The Birth of a Butler

People often ask me what my background is when I'm working as a butler - whether I’m ex-military, where I’ve trained etc.   I think what they're really asking is “How did you end up as a butler”

In reality, it’s not down to what I wear or spending time at a Butler School. I will normally point to the experience I have gained after 33 years working in and around hospitality and events, especially since 2014 when I took the step to full time freelancing, initially in the London area and latterly the West Midlands.  I run bars for the National TV Awards, served Doctor Who, served drinks and food from the River Thames to the top of London sky scrapers.  Every job I’ve done, every venue I have attended have added to my knowledge and experience, from canapes at the Ritz to awards nights at the Bulgari in Knightsbridge – the list is long and quite varied!

In reality, it goes all the way back to when I was 18 and started my first ever job in hospitality.  It was as a barman in a “squaddie pub” – the nearest pub to the local barracks which was more popular than their on-base facilities!

A busy pub, with a mix of soldiers and locals very quickly teaches you to develop a thick skin and leaves you hard to scare!  I learned how to talk to people at their level, using their language which is not a skill taught in schools or on degree courses.   It is a more important lesson than how to open champagne properly (although of course I can do that as well!).  This has served me well when diffusing conflicts – conflict which sometimes arises from a simple difference in communication.  One person’s “banter” is another’s insult.  Experience, presence and tact all go a long way…

 

So what makes me a Butler?  

Years of experience, wealth of experiences.  Meeting people and learning about people, from people.  Add to all of that a passion for looking after people and making every single experience a great one.