New Leadership at Nine Tails Speakeasy Six Senses Kyoto has appointed Olivia Lee as Bar Manager for Nine Tails, its signature speakeasy cocktail bar inspired by Japanese folklore. The appointment coincides with a redesigned bar menu and concept that integrates Kyoto's cultural heritage with Six Senses' wellness and sustainability principles. Lee brings nearly a decade of hospitality experience across Singapore and Japan. She previously worked at Republic Bar, the signature cocktail destination at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, where the venue was recognized as one of Asia's 50 Best Bars and among The World's 50 Best Bars. Before that, she held positions at Colony, the Ritz-Carlton's signature restaurant.
Menu Focus: Japanese Spirits and Tea The new Nine Tails menu centers on a curated collection of more than 100 exclusively Japanese and Japan-made spirits and liqueurs. Tea flavors anchor much of the offering, complemented by local ingredients including yuzu, Japanese herbs, and seasonal fruits. Signature cocktails include the Roasted Leaf, a Japanese interpretation of an Old Fashioned built on Chita Single Grain Whiskey infused with smoky Kyoto bancha and hojicha tea; and Shiso Breeze, a gin and tonic featuring Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin, a Kyoto wellness gin crafted with 24 Asian medicinal botanicals. The food menu has been updated to complement the beverage program, with new offerings including sea urchin and tuna sushi rolls, Japanese beef sirloin katsu bites, and Kyoto cage-free egg caramel pudding.
Experience and Education Nine Tails emphasizes hands-on engagement through mixology and Japanese whiskey workshops that guide guests through cocktail creation and tasting experiences. The bar also offers house-made cola and ginger ale, along with expertly-crafted mocktails, reflecting Six Senses Kyoto's commitment to seasonality and local sourcing. "Nine Tails is a reflection of Kyoto itself, where centuries of craftsmanship, culture, and natural beauty exist alongside a spirit of creativity and innovation," Lee said. "As hospitality continues to evolve toward more conscious and meaningful experiences, I see Nine Tails as more than a cocktail bar; it is a place where guests and the local community can connect through exceptional hospitality, thoughtful storytelling, and a deep sense of place. We hope to continue to establish Nine Tails as an internationally-recognized destination for cocktail enthusiasts while celebrating the traditions, artistry, and energy that make Kyoto so extraordinary." The bar enhancements follow other 2026 programming at Six Senses Kyoto, including hands-on culinary workshops, expanded wellness offerings, and celestial-inspired Full Moon gatherings.
Why It Matters
As luxury hospitality increasingly competes on experiential and wellness-focused offerings rather than room amenities alone, Six Senses' investment in curated bar programming—paired with ingredient-driven menus and staff expertise—reflects a broader shift toward destination beverage experiences that command premium pricing and repeat visits.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
