PIONEERING BARTENDER AND FOUNDER OF PANDA & SONS

ABOUT IAIN

In 2013 Iain opened the world-famous Panda & Sons (currently placed No.30 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list). A couple of years later saw him open the eccentric and playful Hoot The Redeemer to much acclaim. He obtained his “Science of Ice Cream” degree at the University of Reading. Furthering his expertise, by attending the “Gelato University” in Bologna, Italy. Which led to him creating the brand “Señor Scoop”, which is his liquor infused ice cream company in 2015. 

In 2017 he joined forces with Joe Russo, who is one half of the ‘Russo Brothers’ (Directors of Avengers: End Game and upcoming Avengers: Doomsday) in opening a cocktail bar in the Arts District of Los Angeles. 2018 saw him team up with another Scottish bartending stalwart, Kyle Jamieson, in opening Nauticus, which is all about championing Scottish produce. 

Iain has always been obsessed with sub-zero temperatures from a young age and created the cocktail technique called “Switching” back in 2018. It was the first significant bar dedicated technique in our industry, for over a decade. 

In 2023 he made another breakthrough and created the technique ‘Sous Pression’ which is the freezing alternative to ‘Sous Vide’. He believes we should be doing more to identify sub-zero temperatures, as an alternative or addition to cooking techniques within the bar industry. Their innovative menu “Transcend”, was a Top 4 finalist for Worlds Best Cocktail menu at last year's Spirited Awards, at Tales of The Cocktail. 

Together with Gary Anderson and Jamie Faulds, Iain launched Edinburgh Bar Show in 2024, a 4-day event across the city hosting a ground-breaking seminar and takeover programme designed to educate, inspire and connect the bar and drinks trade.