Learn Silver Service

First of all, get in touch to book to learn silver service with us on: info@bespokebureau.com or give us a ring on +442032900142.

A silver service training set up on a previous course we did
A silver service training set up on a previous course we did

Information about our training

  • First of all, we offer silver service training for both individuals and companies.
  • Moreover, we have basic and advanced level courses.
  • Importantly to know is that all the training we do is individual which means that we come to your setting. As a result, our training is always done either in your home, your work place, your hotel, yacht or similar.
  • Furthermore, we travel to locations all over the globe to conduct our elite training classes.
  • Similarly, we have teachers available all year around and in various locations.
  • Also, the silver service training we offer is very hands on with practical elements. The reason is that silver service is a skill you need to practice over and over to get good at.
  • As a result of the above, you or your staff  will soon have the right techniques. You will be able to host any party, event, dinner or reception with perfection.
  • Finally, you get a glossy certificate which you can use for your work place if you are a hotel for example or if you are an individual, this will speak volumes when looking for a job.
    Silver service training
    Silver service training

So, what is Silver service?

  1. First of all, Silver service (in British English) is a method of food service.
  2. Secondly, this type of service usually includes serving food at the table.
  3. Thirdly, it is a technique of transferring food from a service dish to the guest’s plate from the left.
  4. Moreover, this service is performed by a waiter using service forks and spoons from the diner’s left.

Last but not least, in France, this kind of service is known as service à l’anglaise (“English Service”).“Silver service waiting originates from the manors, country seats and fine houses of the British middle and upper classes of centuries gone by. Needless to say, many people really enjoy the sense of history and grandeur that comes with Silver Service dining and in the right setting it can really add style to an event or function. Our clients all over the world, love to add a touch of old style British or French charm to their dinners, parties or events.

– Sara Vestin Rahmani

More about how to learn silver service

  • Importantly to know is that silver service is orientated for a right-handed waiter. Because of this, it’s harder for a left handed person to do silver service. Well, at least it takes more training.
  • Furthermore, the waiter stands behind the guest and to the guest’s left. Here, he or she holds or supports the platter with their left hand, and serves the food with their right hand.
  • It is common for the waiter to hold the serving-fork above the serving-spoon both in the right hand.
  • At the same time he or she would use their fingers to manipulate the two as a pincer for picking up, holding and transferring the food.
  • Obviously and as you can tell, this technique requires much practice and is not easy.
    Best Silver service training
    Best Silver service training

More on offer than our Best Silver service training

  1. We also teach table management and all other forms of service.
  2. For example, silver service has one modification which is known as butler service.
  3. In contrary to silver service, in butler service, the diner helps himself from a serving plate held by the waiter or butler.
  4. Traditionally, butler service was used on Sunday evenings when the waiting staff had the evening off and the butler helped out at dinner.
  5. In France, this kind of service is known as service à la francaise (“French service”).
    Table set up by one of our students
    Table set up by one of our students

History of Silver Service

Silver Service has been around for hundreds of years. However, you may not have experienced silver service, unless you have eaten at very high end restaurants, stayed in the best hotels or worked in wealthy homes. Silver Service originates from the 17th and 18th century in upper class Britain, and it has been admired. Moreover, it has set the bar for dining across the globe.

Service from the left

Interestingly, silver service is a method of food service that is performed from the left side. The guest right of the host or principal is served first. Interestingly, often a female. The reason is because as they are typically the most prominent guest of the principal. Then the service continues clockwise. Also, plates and glasses are cleared from the right.

So, with silver service you stand behind the guest to their left side, holding the supporting silverware with your left hand and serving the food with your right hand. This technique requires a great deal of practice and dexterity.

The host forms part of the service

Traditionally the main course at a formal dinner is roast beef, fowl or game. Significantly, this will often be served on a platter which is traditionally presented to the host for them to inspect. Moreover, they will indicate if they are happy for service to commence. On the contrary, in a hotel or restaurant, these are not presented to the host as the maitre’d will do the inspection before food service begins.

Some topics we cover include:

  1. How to deal with glasswear on the table for the duration of the meal

  2. Serving vegetables

  3. Deserts and chocolates or glaceed fruits

  4. The art of clearing the table before pudding is served

  5. Crumbing the table.

Some Silver Service Training Tips:

  1. Make eye contact if culturally appropriate.

  2. Smile.

  3. Always be well presented.

  4. Offer help with coats.

  5. Be patient and allow guests to enter and sit down

  6. Be discreet and professional and don’t get over excited by a celebrity

  7. If a guest offers you their hand to shake, you should always do so. If you are wearing gloves you should remove it and shake their hand. As a general rule, never offer your hand first.

  8. Pay attention, if you see a guest needs additional help, always offer to assist.

  9. Let the service flow. Make your greetings natural and respectful, and don’t force interactions.

  10. Read non verbal signals. If a guest is angry, upset or nervous, try and ensure they are relaxed by offering a professional service.

  11. When guests leave, smile and thank them and help them with their coats and outerwear.

  12. Offer to escort guests to their waiting vehicle if appropriate

  13. If there has been a problem, take a record of it and follow the establishments protocol.

Certificate to further your career

Of course, many restaurants are looking for staff that can effortlessly flow between casual and formal dining areas and beyond. Also, staff always offering a top level of service will build repeat customers. Importantly, our courses are designed with this simple goal in mind.

When you complete the course, you will be awarded with a certificate. In fact, the certificate will outline exactly what you have learnt. Of course, this will be invaluable for gaining employment in the future.

Last but not least, we also offer specific courses in table management training. Out of all silver service training companies, we are considered the most popular.

Thank you!

Bespoke Bureau

Phone: +442032900142

www.bespokebureau.com

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