World-renowned Edinburgh cocktail bar Panda & Sons has made history at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans, securing three major accolades – the first time a European bar has ever done so.
Regarded as the ‘Oscars of the cocktail world’, the industry-led Spirited Awards are a global celebration of excellence in bartending and hospitality.
This year Panda & Sons walked away with three top honours – World’s Best Cocktail Menu, Best International Bar Team, and International Bar Mentor of the Year for founder Iain McPherson.
This groundbreaking win marks the first time Scotland has brought home a Spirited Award since 2014, and puts the nation firmly on the global cocktail map, proving its bars can compete with the very best.
The TOTC judges highlighted the bar’s ‘visionary approach to hospitality, unparalleled creativity, and global influence’.
It caps off a defining year for Panda & Sons and founder McPherson. Earlier in 2025, the team picked up top honours at the CLASS Bar Awards.
Then McPherson was ranked number 1 on the prestigious Drinks International Bar World 100 list, recognising him as the world’s most influential bar professional.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed,” said Iain. “To represent Scotland and Europe on the world stage and bring home three Spirited Awards in one night is a dream come true.
“It is a reflection of our team’s dedication, creativity, and love for what we do.”
From the earliest days, McPherson’s vision has been to elevate the craft of bartending to the same level of respect and recognition as the culinary world, a philosophy that continues to shape every detail of the guest experience.
Backed by an exceptional leadership team, including Nicky Craig and Sean Moggach, and a bar team known for their creativity, precision, and warmth, the group has ‘poured their hearts’ into every service, menu, and idea.
