Linekers is one of those few venues where you know exactly what you are going to get every day of the week. The bar is always busy, if there is sport on worth watching, it’s on a Linekers and when the sun goes down and the party people come out to play, they invariably head there to get their party started. Add the several pre-parties that they provide for some other brands, the friendly staff and that they have a couple of established Ibiza DJs as residents and it all adds up to a great night out, whatever night you choose. Essentialibiza caught up with Linekere’s George McBlain to get an idea of what it takes to work in one of the world’s busiest bars…
San Antonio is hugely competitive when it comes to the bar scene, what has made Linekers one of the stand out bars over the years?
We like to think it’s the unique party atmosphere that we create. From each member of staff inside and outside the bar we encourage our customers to have an amazing time. The sporting element is also a big factor for Linekers, especially this year with the Euros and Olympics… also there is always a few celebs and famous faces popping in to party with us!
Describe a typical day in the bar?
We open our doors at 12 midday and the action starts, normally with a few big groups of stags or hens having a hair of the dog and trying to shift the previous night’s hangover. We will have sporting events on the TV’s and nice chilled music, and then once the evening sunset has passed, Linekers Ibiza turns into party paradise.
What makes Linekers THE place to watch sport of any kind?
25 years history and an unmatchable atmosphere make Linekers unrivalled for live sporting events. We are in a position to show a host of simultaneous games on a Saturday for example and when the larger events occur, there´s an incredible buzz around the bar! Just check a few YouTube videos! “If it’s on anywhere, it’s on at Linekers”
It’s not just a typical holiday sports bar though is it, what else does it offer?
No, we cater for everything we like to think. We love the sporting element but the feel good factor and friendliness from our staff at all times of the day, setting that personal touch is important to us. In the evening the bar is playing the best music Ibiza has to offer with two amazing resident DJs, who love entertaining our customers and making each night a memorable one.
What’s your favourite time of the day?
That’s a tough one as you take something from each time of the day. It’s always nice at sunset on the terrace as the sun disappears and the bright lights grow, but when the bar is at full capacity around midnight and everyone inside is going mad to the music and lights, our staff dancing on the bar, it does make it that bit special.
Tell us about the pre-parties that you host?
We hold a variety of pre-parties in the bar. We have a few club nights and boat pre-parties in the day. This year we have Fabulush, Water Party, Garlands, S.W.Y.D, we were sad to see Twice as Nice leave as they are good friends of the bar. We also have our in house nights so a good balance all round.
Do you have DJs on every night of the week?
Yes, we have our two residents each night in the bar. Sam Dungate and Grant Collins are rocking the place, highly experienced in the game and more than we could ask for. Perfect balance of personality and music knowledge does make them hard to beat, a huge factor in the bars success. We will also throw in a Guest DJ from time to time to add some variety.
When do you close for the winter?
We normally close around the first week of October, depending on the dates the big clubs close their doors. Normally we are not opened much longer after Space closes. It’s a good indicator for us.
What do you get up to once the tourists have gone?
Sleep! Once the bar has been cleaned, closed and locked for the winter season I head back to Tenerife, where I live for the next five or so months. Spend some time with my family and friends. Few holidays, chill out and then in no time, plans start for the following season and Linekers Ibiza Summer 2013 begins!
