There’s a Japanese word, iki 粋, which translates to stylish and effortlessly chic, and it’s exactly the word I would use to describe João’s Place, the clandestine speakeasy that sits hidden behind a gold door on the 11th floor of the W Edinburgh. Last week, the bar unveiled its newly redesigned space and menu, taking its cue from Liberdade, the São Paulo neighbourhood famed for its Japanese diaspora and the cultural fusion that defines it. Ross from The Luxury Editor was kindly asked to attend an intimate gathering of guests and friends to celebrate the launch.
Hovering almost angelically above the city, with wraparound 360-degree views of Edinburgh’s skyline, João’s Place has always felt like one of the city’s better-kept secrets. Named Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2025 at the Scottish Hotel Awards and listed among Condé Nast Traveller’s best rooftop bars in the city. The redesign has almost doubled the floor space, turning what was formerly the W Lounge’s chef’s table into an enhanced lounge area within the bar. Outside, the wraparound terrace offers views that stretch over Princes Street on one side, round to Arthur’s Seat and across to Calton Hill, and on a clear night like the night I was there, the Firth of Forth and its bridges glint faintly from the other side of the terrace. And fear not, gas fires take the edge off even the sharpest Scottish chill, keeping you comfortably outside well into the night. On the evening I was there, the sun was setting on one side while a full moon rose on the other, a truly magical moment.
The cocktail menu is where the Liberdade story comes to life. Rare Japanese whiskies feature Yamazaki 18, Hakushu 18 Peated Malt, and the extraordinarily exclusive Highland Park 30, while those marking a milestone can choose to open an evening with a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Edition #26. Signature cocktails embrace the São Paulo-Tokyo concept. Evening at Liberdade is a layered composition of Nikka whisky, Kahlúa and Mozart liqueur, dark and rounded. Margarita Piquant is its opposite, bright and zesty, built on Patrón Reposado, Illegal Mezcal and a jalapeño padron pepper soda. And if you go, make sure to try what ended up my favourite (seen in the image below, right), the Maria, Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Port of Leith white port and oloroso sherry, coconut syrup and black walnut bitters. It’s bold and almost whisky-like in its delivery.
The food offering has expanded, too, with a larger light-dining selection, designed for sharing. Options now include items like sushi rolls with whisky-cured salmon and snow crab, wagyu empanadas with sweet ají panca and California rolls layered with Cornish brown crab, avocado and a drizzle of truffle oil. My personal favourites of the night were the crisp plantain chips served with ají amarillo, and warm, pillowy pão de queijo paired with a piquillo pepper aioli.
For live music enthusiasts, the bar hosts Sounds of João’s, an intimate acoustic session from Scottish-based musicians, running each Sunday from 4 pm to 7 pm.
The W Edinburgh is one of my favourite spots in the city for a drink and stay (read full hotel review here), and this enhancement to João’s Place further enhances its appeal. Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 3 pm – 1 am. Pre-booking is advisable, which can be made online here.
