Top Bars in Edinburgh – Most Viewed (2025)

Panda & Sons is a renowned speakeasy-style cocktail bar located at 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF. Established in 2013 by award-winning bartender Iain McPherson and his family, the bar seamlessly blends the ambiance of a Prohibition-era speakeasy with the nostalgic charm of a vintage barbershop. ​ The entrance masquerades as a traditional barbershop, complete with a false exterior, leading patrons into a dimly lit, subterranean space adorned with whimsical curiosities that enhance its clandestine atmosphere. Panda & Sons is celebrated for its innovative cocktail menu, which showcases advanced techniques developed over years of research. Notably, the 'Transcend' menu delves into freezing methods, offering drinks crafted through processes like 'Switching'—where water content in spirits is replaced with alternative flavors using ultra-low freezers—and 'Sous Pression,' an approach that extracts flavors under pressure during freezing, resulting in smoother taste profiles. ​ The bar's commitment to excellence has earned it significant accolades. In 2024, it secured the 30th spot on the World's 50 Best Bars list and saw its founder, Iain McPherson, honored with the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award. Additionally, Panda & Sons achieved the second position in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars ranking in 2025, reflecting its esteemed status within the UK's cocktail scene.

Tucked discreetly beneath Queen Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, Bramble Bar & Lounge is an underground gem lauded by cocktail aficionados. Its entrance is subtle — a staircase down from street level past what looks like a dry cleaner’s, marked only by a small brass plaque. Inside, the space is moody and intimate. Low lighting, exposed brick, leather armchairs, vintage furnishings, and candlelit corners define the ambiance. The layout includes concealed alcoves and cozy booths, making it ideal for close conversation or a quiet escape from the bustle above. Cocktails are the heart of Bramble. The menu leans creative but grounded, with a strong emphasis on gin and whisky. Reportedly, the bar stocks over 40 gins, and bartenders are known to craft bespoke drinks on request. The Bramble itself (the cocktail) is naturally part of the house’s identity. On weekends, a DJ often adds gentle rhythm to the space, lifting the mood without overpowering the vibe. Despite its acclaim, Bramble doesn’t lean into pretension. Many reviews celebrate its friendliness, the staff’s passion, and the approachable nature of the experience. While it draws cocktail lovers and locals alike, the small scale means it’s best enjoyed earlier rather than later when it becomes more crowded. In short: Bramble is a stealthy, craft-forward bar that rewards those who seek depth, detail, and discovery in their drink experience.