Panda & Sons

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!