A day in the life…of Head Doorman, Peter Sweeney

Hats off to our Head Doorman

Tipping his bowler hat, holding the door wide and welcoming you to The Goring has always been Head Doorman Peter Sweeney’s pleasure. But did you know he’s been greeting guests for over 60 years? Plenty of time for him to perfect a few good (and a few slightly wicked) habits…

Better than ever

As spritely as ever, these days Peter prefers to gently encourage the younger porters to take the heavier cases and to sprint after the black cabs, while he holds forth on the steps with his jovial manner; many guests' first impressions of The Goring are determined by our twinkly-eyed doorman, and he loves nothing more than to hear the welcome cry of “Peter! You’re still here!”

Everyone’s favourite 

Peter Sweeney could write a book about all he’s seen, but he swears he could never possibly spill that tea. All he’ll reveal is that the 70s were a whirl of naughty shenanigans swinging through The Goring doors, from misbehaving MPs to audacious actresses. He once accompanied Jean Simmons for a drink in the pub, Elizabeth Taylor took a liking to his blue eyes and more recently he advised a famous actor on where to go for a proper pint of Guinness.  Peter’s duties often extend outside of the hotel – driving guests to the Cotswolds, shopping in the West End or accompanying them to the Royal Albert Hall.

A font of knowledge 

Naturally, Peter was on duty “by special request of the palace” when we welcomed a certain commoner on the eve of her marriage into the royal family.  And when he had to take a leave of absence due to illness, guests and staff alike were delighted at his return. A black car with a police escort sidled down the road outside the hotel, and the Lord Chancellor stepped out to say “Lovely to see you back, Peter.” Today, he’s still a font of all Goring wisdom and even has a cocktail named after him. Ask for a “Mr Sweeney” at the bar and perhaps Peter will join you for a swift sharpener. 

Come by and say hello to Peter Sweeney next time you’re in town. He’ll be delighted to see you.