Sandra Love: “At the Bingo Brunch, players are part of the show”

The most rambunctious Bingo in New York is now in Barcelona. And it's here to stay. Just two weeks have been enough for this activity, part of the Seagram’s New York Hotel event, to make its mark on our city's leisure activities. And what's so special about it? Well, it's an experience where singing lines or bingo is the least of it. The show is the game itself. It's not for nothing that it's considered the most fun trend in New York.

To start with, and as its name suggests, Bingo Brunch is a show where the audience enjoys an exquisite American brunch between each call: Eggs Benedict, New York waffle sandwich, and for dessert, a breakfast bowl, a tasty bowl of yogurt with muesli, seeds, fruit, and a cookie. And while the balls keep rolling, a DJ livens up each round and a special hostess sings the numbers in a 360º experience where the audience actively participates at every moment of the show. And all of this, accompanied by delicious cocktails by the hand of Dear Irving and the best live music.

One of these hostesses is Sandra Love, who after emerging from the Bermuda Triangle and touring the Big Apple has landed in Madrid, from where she has reached Barcelona, winning over the audience at the Hotel 1898 with each of her performances. You would think she has only been in this role for a week.

So you were born in Bermuda...

Indeed, right in the very triangle.

And do you currently live there?

No. I now live in Madrid.

And where does your connection with New York come from?

From when I lived in Bermuda. I used to go to New York a lot. For us, it's like the backyard garden, because it's only an hour and a half by plane and there were always travel deals to go shopping in the morning and return at the end of the day.

When did you start acting as a host for these kinds of experiences like bingo brunch and why?

Well, it's been a week...

You don't say! It seems like you've been doing it forever!

In a way, my relationship with bingo has indeed always been there. My mother was very fond of it for as long as I can remember. She always took me and my siblings with her. In fact, she still plays.

What do you think makes this bingo different from the classic bingo you knew and most people are familiar with?

A standard bingo is rather boring. That's why we try to liven things up a bit here, add some flavor and cheer up the game. And the people who participate, while they're enjoying brunch, are relaxed enjoying the day, they get excited with the games we do, and they take a shot or two that we give them, they have a great time. That's the difference! We turn the players into participants of the show.

The role of the audience is fundamental for the success of the show. Is it difficult to get them involved?

Fortunately, so far people always come with a good attitude and ready to enjoy themselves. The role of Officer Buck is essential for people to feel at ease. It's great because he puts people where they want to be. From there, the atmosphere relaxes and...SURPRISE! That's my cue (laughter).

What do you think is the most fun part of Bingo Brunch?

The part with the shots is very lively, because everyone always wins and they're also Seagram's, which is delicious, and so everyone ends up happy.

What do you like most about Barcelona?

Overlooking the fact that I am from Real Madrid (laughs), I must say that Barcelona is a great city, very cosmopolitan and modern.

Have you ever been to the Hotel 1898?

Not at all. It's the first time and I love it. Also, all the employees and people working here are wonderful and special.

I suppose you have already met La Isabela

Of course! Those views are wonderful and the cocktails are delicious. Everything related to Seagram's I love... Besides, the bartenders are very generous... and very handsome too!

And if you had to make a 100% Barcelona brunch, what would the ingredients be?

Without a doubt, there would be some fideuá somewhere, as I see it's very popular here. And of course, bread with tomato, which is so popular.

What would you say to those who have not yet tried this experience?

Don't miss out! You have until July 14th, and it will continue to be fabulous, so those who haven't come, take advantage!