Introduction
Here at Bradley House we know from long experience that being a first class butler is reliant on good common sense, a practical & adaptable nature, a strong work ethic and a degree of patience.
If you possess these qualities and have an interest in private service and the advantages it can offer to the right person, then you are already a long way toward becoming an accomplished butler, our course will then simply provide you with all of the practical skills as well as the protocol & etiquette required to enable you to begin working successfully and competently in this field.
The tuition covers everything that will normally be expected within a wide variety of differing households.
Practice is undertaken daily in the traditional, formal manner of food and wine service, a main meal of four courses being prepared by our cook and students attending to every step, and all the associated conventions, of each particular meal served, from cleaning the silver and laying the table right through to passing the Port.
At other times talks and practical demonstrations are given on various subjects; knowledge of wine, keeping basic household accounts, valeting & laying out of clothes, carving of meats & fish, responsibilities attached to security and privacy, correct forms of address et al.
The duties of a butler today can vary considerably from one household to the next, but when one is acquainted with the correct and formal manner of service then it is easy to disseminate this ability downward should you subsequently secure a position in a less traditional or less formal setting.
With this in mind we also teach useful skills such as the mixing of various cocktails, we cover basics of housekeeping and we also supply information and guidance related to the personal assistant role that is encompassed by most modern butlers.
After completing the course a formal certificate confirming your attendance will be sent out to you, this will include a pass, credit or distinction grading based on observations whilst you are with us.
A uniform will be provided during your stay, our online booking form requests details of your sizes and the uniform is then placed in your room ready for your arrival, we ask that you bring your own long sleeved plain white cotton shirts, single or double cuff, and a pair of suitable black leather shoes.
Ladies wishing to attend the course are naturally very welcome, but are requested to email us for guidance on the uniform required.
If you have any questions to which you cannot find the answer on this site please email us and we will respond directly.
Sincerely,
Mr. A. Haynes (Principal)