Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons named the Altos Bartenders Bartender 2024
Iain McPherson, founder of the renowned Scottish bar Panda & Sons, has been named the Altos Bartenders' Bartender 2024 as part of The World's 50 Best Bars 2024.
Article Source: World's 50 Best Bars
Last Updated: 25 September 2024 13:25
25 September 2024 – Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland has been announced as winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, sponsored by Perrier.
This prestigious award is voted for by the 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. This is the second of two special awards to be announced ahead of the live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
Iain’s love of hospitality was born in The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, joining as a bar back in 2007 and working alongside some of the eras most esteemed bartending talent, where he quickly made a name for himself on the international stage. Just six short years later, he opened his first bar, Panda & Sons, in the Scottish capital, hidden behind a vintage barbershop frontage on Queen Street. On descending to the basement, the interiors are part cocktail pub, part Prohibition speakeasy, the russet wood panelling adorned with knick-knacks and curiosities galore, alongside numerous Panda-inspired touches. In 2015, Iain also opened Hoot the Redeemer in the city, a New Orleans-inspired dive bar renowned for its outstanding cocktails and boozy ice cream.
Over the years, he has taken on the role of unofficial ambassador for Scottish hospitality and, in 2018, launched Nauticus in Edinburgh’s port town of Leith to champion Scottish produce and Scottish producers. Earlier this year, Iain was also integral in founding the first Edinburgh Bar Show to inspire, educate, entertain and unite the Scottish bar community and showcase the city’s hospitality offering to some of the greatest international bartending talent.
Renowned as an unparalleled innovator, 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. While the latest Panda & Sons menu, Transcend, has garnered much international acclaim for its outstanding presentation of his groundbreaking techniques, Iain’s scientific creativity is rivalled only by his commitment to knowledge-sharing within his industry. He offers full transparency on his proprietary techniques and travels the world hosting seminars and masterclasses to fuel cocktail innovation for everyone.
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. In 2021, Nauticus joined the 50 Best Discovery list, the digital database of hospitality venues created by votes from the 50 Best Academies, which acts as an extension of the annual 50 Best rankings
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We are delighted to unveil Iain McPherson as the winner of this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. He is renowned for his contribution to cocktail excellence and innovation, and his commitment to education within the industry (as well as his signature panda accessories). His sincere advocacy for Edinburgh’s hospitality industry demonstrates the most important attributes of a true Bartenders’ Bartender.”
On winning the award, McPherson says: “I am overwhelmingly full of gratitude to be named this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender. How meaningful it is to be nominated by the people that I look up to and admire daily – a true honour. Awards, especially one like this, are never truly an ‘individual’ effort but a reflective accolade of the creative, collaborative, driven and passionate team at Panda & Sons. They continuously inspire me and together we have pushed boundaries, creating magic for all. It's always a huge honour to be representing bonnie wee Scotland on the international bartending stage and I believe this award also shines a light on what an amazing bar scene we have in Edinburgh."
Carlos Andrés Ramirez, Global Advocacy & PR Manager for Altos Tequila, says: “For the Altos Tequila and Altos Tahona Society family, it has been a priority to support bartenders on scaling up their careers. We want to congratulate our friend Iain McPherson from Panda and Sons in Edinburgh on winning the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award as part of The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2024. We are so happy to see this recognition to one of our favourite bartenders in Scotland!”
The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was introduced to The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017 and the inaugural winner was Iain Griffiths of London’s Dandelyan. Subsequent winners include Joe Schofield, then of Tippling Club in Singapore, in 2018; Monica Berg of Tayēr + Elementary, London, in 2019; Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni, of Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, in 2020; Lynnette Marrero of Llama Inn, New York, in 2021; Jean Trinh of Alquímico, Cartagena, Colombia in 2022; and GN Chan of Double Chicken Please, New York, in 2023.
The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience who are not able to attend in person. Bars and cocktail lovers are invited to join through The World’s 50 Best Bars Facebook page and 50 Best Bars TV channel on YouTube.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week
Captain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.
READ MORE
Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience
Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
READ MORE
Top Welsh chef makes his Edinburgh debut this weekend
This Sunday 29th of September, Hywel Griffith from Michelin-starred The Beach House in Oxwich joins chef Scott Smith at Fhior as part of ‘The Native Series’.
READ MORE
East Meets West at Six by Nico
Renowned for its culinary storytelling and immersive dining experiences, Six by Nico has unveiled its latest themed menu, Istanbul!
