Ahead of a double appearance at our 2024 Ibiza residency, Rob da Bank dropped in for an imaginary Virgin Mary in the hotel bar. We caught up on all the important things, including how to start the perfect hotel room party and the best hotdog you’ve never had. Read the full interview below.

First things first, what are you drinking?

Well I haven’t drunk alcohol since New Years Day so it would be something non-alcoholic. The Virgin Mary at Pikes is my current go-to drink of choice. I also have an encyclopaedic knowledge of every 0% beer on offer and the San Miguel Tostada is coming out on top at the moment.

When was the last time you went out for a drink alone?

Very good question which is puzzling my mind. I honestly can’t remember. Josie and I have been together since we were 18 (so about 33 years) and I’ve never really felt the need to drink alone. I’m often on my own travelling but (and this will sound wanky but its true) I’d rather read a book or meditate than go for a drink…

Seat at the bar or a quiet table in the corner?

Definitely a seat at the bar. Despite having paused or given up alcohol I don’t have an issue with alcohol and don’t mind being around drinkers, drunk people or bars and clubs. I’m realising that going to a pub or bar can be just as enjoyable without the hangover and I can actually remember what conversations I had and I know I haven’t repeated the same story three times which was such a cringeworthy memory the next day.

Who’s playing in your ideal hotel bar (live or DJ)?

Of course DJ Harvey on the decks. Harvey was a resident at my first Sunday Best club in south London along with Andrew Weatherall. Pretty good residents huh! Harvey, like Lord Sabre, has never left his deep love of leftfield music and sold out and isn’t scared of dropping some guilty pleasure pop alongside uber rarities.

Do you ever strike up a conversation with strangers?

Naturally. I’m actually quite shy and accidentally became a DJ and face of our festivals. I still shy away from the spotlight and would rather DJ in a dark club than in front of lots of people on a big stage, but I love talking to strangers and randoms as Mrs da Bank will attest. The amount of trouble I’ve got in from chatting to strangers is terrifying.

You can invite three people, dead or alive, to join you at the bar. Who’s it going to be?

John Peel, Michael Eavis and Kate Bush. And if Kate refuses to come out then Robert Smith from The Cure is back up. John was my accidental mentor at Radio 1 and helped me so much with my broadcasting career, Michael has inspired all mine and Josie’s festival adventures and Kate and Robert make my favourite music.

What’s your preferred bar snack?

I just got back from Ibiza where I had a chicken hotdog with asparagus and chilli. Sounds revolting but was lush!

What would be your opening track for a late night hotel room gathering?

Penguin Cafe Orchestra – Air A Danser

Any other hotel fun facts or stories you would like to share?

I spent a lot of time at the Manumission Motel back in the day but I’ll keep those stories for my book! Josie and I love hotels but since we had 4 kids we evidently have to be a bit cautious about having 2 or 3 rooms so they’ve become a rare treat these days. Playing poolside at Pikes every Sunday this summer is probably the best people watching experience right in the heart of one of the most iconic hotels in the world!