Three Scottish cocktail bars named among the world's finest in prestigious list

Daily Record

03-05-2025

The bars have earned their spots alongside world-renowned venues in cities like London, Paris, Sydney, Singapore and Los Angeles
Three Scottish cocktail bars have earned their place among the finest on the planet, after being recognised in a prestigious global ranking by The Pinnacle Guide.
The internationally respected guide, which spotlights standout drinking destinations across the world, placed the Scottish venues alongside acclaimed bars in London, Paris, Sydney, Singapore and Los Angeles.
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Two of the bars are based in Edinburgh, while the third is nestled in a luxury hotel in rural Perthshire.
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Hey Palu in Edinburgh was awarded one pin, marking it as 'excellent', while fellow capital favourite Panda & Sons secured two pins, branding it 'outstanding'. Also taking home two pins was The American Bar at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, praised for its world-class cocktail experience in an iconic setting.
According to The Pinnacle Guide, a pin system is used to rank venues after a rigorous selection process involving a self-application, intensive assessment modules, anonymous in-bar reviews and spot-check interviews.
On its website, the guide states: 'Rapidly becoming the cocktail bar industry's most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a 1, 2 & 3 PIN recognition system that is based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews.'
One pin signifies excellence, two indicates an outstanding offering, and three is reserved for truly exceptional bars.
Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Hey Palu has been celebrated by The Pinnacle Guide for offering a refreshing take on the classic cocktail bar experience.
Awarded one pin for excellence, the venue is described as 'an approachable Italian bar' that blends modern flair with Mediterranean charm.
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Hey Palu, Edinburgh
Writing about the bar, The Pinnacle said: 'An approachable Italian bar, Hey Palu offers a modern twist on the classics, with a laid back style and a nod to their family roots.'
Steering clear of the traditional white-jacketed formality often associated with classic cocktail venues, Hey Palu embraces a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
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'Hey Palu can be found in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town. Self-described as a modern Italian bar, the team have chosen to stay away from the more traditional 'white jacket' formality and have instead opted for a relaxed feel whilst maintaining the essence of true Mediterranean hospitality,' the guide continues.
Inside, retro Italian prints line the walls, including photographs taken by one of the owner's great aunts in the 1930s, alongside a locally painted Campari print.
Guests are treated to dry roasted peanuts served in repurposed Campari bottles with their first round, a charming aperitivo touch that adds to the bar's quirky personality.
Panda & Sons
Behind a quirky barber shop front lies one of Edinburgh's most innovative cocktail bars, Panda & Sons, recently awarded two pins by The Pinnacle Guide for its outstanding offering.
At first glance, the bar appears to be a whimsical, vintage-inspired spot. But as The Pinnacle notes: 'What appears to be a whimsical vintage-inspired bar is, in fact, a leading voice of Edinburgh's cocktail culture, serving truly innovative drinks.'
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Inside, guests are welcomed into a warm, wood-accented space full of tweed and timeless charm. 'Panda & Sons is a serious cocktail destination that excels in not taking itself too seriously,' the guide adds.
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The American Bar
Tucked away inside the iconic Gleneagles Hotel, The American Bar has earned two pins from The Pinnacle Guide, praised for its old world glamour and inventive approach to sustainability.
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'Gleneagles' smallest bar is a rather glamorous ode to the 1920s, heather-hued to match the landscape and with an innovative take on using otherwise discarded produce from across the hotel,' wrote The Pinnacle.
Split across four cosy rooms, the bar offers everything from secluded corners to a front-row seat at the counter as cocktails are expertly crafted. 'The American Bar can only be described as old world glamour,' the guide added, noting the 1920s-inspired decor, etched glass, purple velvet seating and art deco touches throughout.