READ MORE
St James Quarter opens free clothing alterations pop up with The Seam
St James Quarter and The Seam will be hosting a special two-day pop-up event at the Galleria this week, giving shoppers the chance to make old and new purchases the perfect fit.
READ MORE
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards returns to The Barrowland Ballroom for 2024
With Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.
READ MORE
Chef patron duo open Nadair Restaurant in Marchmont
Chef partners Sarah Baldry and Alan Keery have opened their first restaurant, Nàdair, in Edinburgh’s vibrant Marchmont neighbourhood.
READ MORE
Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons named the Altos Bartenders Bartender 2024
Iain McPherson, founder of the renowned Scottish bar Panda & Sons, has been named the Altos Bartenders' Bartender 2024 as part of The World's 50 Best Bars 2024.
READ MORE
Frightful fun in store at Dobbies this Halloween
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!
READ MORE
National swimming framework spotlighted in the capital
Scottish Swimming, in partnership with Scottish Water, hosted a landmark event yesterday at Edinburgh's Royal Commonwealth Pool to celebrate The National Primary School Swimming Framework.
READ MORE
Criagies announces biggest and best Halloween event in Edinburgh
This Halloween season, Craigies Farm is thrilled to announce its biggest and most thrilling event yet, promising to be the ultimate destination for Halloween fun in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Diageo launches first 70cl paper bottle at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Diageo today announces a first-of-its-kind 90% paper-based bottle trial for Johnnie Walker Black Label exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 bar in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
All go for World Gaelic Week 2025
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.
READ MORE
Cocktail Bar Manahatta to open its first Scottish location in Edinburgh
This October, New York-inspired cocktail bar Manahatta is set to bring a taste of the Big Apple to Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Launches a Roarsome Afternoon Tea Experience
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has partnered with Edinburgh Zoo to launch a roarsome Afternoon Tea experience inspired by the cherished children's book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
READ MORE
The Pakora Bar Say Cheers to New game changing Pale Ale
Iconic Edinburgh family business The Pakora Bar launched their highly-anticipated pale ale 'Chakk De Phatte'.
READ MORE
Acting legend to sail into Edinburgh for Robert Louis Stevenson event
Luxury floating hotel Fingal in Leith, is celebrating the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson with a special event on Saturday 16th November.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo penguins go for a Wee Waddle each weekend
From Friday 20th September Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin colony will take part in the Wee Waddle, a reimagined version of the world-famous Penguin Parade.
READ MORE
Garden Centre rolls out series of free events this October
Dobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.
READ MORE
Scottish groups receive funding from Asda Foundation to transform community spaces
Asda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.
READ MORE
Eric Liddell 100 launches the Eric Liddell Awards in honour of our Olympic Hero
The Eric Liddell 100 has announced today the launch of its new 'Eric Liddell Awards' which will be held on Friday the 1 November 2024 as part of a Gala Dinner.
READ MORE
STUDIOCANAL announces Paddington is set to visit Scotland
Statues of everyone's favourite bear will be taking a seat in locations across the UK and Ireland in early October!
READ MORE
Is the IRN BRU Carnival in your future
Tickets for this year's IRN-BRU Carnival launch with the chance to win on Glasgow's streets!
READ MORE
Royal Highland Centre to Host Fawkes Festival
The Royal Highland Centre and Showground is set to host Fawkes Festival, Scotland’s largest fireworks event on Sunday 3rd November.
READ MORE
Student Night returns to St James Quarter
St James Quarter’s Student Shopping Night is back offering students the chance to shop, dine and play at the capital’s hottest lifestyle destination.
READ MORE
Best Pubs & Bars in Edinburgh Announced at Inaugural Bar Awards
The inaugural Edinburgh Bar Awards officially crowned the capital’s top talent in hospitality last night at the glittering Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball, hosted at The Caves.
READ MORE
Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre loved books for kids
Asda invites customers across Scotland to donate pre-loved children's books for onward gifting to families who have fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Final Countdown: One month left to enter photography competition
Time is running out to enter Caledonian Sleeper's photography competition aimed at encouraging everyone to capture views of the most scenic locations on route between Scotland and London.
READ MORE
Deliveroo launched 99p Boost Burger for university students in Edinburgh
Deliveroo is fuelling Edinburgh students with the Boost Burger, a first of its kind nutrient-packed burger inspired by the student-saviour dissolvable vitamin C tablets, available on 23rd September.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links