Some stories begin long before the space exists. When we invited João Costa and Tatiana Cardoso to join us for the Eva trolley campaign shoot, we knew we were bringing in two bartenders with vision and personality. Blind Pony, their soon-to-open project, already carries that same spirit of experience, intuition, and a shared belief that hospitality is about people as much as it is about drinks.
“We’re two people passionate about the bar, the people, and the stories born between glasses,” they say. “Blind Pony is the sum of our experiences and the desire to create a space with soul, where every detail matters.”
Their paths first crossed behind the bar years ago. João began in pastry, fascinated by technique and flavour, until he discovered his real place was in bartending. Tatiana started out almost by chance, but soon fell for the craft, seeing it as a kind of liquid art.
They met at a cocktail competition, later worked together at Royal, and since then their names have become quietly familiar across the industry. Tatiana was twice crowned Best Barmaid of Portugal and created Flor. João joined the opening team at Torto and won World Class Portugal 2022. Now Blind Pony is their next chapter, a space that reflects who they are: technical but relaxed, creative but with purpose.
On set for the campaign shoot, João and Tatiana worked with the Eva trolley for the first time. It gave them a chance to explore how it felt in action and to bring their own rhythm to the day.
Eva surprised us with its lightness and functional design. It adapts to the rhythm of service, making the work smoother and the experience more enjoyable, for us and for those on the other side of the bar.
Snapshots from behind the scenes during the Eva campaign shoot. João and Tatiana exploring Eva between takes and bringing their own energy to the day.
Still, what drives them goes beyond the tools. “Listen, the bar speaks,” they remind us. “The people, the colleagues, the room. That’s what makes us grow. Technique matters, but the soul is in sharing and listening.”
Blind Pony may not have opened its doors yet, but its spirit is already clear. It feels like a place where craft, care, and connection quietly lead the way. You can follow João, Tatiana, and Blind Pony on Instagram for updates and the first look at their opening.
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