Cheeky butlers titillate local party circuit guests

Loneliness on Valentine's Day is no longer an option for singles, thanks to Butlers in the Buff .

With only months of service under their belts, the naked men have managed to add a bit of cheeky fun to dinner parties and other special occasions in South Africa.

Originally from the UK, the franchise provides clients with butlers dressed in nothing but smart collars, cuffs, bow ties and aprons.

Director Kobus du Toit said the butlers were the perfect addition to any celebration and are sure to make events truly memorable.

"Whether it is serving champagne and canapés, top-up drinks, start a braai, or open the door and greet guests on arrival - we do it."

Du Toit, 31, who worked as a butler in the UK, opened the company's first African franchise in March last year in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria.

He said South Africans have warmed up to the idea of having half-naked men serve them.

"We are professional, sophisticated, fun and a good-taste alternative to strip acts. We don't aim to shock or embarrass guests. In short, we are charming, innocent and just a little cheeky," Du Toit said.

Kiefer Trench, 25, said he came across the franchise while looking for a part-time job late last year and loved the idea of working naked.

Said Trench: "I love women and love taking my clothes off. It is the perfect way to show off my body and interact with new people."

While many people did not mind the minimal uniforms, Du Toit said the butlers wore black trousers at clients' request.

He said on their Valentine's Day walkabout in Long Street in Cape Town and Sandton in Johannesburg, the butlers would wear black boxers while showing off their "six-packs".

"The purpose of the walkabout is to market our services and give chocolate hearts to every special lady out there to help them embrace their lives and enjoy all the bonuses that come with being single," Du Toit said.

Butlers in the Buff have served at birthdays, kitchen parties, corporate events, girls' nights in, gay events and bachelorette parties.

Natasha Mansour, from Johannesburg, was impressed by the "quality" and "maturity" of the butlers who served at a bridal shower she organised last year.

"They looked great and were able to work the crowd without me having to baby-sit. They did not once fail to entertain and participate."

Capetonian Marsha Adonis said the butlers made their ladies' night the best one ever.

"They were loads of fun, friendly and got the party started. I was really pleased with the service and will use them again in future, as well as recommend their services to others," Adonis said.