Panda & Sons is the brainchild of the international award-winning bartender Iain McPherson, and he’s totes about simplicity (with lots of behind-the-scenes cocktail technique, natch). Hidden beneath Queen Street in Edinburgh, the bar is diguised by its street-level barbershop entrance. Descend to the basement and through a slick bookcase door like you’re Bond on a break-in - congrats, you've made it.

With classic stone flooring, low ceilings and even lower lighting, this place sighs New York speakeasy, and it's loaded with nods to the traditional barbershop - clock the assorted vintage knick-knacks that give the bar its moody retro vibe. Whether peaceful and sober or heaving and crunk, the service here is impeccable. These folks have two mantras: "offer the very best of all you do", and "there’s no such thing as cool". These translate to classic cocktails of the highest calibre sitting alongside a lovingly curated wine list and craft beers at their best. DJs play at the weekends, and prices are fair.

For a taste of the bar's signature style, don't miss its "switched" cocktails - Iain developed the switching technique by freezing spirits and swapping the water for another liquid, giving each drink layers on layers of flavour. Or go for The Birdcage, a high-drama serve with Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, rhubarb and lemongrass shrub, Aperol, Angostura Bitters, cinnamon and clove smoke - you are in the homeland of Scotch whisky, after all.