From palace to park: New Weston Park butler has royal seal of approval

Barry Fairhurst, aged 41 of Worcestershire, has worked for some of the finest houses in the country, including a position held in the Royal household.

From the Palace to the park, he will now be taking on a position that has been central to the running of Weston Park, in Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal, since the country house was built in the 17th century.

Mr Fairhurst was a butler at Buckingham Palace from the tender of age of just 21. He got the job in 1997 after responding to an advertisement in a magazine. After what he describes as an ‘extensive interview process’ though he'd had no formal training he was appointed.

Describing his time at the palace, Mr Fairhurst said: “The main aspect of the job is tending to a person’s needs, and primarily, knowing what is needed before the person even knows what they need.”

Mr Fairhurst’s duties included handling and cleaning items of gold and silver, as well as day to day duties in and around the Palace.

He said: “Every day had to be run with military precision. It was vital that you knew the family’s schedule for the day, where they would be at certain times and what they would require at different points in the day. It was and remains very much a job of logistics – ensuring you are where you need to be and where you are expected to be.” Many of the skills he learned at his 18 months at the Palace will help him in his role at Weston Park.

He added: “It is the same job in a way – catering for a diverse range of people, needs and requirements – making sure that those needs are met whether that be on an individual or corporate level.”

The head butler admits that there is an ongoing fascination with jobs such as his.

He said: “People are very interested in what being a butler or indeed head butler is all about, particularly following from programmes like Downton Abbey.

"My lodgings are somewhat different to those of Charles Carson - I have my own private lodge in the grounds of the house!

"If people are interested in becoming a butler, I couldn't encourage them more - there are several traditional butler schools still operating that would be an ideal place to start."

Asked if he had any anecdotes from his time at the Palace, Mr Fairhurst said: "Her Majesty's favourite tipple was a gin and Dubonnet - although I couldn't tell you how many I served her in my time."

His appointment follows the move into private service by Graeme Currie, who had held the post for 10 years. Like Graeme, Barry’s name will be added to a celebrated list of head butlers who themselves become part of the colourful history of Weston Park.

As well as working in service, Mr Fairhurst’s career spans all aspects of front of house, events and catering. He has previously held positions at establishments such as Scott’s Restaurant in Mayfair and The Elms manor house in Worcestershire.

The ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford, Weston is owned and maintained by the Weston Park Foundation.

Colin Sweeney, chief executive of the Weston Park Foundation, said: “Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying one of our dine and stay breaks, our guests are here to relax and unwind. Barry will be here to offer all our guests the warmth and hospitality that Weston is renowned for and, with his excellent experience, I know that he will be a wonderful addition to the team."