Describe your venue in one sentence?
A Rockin’ & Rollin’, no nonsense, rum forward, high volume Tiki cocktail bar that’s here to stay.
How did you come to work in the bar industry?
I got into the business as a chef cooking my way up from kitchen to kitchen, but always looking at and admiring the work bartenders do... how they move behind a bar whilst entertaining guests. When Hugo Schneider (Vavoom’s founder) gave me the opportunity to get some shifts in the Vavoom! I ran with it and never looked back.
What’s your venue’s most popular cocktail? Why do you think that is?
We do loads of Mai Tais. Our adaptation of the Trader Vic’s Original Mai Tai, The Mai Tai Vavoom! leads the way.
What are the key drinks trends for 2019?
There’s a Rum Revolution on the way!
As a mixologist, if you could choose one liquor, what would it be and why?
For me Rum is something I really feel passionate about. With a really broad and complex palate the possibilities are endless. I always say: there’s a Rum for everyone.
How has the bar scene in the city changed in recent years? What does the future hold?
Well we’re in the fast lane now. That’s how it feels. At Vavoom, we’re going into our 12th year and we’ve seen bars come and go. But with the recent influx of quality bars opening at the moment you can’t go wrong. We have such a great variety and each bar has it’s own vibe, feel and style. As long as we all look at the big picture and help each other in better understanding our craft, we should be fine. These are exciting times. Onwards and upwards!
Other than your own venue, where do you go to drink (and eat) in the city?
I like De Snoeshean a lot. The food is great and Joost & Willemijn are wonderfull hosts.
Have you got a simple trick or tip you can share that will help people make cocktails at home?
Be wary of high prices when buying fruit in supermarkets, or booze in franchised liquor
stores. Do some research. Make sure you have good ice, loads of it. Premium isn’t necessarily better if you’re throwing a cocktail party at home!
Vavoom! Grote Markt 29, 2511 BG The Hague, Netherlands
+31 70 346 75 06
gmdh.nl/vavoom