The Savoy’s Carpenter Hammers Away to Make the Storied Hotel Instagrammable

Sam Beer’s workday is often a study in extremes. As The Savoy hotel’s in-house carpenter in London, there are, of course the tasks you’d expect: expanding a custom TV cabinet for a suite; performing general maintenance; and even somewhat obscure guest relations requests, like crafting a custom set of steps for guests who find the bed just slightly too high off the ground. But alongside the quotidien, there is the fantastical. Like the time he built a 15 foot installation inspired by a British fairground ride to serve as the centerpiece for the hotel’s Christmas decor. Or creating the considerably smaller “Savoy Bee n’ Bee” to attract honeybees as part of the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Then there's making candlesticks as a gift for couples who are staying in the hotel for their fifth anniversary (when the traditional gift is wood) as well as collaborating with the floral and pastry departments on a massive fondant-covered birthday cake to honor the iconic luxu