Latest news with #Oops!IBoughtAPub
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts says 'I failed on every level'
Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts has been working to transform a rural Welsh pub into a tourist destination, but the building is still in dire need of renovation Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts openly confessed to hitting rock bottom in his latest endeavour, as he struggles with the mammoth task of converting a down-at-heel Welsh pub into a holiday hotspot. Currently faced with the enormous challenge of refurbishing the rural Hendrewen Hotel in Rhondda Valley, the premises are far from ready, with parts of the building close to collapse. Once confident that a two-year timeline and a £500,000 budget would suffice to revive the eight-bedroom inn, 61 year old Roberts now finds himself dealing with major delays two years into the renovation. Speaking to The Sun, he shared: "I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been." He candidly admitted: "I'll be honest, it's the first commercial property I've ever done. There have been lots of residential houses and flats, but commercial properties have a lot more complications." Roberts estimates that the project is about "60%" complete and remains optimistic that the work will "come together really quickly" as he approaches the home stretch. His goal is to have the doors open by next Easter at the absolute latest, subject to overcoming hurdles such as planning permission related to local flood risks. The TV personality recounted the numerous obstacles he's encountered, saying there were "lots of hoops to jump through", and initially finding the building plagued by slanted walls, collapsing windows, and bats roosting in a leaking roof, reports the Express. In a surprising twist, Roberts revealed he hadn't even shared the news with his wife Kirsty about purchasing the dilapidated pub while in Wales recuperating from a heart operation. The local watering hole is set to become the star of a ten-part ITV documentary series next year, cheekily titled Oops! I Bought A Pub. Taking inspiration from Jeremy Clarkson, plans are afoot to dangle a Rolls-Royce upside down from the dining room ceiling, mirroring the chrome tractor feature at Jeremy's establishment, The Farmer's Dog. Guests will have the chance to stay in one of the venue's eight uniquely themed bedrooms, each named after different TV shows and designed with an "individual feel". There's also a new bar and restaurant in the works for the property. The pub aims to bring about 30 jobs to the area, including a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs will impart their knowledge to the youth. And for those with musical aspirations, there will be a stage area to showcase their talents.
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Homes Under the Hammer star admits 'I have failed' in sad announcement
Homes Under the Hammer star admits 'I have failed' in sad announcement Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts has been facing huge setbacks on his new project. Homes Under the Hammer presenter Martin Roberts confessed to a crushing defeat in his latest endeavour, stating he has "failed on every single level". He is currently attempting to transform a rural Welsh pub, the Hendrewen Hotel in the Rhondda Valley, into a tourist attraction. However, two years into the project, the building remains in a dire state, with the rear of the property crumbling. Initially, Martin estimated the renovation would take two years and £500,000 to complete, but he has since faced numerous setbacks with the eight-bedroom property. In an interview with The Sun, the 61-year-old explained: "I'm still smiling but, oh my word, what a challenge it's been." Homes Under the Hammer star admits 'I have failed' in sad announcement (Image: ITV ) Article continues below Race Across the World stars Sioned and Fin share relationship update after almost calling it quits READ MORE: Martin admitted that this is his first commercial property renovation, and the process has been far more complicated than his previous residential projects. He believes he is approximately 60% of the way through the renovation, and is hopeful that the final stages will progress quickly, with the aim of opening the property by next Easter. However, the star is currently navigating the complexities of planning permissions due to the risk of flooding in the area, reports the Express. The BBC star has brought a pub in Wales (Image: BBC ) Martin described the numerous hurdles he is facing, stating there are "lots of hoops to jump through". When he first purchased the property, it was in a state of disrepair, with "cock-eyed" walls, "every single window falling down", and bats nesting in the leaky roof. Notably, Martin did not even inform his wife Kirsty that he had bought the derelict pub while he was recovering from a heart operation in Wales. The pub will be the focus of a ten-part ITV documentary series next year, titled Oops! I Bought A Pub. The star's renovation journey will features in a ITV documentary series (Image: BBC ) Taking inspiration from Jeremy Clarkson, there are plans to suspend a Rolls-Royce upside down from the ceiling in the dining room, mirroring Jeremy's pub The Farmer's Dog which has a chrome tractor suspended from its roof. The establishment's eight bedrooms will be available for guests, each named after TV shows and designed with a unique feel. There are also plans for a new bar and restaurant within the property. The pub aims to employ around 30 local individuals, and will feature a teaching kitchen where celebrity chefs can impart their knowledge to the younger generation. Additionally, it will include a stage area for aspiring musicians to showcase their talent. Article continues below Homes Under the Hammer is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
