Over a year ago, The Dorchester Hotel
(
http://www.thedorchester.com/) became one of the
last leading hotels in London to start offering
exceptional Butler Service. I am reliable informed
that the great Jonathan Pritchard has helped
introduce a refined Butler service to The Dorchester's
9th floor. The question many might ask is, “Why did
it take so long for one of the world’s leading hotels to
offer the service?” Whilst visiting The Dorchester
four years ago, I asked this very question, "Why no
Butler department?”
The interesting thing is that Mr. David Renton, who
was Bars manager at The Dorchester back in the 80's,
visited and worked in many leading hotels in Far
East Asia during the time that The Dorchester was
closed for it's major refurbishment. When he
returned to London in 1990, he brought back a huge
knowledge of Butler Service offered in many hotels
there. Subsequently he helped open the
Lanesborough Hotel, and introduced Butler Service
there with Mr. Paul Pritchard and Mr. Robert
Watson. Mr. Watson went on to set up The English
Guild of Butlers. Later in 1991, when The Dorchester
eventually re-opened, Mr. David Renton returned
there for a short time. I personally believe that The
Dorchester Hotel missed an opportunity at that time
and should have introduced Butler service, using Mr.
Renton's expertise. Instead, they waited until 2007 and
in those 16 years, most of the world's leading hotels
had rolled out their own version of Butler services in
every style and denomination. Still, waiting 16 years
may have been beneficial after all: knowing The
Dorchester as well as I do, I can confirm they have
most definitely rolled out an exquisite, Rolls Royce
version.
The butler team is led by Head Butler Mr. Paul
Pritchard, who has looked after royalty, presidents and
aristocracy from around the world. Formerly a Senior
Footman at Buckingham Palace, Mr. Pritchard has such
an encyclopedic knowledge of etiquette and
impeccable valeting skills that he could “out-butler”
Jeeves. Having also previously worked as a butler at
other five star hotels, he is accustomed to taking care of
guests' demands no matter how last minute or
seemingly impossible. Whether it's planning a surprise
dinner, packing numerous suitcases or tying a formal
kimono, Paul remains cool, calm and collected. In
short, he is the quintessential British butler at the
quintessential British hotel.
In the months to come, I would be interested to hear
from members across the globe about new Butler
openings and butler service innovations, so that we can
keep each other informed and learn from one another.
Those wanting to become Master Butlers could do no
worse than apply to leading hotels around the world,
since the training, education and first class mentoring
offered by many, as well as the exposure to royalty,
celebrities and the elite of society, will ensure you gain
enormous confidence and experience which will last
you your whole career. (That is, as long as you ensure
you complete your apprenticeships and don't leave too
soon before you have learned your craft, because we
don't want any more half-baked Butlers who spoil our
reputation and spoil our credibility!)
Best wishes as always from London,
Wayne Fitzharri s
Director Global Search International &
The International Guild of Butlers & Housemanagers
Contact Mr. Fitzharris via email at
wayne@globalsearchint.com
