, you can’t access the menu without (old chaps and chapettes be warned - I’m 63 and have an iPhone 11 Pro).
Now it’s been quite some time since I tried to woo the ladies. So I may be a little out of touch. However, I would struggle to do so without a steady flow of drinks. I’m a damn sight more charismatic after I’ve had 4 special rum cocktails. Likewise, I’m sure after 4 cocktails the lady I am with finds me equally more impressive. I’d manage to get more eye contact from my lady friend who, over the past 3 years has begun to despise me, than the bar staff when a refill was required.
Now once you receive service from the staff, they are absolutely spot on and I couldn’t ask for more based on knowledge and ability to advise what suited best based on taste and things that we enjoyed. Top drawer.
Overall, probably would venture here again. I’d just be more prepared for the wait and if it improved then it would be a pleasant surprise.
Lavatories we’re nice too.
Skidmore out.
I have to let potential visitors know that a mobile phone is a must, you can’t access the menu without (old chaps and chapettes be warned - I’m 63 and have an iPhone 11 Pro).
Now it’s been quite some time since I tried to woo the ladies. So I may be a little out of touch. However, I would struggle to do so without a steady flow of drinks. I’m a damn sight more charismatic after I’ve had 4 special rum cocktails. Likewise, I’m sure after 4 cocktails the lady I am with finds me equally more impressive. I’d manage to get more eye contact from my lady friend who, over the past 3 years has begun to despise me, than the bar staff when a refill was required.
Now once you receive service from the staff, they are absolutely spot on and I couldn’t ask for more based on knowledge and ability to advise what suited best based on taste and things that we enjoyed. Top drawer.
Overall, probably would venture here again. I’d just be more prepared for the wait and if it improved then it would be a pleasant surprise.
Lavatories we’re nice too.
Skidmore out.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becca M
County Dublin, Ireland87 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
My friends and I booked a table in Panda & Sons as was recommended by another friend (booking is essential at the weekends as they rarely have space for walk ins). From the moment we got there we loved the atmosphere and vibe. It’s a speakeasy bar so you enter via a bookshelf in a Barber’s Store! The drinks were delicious, well crafted and tasty and the staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable when it came to any questions. A DJ came whilst we were there and the music was great! We’d 100% go back and recommend to anyone who’s looking for somewhere fun with a good vibe for drinks!
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann R
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Aug 2020
My friend and I went to Panda & Co for a cocktail before dinner. When we arrived the girl at the door was taking a couple downstairs and asked us to 'wait a minute'. Ten minutes later we thought we'd just go downstairs. When we reached the bottom a very rude guy who worked there told us to 'get back upstairs ladies'. When I challenged his tone he said that we weren't wearing masks and he was only concerned about the safety of the staff and customers - but when in the bar you could remove your mask! That's fair enough but it was the disrespectful way he spoke to us which was really disappointing. I think some people just like to use COVID as an excuse to be rude. I don't think he'll have a long career in the service sector and the Panda & Co's reputation will suffer. I will never set foot in the place again!
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Imogen D
Kyrenia, Cyprus3 contributions
Is there a happy hour?
funkyfamily2016
Cardiff, UK69 contributions
Not that I am aware of
Dave J
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK282 contributions
Hi Are kids allowed in? Coming up to in December with our 15 year old son and wanted to have a quick drink
Naomi J
Basildon, UK64 contributions
I saw no signs that say kids aren’t allowed, however I also don’t remember seeing any non-alcoholic drinks available. It’s quite an adult place.
sarah1blum
50 contributions
How do I book a table? I dont see anywhere to do that on their website, and I'm not local to call to make the reservation.
Rachel C
10 contributions
We just walked in. It was busy but they found us a table. Some of the tables were reserved so you obviously can do that but not sure how sorry.
srlucas2017
Sheffield, UK1 contribution
Is it best to book at the weekend or can you walk in?
lulublu11
Aberdeen, UK65 contributions
You can walk in most days but it does get busy 'after work' so plan your visit well :)
Do you need to book?
bustasdits
loch lomond132 contributions
It’s extremely busy most nights so I would especially if it’s for a large group. My Favourite spot is in the Bombay Saphire room.
Do they sell beer
Juan B
18 contributions
Yeap there's like 4 beer on tab, maybe more, I can't remember.
Do you sell beer
greatfoodnortheast
Newcastle93 contributions
Yes but the cocktails the best
Alex B
Dunfermline, UK44 contributions
Are children welcome here?
milnedtx00
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK115 contributions
Wouldn't say it is really a place for children!
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Claim your listingPanda & Sons (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Panda & Sons
- Panda & Sons is open:
- Mon - Fri 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Sat - Sun 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Restaurants near Panda & Sons:
- (0.02 mi) Surya
- (0.02 mi) Lola's Sandwich Bar
- (0.02 mi) Fortuna Coffee Bar
- (0.08 mi) Las Iguanas
- (0.06 mi) The Cambridge Bar
Panda & Sons Information
| Excellent Reviews | 770 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 207 |
| Panda & Sons Photos | 643 |



















































































