Once the clock struck 7 p.m., the lights dimmed and the room fell quiet. Both screens — one large at the front of the room, plus a smaller screen above the bar — flicked on, perfectly timed so not a single chat was missed from the islanders.
Especially the chat between Nic and Olandria (aka Nicolandria), which had all thirty attendees erupting in cheers.
Last week, a Thursday night at The Olive Tiger didn’t have a line twenty-deep outside the door or thirty women (and a few men) sipping Love Island-themed cocktails as they patiently awaited another episode of the show.
The Olive Tiger opened last year as a hair salon, high-end cocktail bar and barbershop all in one. Now, it’s also home to the first bar in Denver to host Love Island watch parties.
“Shelby (Renee), a bartender at the Olive Tiger, posted one TikTok about a Love Island watch party, and it kind of blew up,” says Amanda Lawlor, hairstylist and owner of The Olive Tiger.
“I’m always down to try anything new and show people we’re more than just a hair salon,” Lawlor adds. “And the video got way more traction than anyone thought.”@shelbyreneexoxo LETS GO DENVER!! 🏝️🤍💫👀 @The Olive Tiger | Denver Salon #denver #denvercolorado ♬ Came Here for Love - Sigala & Ella Eyre
Last Saturday, nearly forty people showed up to watch an episode live and in person. “The crowd was really great,” Lawlor says. “Lots of girls were there to make friends and watch a show that they love.”
Jessica Ramos attended Saturday and loved it so much that she brought a few friends back with her on Thursday. She could have had them over to watch at her place, but she loves the community vibe of reality show watch parties. “I used to attend Survivor watch parties and just loved the collective cheers,” she says.
“Watching with other people lets you feel affirmed in your reactions to things,” agrees her friend, Nicole Chavarria. And when Nicolandria shared their first not-in-a-challenge kiss? The room decided: #TeamNicolandria.
Jessica Ramos, right, attended Saturday and loved it so much that she brought a few friends back with her on Thursday.
Chelsey Dequaine-Jerabek
But even with Love Island wrapping up, Lawlor is just getting started with watch parties. Love is Blind Denver is supposed to drop this fall, and she definitely plans on airing it.
“Hosting these watch parties is so fun and provides such a positive, communal experience," Lawlor says. “It brings the community together to hopefully give everyone a chance to forget about everything terrible happening in the world, at least for a little bit.”
“Watching with other people lets you feel affirmed in your reactions to things,” says Nicole Chavarria.
Chelsey Dequaine-Jerabek
Vamos to the villa. We’ll see you there.
Open to exploring new connections? Meet some “hot new bombshells” at The Olive Tiger every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for new Love Island episodes. Seating is limited, so arriving before 6 p.m. is encouraged. Episodes start promptly at 7 p.m.
