Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland has been announced as the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024.

The award is voted for by bartenders on this year’s list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, who are asked to name one peer who pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender.

The award goes to an individual who made a significant impact in the global bar sector over the voting period and recognises their commitment to the international community in that time.

Iain opened Panda & Sons, his first bar, in Edinburgh in 2013. Hidden behind a vintage barbershop frontage, guests descend to the basement where the interior is part cocktail pub, part Prohibition speakeasy.

Iain is renowned as an innovator and his mission to expand the flavour spectrum through sub-zero experimentation has revolutionised the bar world’s approach to freezing and its impact on flavour. The latest Panda & Sons menu, Transcend, has garnered much international acclaim for its outstanding presentation of his groundbreaking techniques.

Over the years, Ian has taken on the role of unofficial ambassador for Scottish hospitality and in 2018 he launched Nauticus in Edinburgh’s port town of Leith to champion Scottish produce and Scottish producers. Earlier this year, Iain was integral in founding the first Edinburgh Bar.

Panda & Sons joined The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018 at No.61, the first bar from Scotland ever to do so other than the iconic Bramble, and has subsequently risen through the ranks, placing at No.39 in 2023.

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list will be announced in Madrid on 22 October.

W: theworlds50best.com/bars