Christian Hartmann

FIVE MINUTES WITH CHRISTIAN HARTMANN

OWNER-OPERATOR OF SINGAPORE’S VASCO

Putting a touch of South America in Singapore, Christian Hartmann, co-owner of Singapore’s Vasco sat down with Drinks World to chat about how he started, his love for Latin culture and the challenges in operating a venue.

Business student turned bartender, Christian Hartmann started out his career like many others, working a part-time hospitality job during his university years. Taking on a concierge position at Hotel Fox in Copenhagen, also home to Gromit Eduardsen’s high profile cocktail bar, Hartmann became so fascinated with Gromit’s work that he began bar-backing for him. Finding his true passion behind the bar, Hartmann has gone on to work in Copenhagen, Bangkok, and Singapore, where he currently resides, and can be found behind the stick as co-owner and operator of Vasco.

Hartmann says the inspiration for opening Vasco came after a trip to South America where he felt that Singapore was missing “The Latin lust for life”. He also realised that the South American style of nightlife was an unseen experience in Singapore but had potential, and wanted to bring that experience back. Of course, having a love for rum, pisco, cachaça, tequila and mezcal certainly helped his decision in wanting to open a Latin American bar.

Opening and operating any venue is a daunting task, and Hartmann says there are a couple of key factors to consider when opening a bar, “You need allies that are going in the same direction as you. You can’t be alone, that will burn you out”. However, he’s quick to point out that you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously either, “You shouldn’t break your neck on stuff that doesn’t affect the guest experience in a positive way”. Also, and perhaps more importantly Hartmann feels that work has to be enjoyable as well, “Have fun with it, and enjoy every second even though it’s hard work”.

Fortunately, Singapore is the type of place where people enjoy trying news things, providing operators like Hartmann the opportunity to open a venue with a different concept. Basing a bar around the culture of an entire continent allows Vasco to remain fresh and contemporary with their offerings. Inside, the venue has a dark setting that is accompanied by a lively mix of Latin beats and funk, with the likes of Buena Vista Social Club playing through the speakers. Taking influence from South American culture and celebrations, they change up the menu and keep things interesting, for example serving Mexican food on Mexican Independence Day. Vasco stays true to their concept, only using fresh ingredients and Latin American spirits, focusing on Latin classics and signature serves.

Being a strong advocate for the guest experience, Hartmann also says operators need to listen to the customers and their needs, “Guests are the best indicator for whether something needs adjustment or not”. When asked about the future of cocktails and trends, Hartmann believes that simplicity is the next thing, “Over the past years there’s been a tendency to make things super complicated, from ingredients used to the visibility of the entrance of a venue. A return to simple drinks and food items done well is something that guests can appreciate and understand why a venue does it”.

Check out www.vascosingapore.com