EDINBURGH has solidified its place as one of the best places in the UK for cocktails and spirits, with four local establishments making the Top Cocktail Bars list for 2025.
In a ceremony sponsored by soft drink company Franklin & Sons, Queen Street’s Panda & Sons was given second place for its inventive menus and speakeasy layout.
While London accounted for most of the bars on the list, Glasgow also secured two places with The Gate in Lanarkshire and Daddy Marmalades on Parnie Street.
Considered the definitive list of where to drink in the UK, the bars are handpicked by a panel of hospitality experts, influencers, and drink writers.
As well as Panda & Sons, three other Edinburgh bars made the list, two of which landed in the top 20.
Nauticus, the ocean-themed bar on Duke Street that champions Scottish liquor and produce, managed to beat its ranking of 41st from last year and come 12th.
Hey Palu, an Italian cocktail bar on Bread Street, came 16th for its quaint and intimate venue that offers an all-round experience.
They are influenced by the Italian aperitivo style of drinking, that often features amari, bitters and vermouths, but unfortunately have slipped from last year’s fifth place ranking.
They also provide many modern twists on traditional classics such as a white strawberry negroni and a coconut white Russian.
Much-loved bar and lounge Bramble was also included in the top 50, stealing spot number 36.
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars website describes it as: “Popular among bartenders worldwide and well-hidden on the historic streets of Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, Bramble Bar & Lounge is a gem that surpasses its reputation.
“Once you find Bramble, you won’t want to leave.
“The cocktail bar features a handful of private nooks and crannies for intimate drinks, should you wish to enjoy a romantic evening supping delicious concoctions with a significant other or friends.”
Despite missing out on top spot this time around, Bramble Bar has a list of accolades under its belt, such as a place on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, and the Industry Achievement Award 2024.
It was Panda & Sons, however, that took second place out of 50, being praised for their four-part menu which utilises high-skilled techniques such as freezing, “sous pression” and “cryoconcentration”.
The prohibition-style bar, opened in 2013, is a family business hidden in plain site as a vintage-style barbershop in Edinburgh’s New Town.
