Butlers In The Private Household

The role of butler has changed dramatically over the years.

A ‘modern’ butler encompasses the traditional household duties such as table and drinks service, wardrobe management, and more, but also offers more adaptable skills which may extend to personal assistant duties, cooking, and event organizing.

Clients today look for multi-skilled and proactive individuals to step into the shoes of the butler of the household.

A head butler will be required to organize and delegate duties to a team of butlers and may also be required to take on responsibility for other household staff, carrying out security, driving, and overall hospitality duties.

Butler positions can often be similar to that of a household manager; however, it is worth noting that a household manager will also generally take responsibility for overseeing the smooth running and overall upkeep and maintenance of large properties and private residences. Responsibilities here may include supervising staff, ensuring that high standards are maintained, administration and managing budgets, negotiating with—and managing—third-party suppliers, event planning, and sourcing property.

The skills of a butler will vary widely depending on the clients’ needs, but the typical responsibilities and duties of the role are:

• Ensuring a smooth drinks and table service for principals and their guests

• Liaising with chefs and the kitchen on service and menus

• Organizing social and family events

• Caring for the household’s guests and visitors

• Serving wines and other drinks (often butlers will be qualified sommeliers or mixologists!)

• Serving refreshments and meals

• Caring for silver, china, antiques, and other specialist items

• Taking on duties of a valet, chef, housekeeper, nanny, pet minder, gardener, or chauffeur if required

A butler in a private household is a very rewarding and varied job. This role is so important to the smooth running of a large private home and all events that happen within them.

To become a butler, you can certainly start in a junior private household service position or within a fine hotel and work your way up. Alternatively, you can enroll in many butler courses for formal fine dining and silver service training.