What We’ve Been Watching: Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel
When I started watching this BBC show on Friday, I thought it was going to be something like Grand Designs infused with elements of The Apprentice; big ideas and much hiring, firing and yelling. And it was all those things, but there was something else – some magical component that made me actually interested to see how this all works out…
And I suspect it’s because of the charisma of the man at the centre of the whole shebang, Mark Fuller.
The programme follows Mark as he oversees – and in large part, finances – the building of a luxury hotel in London’s Soho. It’s to be a rock ‘n’ roll themed hotel for which no expense is to be spared in kitting every nook and cranny out with luxury and contemporary fixtures and fittings. And in Friday’s first outing of this show, the build was months behind schedule and the only light at the end of the tunnel was in fact a financial oncoming train…
With the original budget all but a tiny speck in the long gone distance and costs spiralling ever upward, I couldn’t help but get sweaty palms as I watched Mark and fellow investor John going over the figures and seeing the word RUIN writ large but invisible on a spreadsheet.
Again, I’d expected to dislike Mark and his grand idea of building a hotel in which celebs and stars would hang out in lavish luxury while the rest of us schmucks are struggling to pay our mortgages every month. But it’s nigh on impossible to dislike the man.
In theory, he should be a sleazy git; a bit Stringfellowish, given he’s the owner of a club where any female over a size 8 probably won’t get in, but he’s really not. And for the main part, I spent most of the show willing the guys and girls who were building his hotel to just hurry up and get on with it, because Mark had everything he owned on the line because of it.
Another rather surprising thing about Mark is that aside from his business persona, he’s a pretty average family man, and that made him more endearing. The show was being filmed over Christmas last year and – just like husbands up and down the country – we saw Mark digging out decorations and inflating gaudy Santas and snowmen.
However, Christmas was not bringing in the amount of money it usually did at any of Mark’s ventures, which included a club and a small country hotel. He was facing the possibility of cutting back on staff in the New Year, and it was a prospect which he clearly wasn’t comfortable with.
But, when it came to decisions about Sanctum – the name of the new hotel – Mark wasn’t prepared to accept compromise. His project managers complained that many of the delays were caused by Mark changing his mind over the layout and adding or taking away from the original plans. His financial controller said that someone else who’d had his job had committed suicide and his interior designer was trying very hard to convince him that the wallpaper he’d spent £15,000 on – to cover just nine rooms – was in fact a good idea when Mark wanted it pulled off and replaced.
It truly was addictive viewing and I cannot wait for next week’s show. And, being one of those people who sometimes just has to read the last few pages of a book before the rest of it, I Googled Sanctum and found it… Here’s the website for the hotel, and it certainly does look stunning.
I tried to click on the Reservations link to see what it costs to stay at Sanctum, but I was taken to an error page. I could call I guess, but that feels a bit mental…
Anyway, if you missed it, you can see it on iPlayer here, and it’s definitely worth watching.
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I totally agree, but I thought the accountant guy was really good, and that bulder project manager, Kevin was excellent too, dont you agree?
I do Kevin, I do
Lynn
Very good write up though. Yours, not mine. Next week I am sure will be even better. The hotel does look stunning now it is finished. Obviously all down to good management of the project while it was being built, Kevin I think his name was:-)
Thank you kind Sir for your kind words about the write up… I think it’s fair to say you and your team did a brilliant job! It really does look awesome.
If I win the lottery, I’ll come down and stay in Sanctum and let you know what I think of the place. You’ll be able to sleep nights then
It really isn’t that expensive. A crash pad starts from £150, but you can spend £4000 if you want the whole of level 5. Was it that obvious that it was me then?
Ah, but you think it’s cheap-ish because you Southerners earn more than us Northerners… I nearly choke if I have to pay £50 a night!
And yeah, it was obvious, but only because as an admin, I get to see your email address
Really though, you did all do an awesome job. I was very impressed!
