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 BasingHow he accidentally discovered the Apollo HotelLife managing one of the town’s best-known independent hotelsThe hidden history of the Apollo siteSupporting community groups, charities, expos and Chamber eventsWinning Business in the Community and Place to Be Proud Of awardsHospitality stories featuring Bill Clinton, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lady Gaga and moreJelly-Bean Gate at Trent Bridge (yes, really!)Gaelic football, coaching at Basingstoke Rugby Club, and local sportHeavy metal, Slayer, Megadeth and Paul’s eclectic music tasteWhy Basingstoke’s future is bright—and the magic button waiting to be pressedPaul’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.
