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Paul Fearon - Apollo Hotel
In this lively and eclectic episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBAC) “Amazingstoke” Podcast, host Mark Jones sits down with long-time friend and respected hotelier Paul Fearon, General Manager of the Apollo Hotel.
Paul shares his 10-year journey at the independent, family-owned Apollo Hotel, his deep roots in the Basingstoke community, and the surprising history of the hotel site—from its days as the Mercury and even earlier as a cinema that once screened Star Wars and E.T.
From community impact to business awards, local partnerships, chamber life, and Basingstoke’s ever-growing potential, Paul offers a heartfelt look at what makes the town—and the people—special. And in true Amazingstoke fashion, the conversation takes delightful tangents involving Bill Clinton, Rod Hull and Emu, Gladiators’ Wolf, test cricket jelly-bean controversies, heavy metal, Gaelic football, and the joys of coaching youth rugby.
A warm, funny, surprising conversation that shows exactly why Paul is such a valued member of Basingstoke’s business and ambassador community.
What We Talk About
- Paul’s journey from Ireland to Old Basing
- How he accidentally discovered the Apollo Hotel
- Life managing one of the town’s best-known independent hotels
- The hidden history of the Apollo site
- Supporting community groups, charities, expos and Chamber events
- Winning Business in the Community and Place to Be Proud Of awards
- Hospitality stories featuring Bill Clinton, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lady Gaga and more
- Jelly-Bean Gate at Trent Bridge (yes, really!)
- Gaelic football, coaching at Basingstoke Rugby Club, and local sport
- Heavy metal, Slayer, Megadeth and Paul’s eclectic music taste
- Why Basingstoke’s future is bright—and the magic button waiting to be pressed
- Paul’s final message: support local and be inspired by those who “walk the walk”
Key Quotes
“There’s something in the water that keeps us here.”
“It’s all about supporting our town and making ourselves better by helping each other.”
“Everyone in Basingstoke has a story connected to the Apollo.”
About Our Guest
Paul Fearon is the long-standing General Manager of the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke. A proud Irishman, community advocate, Chamber of Commerce stalwart, youth rugby coach and heavy-metal lover, Paul has spent a decade helping the hotel become a true hub for local business, events, and partnerships.
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By Destination BasingstokeIn this lively and eclectic episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBAC) “Amazingstoke” Podcast, host Mark Jones sits down with long-time friend and respected hotelier Paul Fearon, General Manager of the Apollo Hotel.
Paul shares his 10-year journey at the independent, family-owned Apollo Hotel, his deep roots in the Basingstoke community, and the surprising history of the hotel site—from its days as the Mercury and even earlier as a cinema that once screened Star Wars and E.T.
From community impact to business awards, local partnerships, chamber life, and Basingstoke’s ever-growing potential, Paul offers a heartfelt look at what makes the town—and the people—special. And in true Amazingstoke fashion, the conversation takes delightful tangents involving Bill Clinton, Rod Hull and Emu, Gladiators’ Wolf, test cricket jelly-bean controversies, heavy metal, Gaelic football, and the joys of coaching youth rugby.
A warm, funny, surprising conversation that shows exactly why Paul is such a valued member of Basingstoke’s business and ambassador community.
What We Talk About
- Paul’s journey from Ireland to Old Basing
- How he accidentally discovered the Apollo Hotel
- Life managing one of the town’s best-known independent hotels
- The hidden history of the Apollo site
- Supporting community groups, charities, expos and Chamber events
- Winning Business in the Community and Place to Be Proud Of awards
- Hospitality stories featuring Bill Clinton, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lady Gaga and more
- Jelly-Bean Gate at Trent Bridge (yes, really!)
- Gaelic football, coaching at Basingstoke Rugby Club, and local sport
- Heavy metal, Slayer, Megadeth and Paul’s eclectic music taste
- Why Basingstoke’s future is bright—and the magic button waiting to be pressed
- Paul’s final message: support local and be inspired by those who “walk the walk”
Key Quotes
“There’s something in the water that keeps us here.”
“It’s all about supporting our town and making ourselves better by helping each other.”
“Everyone in Basingstoke has a story connected to the Apollo.”
About Our Guest
Paul Fearon is the long-standing General Manager of the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke. A proud Irishman, community advocate, Chamber of Commerce stalwart, youth rugby coach and heavy-metal lover, Paul has spent a decade helping the hotel become a true hub for local business, events, and partnerships.