NEWS RELEASE
ADVOCATUUR OPENS AT ROSEWOOD AMSTERDAM, FORMERLY THE PALACE OF JUSTICE
Set to reimagine the hotel bar experience with an elegant juxtaposition of the building’s rich heritage and the city’s progressive culture
May 01, 2025
Amsterdam, Netherlands | May 1, 2025 – On May 1st, Advocatuur will open its doors at Rosewood Amsterdam in the historic former Palace of Justice. Advocatuur, meaning ‘profession of law’ in Dutch, aims to transform the luxury hotel bar experience by offering contemporary design and hospitality that seamlessly blends the building’s rich heritage alongside Amsterdam's revolutionary and progressive culture. The bar will feature a speakeasy-style distillery, two tandoor ovens, and a carefully curated live music program.
Led by Director of Bars & Beverage, Yann Bouvignies, previously Head of Mixology for Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London, Advocatuur is committed to elevating the guest experience by blending Dutch diverse culture with Rosewood’s signature A Sense of Place® philosophy. The interior was designed by the renowned interior design firm, Sagrada, and pays respect to the building’s timeless character whilst integrating the vibrancy of contemporary design. Statement pieces include large bespoke rugs, eclectic furnishings and textured walls finished with photos of iconic musicians by Amsterdam-based photographer and director Anton Corbijn. The uniforms were designed by ‘By Rockland’, a specialist in stylish corporate wear, in partnership with designers Claes Iversen and Francisco van Benthum. This exclusive wardrobe was tailor-made for Rosewood Amsterdam, blending design, sustainability and functionality to reflect the sophistication and innovative spirit of the hotel.
The bar features its own entrance leading to the canal and is divided into three rooms, each designed to embody the Dutch concept of ‘gezelligheid’—a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. From the speakeasy distillery room to the live performance room, the bar creates an engaging and intimate environment for guests, both staying at the hotel and from the local community.
Within Advocatuur’s intimate distillery room, the in-house Jenever aptly named ‘PrØvo’ is crafted by award-winning Master Distiller, Alex Davies, of Japan’s premier gin distillery, The Kyoto Distillery. The name, PrØvo, which comes from the word ‘provoceren’ means ‘to provoke’, in honor of the infamous rebellious spirit of the movement of the same name from the 1950s to 1960s. In the aftermath of World War II, when Amsterdam remained a strict and conservative city, its youth grew restless under the weight of consumerism, pollution and government control, choosing playful resistance over violence. The Jenever uses three distinct distillation methods, traditional and modern, to blend the thoughtfully selected botanicals ginger, tulsi, fresh pink grapefruit, dry lemon, bitter and sweet orange, rose and milk oolong tea.
The bar’s curated sound combines elements of electro-soul, future funk, vintage hip-hop, jazz-hop, and neo-soul, creating a dynamic immersive soundscape of classic grooves. The space effortlessly transitions from relaxed lounge vibes to late-night high-energy through its playlist and live performance program.
The debut cocktail menu, ‘The Will Of The People’, comprises 15 signature serves that juxtapose the rigid structure of law with the creativity of distilling spirits; two seemingly opposite worlds brought together in a rebellious yet refined fashion. Whilst the menu cover resembles a standard menu, the interior is heavily influenced by the PrØvo movement, including the names and the graffiti-style fonts reminiscent of those found in the building’s former prison cells.
Cocktail highlights include Order + Disorder, a blend of Bacardi Carta Blanca, Matcha Orgeat, Aloe Vera and clarified Guanabana. Will of the People is with Michter’s Bourbon, St-Germain, Palo Santo and Super Cool CO₂. Candy Store is a delicious blend of Roku Gin, Amàrico, Coco and Elderflower Cream, Le Peach & Jasmin Soda.
Further signature cocktails include the bar’s ‘baby serves’ selection, Kopstuk, Pornstar, Alexander, and Martinez. These can be enjoyed individually or as a complete flight. The Kopstuk, is Advocatuur’s unique twist on the traditional Dutch serving ‘kopstoot,’ meaning ‘head butt’, often found in ‘brown cafes’ around the country to abide the old law of a snack pairing to focus on responsible drinking. Kopstuk is garnished with a quail egg delicately seasoned with Provo Jenever botanical infused salt and served with house beer, ‘Justitia POJ Lager x Jopen’ from the Netherlands. For those looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, the menu includes two cocktails, Botaniq Spritz with Amàrico Aperitivo (a custom-made ready to drink aperitif for Rosewood Amsterdam), Elderflower and Carbonated Pear, whilst Tuen Highball is with Seedlip Garden, Rue Berry, LE Peach & Jasmin, in additional to four non-alcoholic spirits on the menu.
Alongside its cocktails, Advocatuur offers guests premium Indian-flavors from its open kitchen, reimagined with Dutch influences and served from its two authentic tandoor ovens. The small plates are made using a variety of bold and exciting flavors. Highlights include; Raj Kachori, Baked Samosa, Lamb Kofta and Dutch Cheese Bites.
“Honoring storied heritage and the practice of law, Advocatuur challenges the status quo by blending formalities with the spirit of rebellion, giving people a new reason to enter the former Palace of Justice. We want Advocatuur to be the embodiment of cocktail culture, enable our guests to savor exquisite mixology, and provoke their tastebuds with our in-house distilled jenever.”
Yann Bouvignies, Director of Bars & Beverage at Advocatuur and Rosewood Amsterdam.
OPENING TIMES
Open 5 days a week
Tuesday to Saturday, 17:00 – 01:00
Kitchen open from 17:00 – 23:00
Follow Advocatuur: @Advocatuuramsterdam.
About Rosewood Amsterdam
Rosewood Amsterdam offers an exceptional blend of Dutch heritage and contemporary luxury in the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal District. Located within the historic former Palace of Justice, this landmark property features 134 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including five signature suites, many with views of the city’s iconic canals and rooftops. Thoughtfully restored by Studio Piet Boon, the hotel combines historic grandeur with modern sophistication, offering world-class dining, an Asaya® Spa, and curated experiences that celebrate Amsterdam’s rich culture. Guests can explore the city on a private Salon Boat or unwind in the elegant surroundings that reflect Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy. Rosewood Amsterdam invites travellers to immerse themselves in a seamless blend of history, charm, and luxury for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Netherlands.
For more information, please visit rosewoodhotels.com/en/amsterdam
Connect with us: Facebook, Instagram @RosewoodAmsterdam
About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages a global collection of 34 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts, and residences in 21 countries. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place® philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture, and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong and Rosewood São Paulo. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for ownership or rent in extraordinary destinations within the brand’s wide-ranging portfolio. Rosewood Residences are defined by the brand’s commitment to Enriched Living through thoughtful details and experiences that enhance the quality of life while evoking a sense of discovery and inspiration.
For more information, please visit rosewoodhotels.com
Connect with us: Facebook, Instagram, WeChat @RosewoodHotels
