It is a familiar face to many TV viewers: that of Victor Abeln, aka bartender Victor First Dates. Earlier this week it was announced that he would be leaving the program, and more than a thousand people have already indicated that they would like to fill his spot. But what makes a good television bartender? Abeln will explain it personally Sophie & Jeroen.
He is assisted by TV tappers Monica Tijdink (Top 2000) and Mylou Frencken (With the Knife on the Table) each sharing their lessons.
Bartender Victor leaves First Dates
But the TV cast lines are “not all suitable for bar work,” says Sophie & Jeroenpresenter Sophie Hilbrand left. Abeln certainly did not expect the commotion surrounding his departure. “I’m just really looking forward to traveling with my girlfriend,” he explains about his future plans. „The show must go on, so I’m happy to hand over the spot behind the bar. I fit the role after 7 years and 4000 dates. I also have no illusions that I am the only one who can do it.”
How did Abeln get the spot behind the bar? First Dates actually got? “I was simply taken away from another catering establishment, where I even had you at the bar,” he says to Hilbrand.
Sophie & Jeroen about TV bartending
Hilbrand is curious about what his position is First Dates makes it so special. “You meet all kinds of people,” says Abeln. “The youngest are 18 and the oldest was 91. I think it’s great that they are people from all walks of life. I always say: love is just the hook we hang it on. Ultimately it’s about validating someone, allowing someone to be and letting that shine through.”
According to him, it is a very “weak concept”, two people who do not know each other and have a bite to eat together in a restaurant filled with cameras. But according to the bartender, this gives you “the chance to see the human being.”
‘No knowledge of alcohol at all’
If you asked Abeln for any drink, he would know what it was and how to make it. According to Hilbrand, this is different in the case of TV bartender Frencken, who has been with TV for 27 years With the Knife on the Table is visible. “Being a real bartender is not for me,” explains Frencken. “I’m much too slow and dreamy for that. And I have no knowledge of alcohol at all and I am not interested in it.”
Even the program’s tap has been decommissioned because “I couldn’t handle it.” Now, according to Frencken, there is a can from which she pours. There was also a period when she delivered drinks, but that was not a success. “That made me irritated. Then there was someone in the audience who gestured that his glass was empty. You do understand that it’s a goddamn role, right?”
‘Swiss army knife, but with a corkscrew’
Monica Tijdink has been working at the same bar since 1978 and has been with the bar since 2004 Top 2000 behind the bar. “If all goes well, I have a lot of experience, yes.” Tijdink finds it special that she sees the different generations passing by because of all those years behind the bar. “My youth is there, but also that of many others.” Does Tijdink not want to take over Abeln’s role? “No, that bow tie doesn’t suit me.”
What do you ‘must have’ to be a good TV bartender or woman? Abeln passes this on to his possible successor: “You must have genuine interest, general knowledge. You are constantly switching gears. It’s like being a Swiss army knife, but with a corkscrew.”
You can watch Sophie & Jeroen again via NPO Start.
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