Tuesday 24 September 2013

Day a superstar asked for removal of all yellow M&Ms

Richard Williams
Keeping the likes of global superstar Mariah Carey happy and content is all in a day's work for Richard Williams. When it comes to meeting the exacting standards of the world's rich and famous, no one does it better than Richard, a former pupil of St David's High School, Wrexham.

Richard lived in the town until the age of 18 before he moved to London to pursue a career in the hospitality. Now 43, he is a highly experienced concierge in the hotel industry. Richard is the unflappable go-to man who ensures everything runs as smooth as the finest silk, with guests receiving sumptuous service which delivers complete customer satisfaction.

Richard makes sure some of the world's hottest celebrities are kept happy, no matter how unusual the demand. Speaking to the Leader about some of his most memorable moments as a concierge, Richard remembers an occasion when he was working at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington and Mariah Carey came to stay.

Richard was involved in preparations to ensure all her requests were met to the letter - including providing a fruit bowl filled with M&M sweets. Nothing particularly unusual in that you might think, except just one thing - staff were informed Ms Carey didn't want any yellow confectionery.

"A porter and I went through the sweets making sure that all of the yellow ones were taken out," said Richard. Asked if he knew why the singing superstar didn't want yellow M&Ms he diplomatically replied: "I think it was a personal preference."

One of Richard's proudest moments involved him coming to the aid of the Wales Rugby Union squad when they stayed at the Royal Garden before a match. Officials from the WRU approached Richard saying they quickly needed a number sewing on the back of one of the team's shirts.

Like lightning Richard arranged for a seamstress to attend and sewed the number on, ensuring it was strong enough to meet the challenges of test rugby. "I was delighted when they gave me a signed rugby ball as a thank you for helping them," said Richard.

Richard is currently head concierge at the Royal Horseguards Hotel and has been nominated for the title of London Concierge of the Year. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 7.

Richard still has family in Wrexham and is planning to visit his home town before Christmas. "I do go back to Wrexham, but not often enough," he said. "I love my job and I have been lucky enough to have worked in some of London's top hotels over the years."

(News North Wales)



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