Edinburgh

Five fantastic bars to put your palate through its paces

PANDA & SONS

On the surface it’s a fun-times barbershop owned by a family of pandas, but behind the whimsical backstory, there’s even more creativity at play. Particularly in the on-site lab where owner Iain McPherson and his team dream up all manner of cocktail nerdery. Their latest innovation is the groundbreaking ‘sous pression’ method, which cleverly infuses flavour and softens alcohol, resulting in a smooth, silky finish. pandaandsons.com

Lamplighters At Gleneagles Townhouse

Okay, you need to either be a member or staying at Gleneagles Townhouse to enjoy its rooftop bar, but given the splendour of the building and its oh-so-fabulous fixtures and fittings, that’s not exactly a hardship. Perfect at any time – in the day for sitting outside and admiring the views and in the evening for sinking into the lush pastel seating – it’s one of our new favourites.

gleneagles.com/townhouse/eat-drink/lamplighters

Hey Palu

Recently awarded the Best Bar in Scotland at the CLASS Bar Awards, Hey Palu is where Italian aperitivo culture speaks with a distinct Scottish lilt. Husband and wife team Alex and Rachel Palu(mbo) have done a wonderful job injecting a shot of retro-esque vibes into the pared-back modern setting. What to drink? All of it! heypalu.com

Commons Club

The good folk at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh describe their bar as “a menu designed with locality in mind”. And to prove it, drinks like Breakfast In The Highlands with Glenfiddich

15 Single Malt Whisky, brown butter, toasted oat Amontillado sherry and Edinburgh

Honey Co. Heather Honey feature proudly on the menu. The food is equally patriotic and just as delicious. Go taste for yourself. @commonsclubedi

Nauticus

Another gem from Iain McPherson’s stable, we’ve included this one in the city’s Leith port district because it’s perfect for our theme. The focus is on produce made in Scotland – or made by a Scottish company or one with Scottish links – and the bar’s name comes from Leith’s historical ties with shipping and global trade.

nauticusbar.co.uk