New Kid On The Block Ripping It Up
Hi Duane. So a great start for your bar (eventually after a few teething problems that we all saw on Living TV of course) – when did you first step onto the craziest clubbing island in the world?
“We came over to look at the proposed venue in October 2007 so I missed all of the closing parties then and didn’t know what Ibiza really had to offer until my crazy opening night in May 2008. Then of course the Opening of Space two days later really opened my eyes to Ibiza.”
How did you get into the venue ownership business in the first place?
“I am very fortunate that my Dad gave me the opportunity to become a shareholder in the Ibiza Linekers – I owe him a lot for that. I really do.”
What is the best and worst thing about running your own venue in Ibiza?
“There aren’t many bad points to be honest. Lack of sleep as we are open 16 hours a day and I seem to be in the bar for most of them. The best thing is the buzz you feel when you see hundreds of people having a great time and knowing the bar is a big part of there holiday memories…”
Was there a lot of resentment from other venues in Ibiza, I mean you are on a busy strip…?
“We were lucky to have a lot of contacts and friends already in the industry on the island which helped, but I feel competition is a good thing for the area.”
You are ex-England footballer’s Gary Lineker’s Nephew, what football team do you support?
“Unfortunately I have to support my home team Leicester who my Uncle played for in the 80s – not the most glamorous team in the world. I love to watch most football though, especially the Champions League.”
What is the best club on the island in your opinion?
“I do love Pacha, the atmosphere is amazing in there – but we are heading into the nightclub scene ourselves this year with our new 1000 capacity club in San Antonio called BoHo which I believe you know all about. So hopefully we can be held in the same high esteem as the best Ibiza clubs very soon…”
Have you ever had a kick about with your uncle Gary Lineker and nutmegged him?
“He has a bad toe so he won’t play anymore. I think he is just scared his boys will be better than him! I was lucky enough to go to the 1990 World Cup and have a kick about with Gazza, John Barnes and the squad which was amazing for a six year old boy.”
Did you have reservations about moving to Ibiza, it’s not an easy place to work, nothing ever seems to get done…?
“Very true Dan as I have found out too often. But it’s an amazing place – it has two sides to it, the beautiful beaches and great restaurants and then its home to the world’s best clubs – what 24 year old man wouldn’t choose to live here?”
What famous faces popped in for a drink last year?
“There are always many famous faces dropping down. We had some great DJs play last year for our pre-parties we held, we also had Wayne Rooney’s Stag do and then lots of the well renowned party celebs such as Michelle Heaton, Calum Best, Bianca Gascoigne, Chantelle, Chanelle, Gary Lucy, Dean Gaffney, Danielle Lloyd – to name but a few…”
Tell us about Linekers – what is 2009 going to bring us?
“Well we have a great line up of pre-parties set up including ‘Pukka Up’, ‘Miss Moneypennys’ and ‘Swankeys’ plus lots of special guest DJs. There is also some great sport through the summer including many England internationals that the big screens are here for. Plus of course, all the usual antics that Linekers bar is renowned for.”
What was the best night at Linekers in 2008?
“The Miss Linekers night was amazing – we will be doing this again for 2009 – the atmosphere was so good. Talking about it makes me think I just can’t wait for the madness of the summer to really kick in.”
Who are your favourite DJs in the world?
“I loved David Guetta at his ‘F*ck Me I’m Famous’ night and I have to say I have two incredible residents in Sammy D and Grant Collins – they create an amazing atmosphere every night and just simply, know how to rock a crowd.”
What sort of music did you listen to growing up as a kid?
“To be honest, everything from cheesy pop to old skool dance to classics like Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross. I love all music but since coming to Ibiza, I have fallen head over heels in love with house music. This year in Ibiza is going to be great for house music over here.”
Who are your favourite club owners/promoters you have met in Ibiza?
“Jason Bull from the Es Vive Hotel is now a partner in our new club so you could say he made a good impression last year. The ‘Twice As Nice’ crew really looked after my staff last year which was great of them but everyone has been cool so far, also the guys at the Plastik Bar and Mambo have been a lot of help setting things up.”
Tips for someone wanting to start their own bar in Ibiza…?
Start in October or else it will never get finished in time for the summer – ha ha!”
What are your best business qualities you possess?
“I wasn’t brought up learning business, so I suppose I took good points and tips from lots of people I have worked with and try to use them all. I make many mistakes – the same as everyone else, nobody can be perfect, but I try my hardest.”
Ever had to throw anyone out of Linekers Ibiza?
“You know Dan, the atmosphere in the bar last year was amazing so I never had to throw someone out for being rude or violent – but maybe carry some out for getting a little too drunk!”
Best place in Ibiza for the infamous sunset?
“We are lucky we get the sunset down at Linekers most of the year, but I have to say Mambo – the vibe down there is great.”
How are your sister bars doing in Tenerife and Puerto Banus near Marbella?
“They are going great so far this year, we have just enlarged the Banus site because it was too small – so that is looking fantastic. It’s good in the summer because all the bars down there have a little competition to see who gets the best figures – all friendly of course.”
What do you think of the drug culture in Ibiza?
“I’m a very anti-drugs person and when I came to Ibiza I thought it would be hard for me to handle it all. But I think the culture is so much exaggerated because we never had any problems in the bar last year – and when I did go to the clubs, it wasn’t hugely noticeable.”
What is your favourite place to chill out in Ibiza?
“Got to be Cala Bassa Beach – it’s like being in the Caribbean, amazing.”
