Along with his vivacious brother Francis, hotelier John Brennan has helped to transform hotels, B&B's and guesthouses across the country thanks to their RTÉ show 'At Your Service'. John took time out of his day job and TV presenting to talk to RTÉ.ie about the hit show, his brother and the future of the Irish hotel industry.
Taragh Loughrey-Grant: How did 'At Your Service' first come about?
John Brennan: The production company contacted us and I stood up the Executive Producer three times for a meeting! On the fourth appointment we met and it went from there.
TLG: How would you describe the show to anyone who has yet to watch it?
JB: It offers the owners of hospitality establishments such as hotels and guesthouses the opportunity to have a critical analysis of their business by professionals, while everything is recorded for a TV show.
TLG: In this season of 'At Your Service' we're seeing you step out from behind Francis to take the limelight more, which is great – was this a conscious decision?
JB: No it was never really discussed. It's funny, as in real life our roles are the direct opposite but in the show I am the 'money' guy which I think is hilarious. I suppose the shows this year may have more emphasis on the financial and marketing side of things as opposed to a makeover.
TLG: On the surface you and your brother Francis seem very different, is that the case?
JB: People say Francis is like our mother while I am more like our father. I think we think the same way as we rarely disagree on the direction a business should go. That question might be better put to someone who knows us, as we don’t spend time analysing each other!
TLG: What were you both like growing up?
JB: There is 13 years between us so we didn’t really grow up together. Francis left home when I was 8 to work in hotels around Ireland. So until I went to Kenmare 14 years ago, we never actually saw that much of each other! He was however always good natured which is something everyone who knows him will tell you.
TLG: The show has become very popular – do both yourself and Francis get asked to sign autographs?
JB: Francis more than me. It is a strange feeling. We were together in Orlando in October last year and even there we were stopped many times. Its nice that people enjoy the show and the smallest of details is what they comment on. 'Did you see the picture on the wall in such a house?' or 'That fellow made my blood boil!' are the kind of comments. It's great that it's so popular and it appears to attract all age groups.
TLG: Does the show's popularity help or hinder your daily life/job? How?
JB: Business wise it helps greatly but you tend to spend a lot of time talking which is not a problem for Francis or I!
TLG: On the show, audiences get to witness some of the dire straits hospitality organisations have landed themselves in. What was the most shocking or dirty scenes that you were faced with?
JB: It’s funny because what we see as dire is not what the viewer often takes up on. It’s like building a house - the foundation is the most important thing but the buyer only sees the walls decorated and looking beautiful. We are often shocked at the foundations, because if they are wrong we are going nowhere long-term.
TLG: Despite the recession, many people feel that numerous Irish hotels are still over-priced. What's your view on this?
JB: I am not sure if that is correct. It is a very complex question not easily answered. Is a short answer I would say on an international scale, Irish hotels are 30% cheaper that their counterparts.
TLG: If you could pick your five dream hotel and dinner guests who would you choose?
JB: Richard Branson, for a dynamic business view;
Christina Ong, as a boutique hotelier; David Collins, to discuss design and trends; Bryan Ferry, to play the piano and coon and Jonathon Ross, just to make a mess of it all!
TLG: If you and Francis had the opportunity to help 'Fawlty Towers' (the original TV series starring John Cleese) what would you do?
JB: Shoot Basil!
TLG: A couple of pop-culture questions for you:
Angelina (Jolie) or Jennifer (Aniston)? Why?
Jennifer as she wouldn’t melt in front of the fire.
Peter (Andre) or Katie (Price/Jordan)? Why?
Neither I would be happier on my own.
TLG: Favourite restaurant?
JB: A little place called Cloudy Bay in Greenane. A window table overlooking the water with a bowl of spaghetti and a bottle of Chianti. Bliss.
TLG: What are your three biggest tips for anyone running their own guest house or B&B?
JB: Know why people choose to stay with you. Provide the best facilities and service you can to suit their needs. Travel to see other places and market yourself every minute of every day.
TLG: Do you prefer holidays at home or abroad? Why and where?
JB: This year we stayed in Ireland and loved every minute of it. We went to the Volvo Ocean race in Galway and then rented a house in Baltimore. We did not see a drop of rain either week and the kids said it was the best holiday they have had.
TLG: What are the key future trends in the B&B/guesthouse and hotel industries respectively?
JB: Our key is our people and our hospitality and we need to market that better. We have a unique product and we have to focus on the positives and market them. 'Ireland' is an extremely strong brand and we should make it a compelling experience to visit NOW. It’s the call to action that is vital. We are so lucky to have a real product and not have to build one like Dubai and other places with no soul.
'At Your Service' is on RTÉ One on Wednesdays at 7pm.