Kind words all round. I will be looking out for your write up next week. I really dont know what they will show, but I do know that is is thrilling viewing for anyone.
It really is – if only to see how that brilliant project manager does such a grand job! Same time next week then
Oh yes, what a grand job he does. Same time next week.
Hi, I watched it and thought it was thrilling TV. Agreed, Kevin was good, but that Mark is a real character. I can’t wait for the next installment.
What was the name of the builders who built it?
Long Sufring and B. Hinde I think
Now that is funny.
We aim to please
I so totally agree that the show is one of those- show me more now- addictive programmes.Like to see a bit more of that cutey Mick too..the builder chappy. Mark came across as a well-liked thoroughly nice guy. Am waiting with anticipation for episode 2 this week..love it love it love it !!!
A wonderful show with suspence and you just have to love Mark. He just gets up and goes and nothing will compromise his work on the hotel. Everything has to be right, which is good since you might end up spending through the nose for it. A great show. Should film more of Marks business ventures for furture shows.
OOOOOH episode 2 did not disappoint..on the edge of me chaise-longue.Full of tension, drama and comedy.Kev’s mush when he was explaining away the beds’ imminent arrival..Mick’s resigned, head- in- hands distraught quip ‘Every day’s a bad day on this site’.Must mention the chap from the old school doing the doors..fantastic viewing all of it. Mark’s wife is a super girl..she was positive about the job, and rightly so ‘cos next week we see the finished article, and from what I’ve seen on Sanctum’s webby it is absolutely gorgeous.Be sorry to see it end.Just a thought..B.B.C, – why not follow up with another one .
[...] week’s episode was every bit as good as last week’s, if not better in fact. One of the major high points for me was a brief appearance by Huey Morgan [...]
Dear Glenda
Lovely comments. So glad you’re enjoying the series, but sadly there are no plans for a second, unless there’s someone out there that will let Mark spend £8million of their money. The finished product is now up and running and really is a “rock n roll” hotel! However, you will not see on Friday a quote from me that finished up on the cutting room floor (perhaps just as well!!) ” If you’ve enjoyed the show half as much as we’ve enjoyed making it, then Mark Fuller has enjoyed himself twice as much as you!!”
Enjoy episode 3
David Aston
Financial Controller – Sanctum Soho
David, I can’t believe they left that quote out of the show! It’s a corker
And I must add that you seem to be an incredibly sanguine man in the face of horror and panic. What are you on??
Dear David,
Thanx ever so for your personal e.mail which was forwarded to me.
Wish I could have seen your comment they edited out.You made me laugh David with your laid back persona when all was going haywire.
Sanctum is lucky to have you my dear, you know your job so well.
I loved the last episode again…the party went with a bang, but didn’t see Kev’s partner.I thought the very pretty girl with Mick must have been his though..beautiful hair.So sorry that was the last one…you do realise you knocked Wossy off his slot lol, would much prefer to watch rock n roll hotel any day.Thanx for the laughs. xx
Forgot to say thanx to Lynn-lovely to be able to chat about progs.
that interest you.Well done hunny bun xx
Thank you Glenda, I’m so glad you enjoyed my reviews. The latest – and lamentably, the last – review is on Primetime now
All the best, Lynn
Lynn, do e.mail me if you have another prog. to review, I’ve enjoyed this so much.
All the best hun xx
Thank you Glenda for your kind interest
You can see my reviews of shows every weekday on Primetime and of course, the ‘What We’ve Been Watching’ on Sundays.
Thanks again, Lynn
Dear Glenda
Sorry I didn’t reply earlier to your very kind comments (once again) on August 15th. I have just returned from a much needed summer holiday with my family. Although there is rumour that i’ve been away receiving psychiatric treatment from working too long with Mark!!
Anyway, I’m so glad you enjoyed the show.You never know,we may return some other day.
God Bless & good luck
David Aston
Sanctum Soho