Checking-in with Patrick O’Donnell

This month we enjoyed a colourful conversation with Paddy O’ Donnell who shared his many interior insights garnered over the last 14 years as Farrow and Ball’s Global Brand Ambassador. Working within and around various creative industries has always been in his blood; previous positions have included specialist painter, florist, cook, assistant director in film & TV and of course, interior design. Today, besides his design consultancy work for F&B, he is the face of their social media platforms, answering customers’ queries online and in person, as well as hosting their popular podcast The Chromologist. Considering parts of The George are virtually held together with F&B paint, we were delighted to catch up with him this month for our Design Ideas series – and trust they made him feel at home!

https://www.farrow-ball.com/the-chromologist/podcast

What brings you to The George?

My partner Paul & I were heading off to Gascony via Le Shuttle, so I thought why not kick off “les vacances” in Rye? Removing traffic stress getting to the shuttle, plus having a lovely day to mooch around the charming town.

What is your earliest hotel memory?

Absolutely The Lygon Arms in Broadway. Our parents used to take us there for Sunday lunch (when children were seen & not heard). It always felt a treat and very old school, with roasts coming out on the silver trolley and carved at the table.

What is the best/most important part of staying away in a hotel for you?

Hopefully to unwind. I am the worst sleeper, so resigned to the fact that even with the best linen and deep goose down feathers, my sleep will probably be intermittent at best. But as I work in the design world, I want to be surprised and delighted by the interiors and details and also good lighting so I can read in bed.

What are you currently reading/binge-watching/listening to?

Both of us are having a Ngaio Marsh moment – a contemporary of Agatha Christie but she is such a brilliant writer and superb at character-driven plots- dare I say a better writer than AC!!! Re TV, totally fell in love with Widow’s Bay – hilarious and creepy and top drawer acting.

Besides The George, which hotel would you most like to check out?

I am desperate (and will hopefully go in the next 2 years) to visit Alcuzcuz in Andalucia. It’s a design pilgrimage due to the interiors by Jaime Parladé, which are exquisite. Everyone I know who has been totally falls in love with it.

Do you have a hotel lobby/lift story to share?

My mother being kissed by the one & only Frank Sinatra when we were staying at The Waldorf Towers in NYC. Quite a moment- she was unbearable afterwards.

What is your favourite feature in The George?

The food was utterly delicious but totally smitten with the glorious sail cloth used on the walls in the restaurant, so chic and clever.

Hypothetically, who would you most like to discover is a fellow guest?

David Sedaris – love that guy.

What helps you get to sleep at night? (Keep it clean!)

Audio books.

My secret Rye discovery is…

Alas, not a secret but I made my first visit to McCully & Crane which was a huge treat. I’ve bought stuff from them in the past but never visited in the flesh. It didn’t disappoint.