João's Place

Sharon Wilson
Apr 24
2 min read

J oão’s Place is a speakeasy-style bar on the 11th floor of W Edinburgh, inspired by the vibrant Liberdade neighbourhood in São Paulo, Brazil, a melting pot of cultures with a strong Japanese vibe.

You enter through a discreet door into a bar that feels like a loft apartment. Think mid-century furniture and vinyl records giving off major ‘Mad Men’ vibes. You might even spot a couple of music executives chilling with some Billecart-Salmon, who are probably taking a break from the hotel’s recording studio.

Like the swanky SushiSamba one floor below, João’s Place blends Brazilian, Japanese, and international influences.

First up, I go for the João Gibson: Ukiyo Blossom Gin, house-made seasonal vermouth, and house pickles. It’s a game-changer – sweet vermouth and floral gin, thanks to the cherry blossom infusion. The stunning bottle’s two-tone design is inspired by the Japanese landscape.

My drinking buddy Simone opts for Tropicalismo: Ukiyo yuzu, coconut gin, guava, passionfruit, and lime, served in a super cool pottery Tiki mug. 🍹

For my second drink, I’m torn, so Rummy the mixologist suggests the Barrel Bracer: Nikka from the Barrel, Laird’s Applejack, Amer Picon, homemade grenadine, and lime. He knows I’m into Negronis and pitches this as a lighter, fruitier twist on the classic. I’m sold! But I need AI to break down some of the ingredients:

Nikka from the Barrel: A rich, full-bodied Japanese whisky, blending over 100 batches of malt and grain whiskies, bottled at 51.4% ABV. It’s matured in used barrels for a few months to harmonize the flavours.
Laird’s Applejack: America’s First Spirit, an apple brandy with a rich, deep flavour and smooth balance, made from a blend of apple brandy and neutral grain spirits.
Amer Picon: A French bitter liqueur made from oranges, gentian, and cinchona. Invented by Gaétan Picon in Algeria in 1837, it’s known for its bittersweet, citrusy flavour, traditionally served with beer or white wine in cocktails.

It’s amazing, but the hard liquor hits me hard the next day. Simone chooses a lighter Japanese Highball with Roku Gin, cherry blossom, rhubarb, hibiscus and tonic water.

João’s Place is fab – it doesn’t compete with other top-notch bars in Edinburgh; instead, it offers something unique. Plus, the outside deck gives you an unrivalled view of the city skyline, with fire pits to keep you warm.

If you’re into cocktails, glamour, and treating yourself, João’s is the place.