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How to Hire a Private Chef — The Complete Guide

2 April 2026 | Mark Gainford

347 five-star Google reviews

Voted "The Best Private Chef Service in the South 2025" Privilege Awards

5 Food Hygiene Rating

What Does a Private Chef Actually Do?

A private chef comes to your home (or venue, or holiday cottage) and cooks a bespoke multi-course meal for you and your guests. They handle everything — from designing the menu and sourcing the ingredients to cooking, serving, and cleaning up afterwards.

It’s the quality of a fine dining restaurant, but in the comfort of your own space. No commute, no time pressure, no competing for the waiter’s attention. Just exceptional food, served at your table, with your favourite people.

Is It the Same as a Personal Chef?

Yes — the terms are completely interchangeable. Whether you search for a “private chef”, a “personal chef”, or simply “hire a chef”, you’re looking for the same service. We’ve written a more detailed explanation in our guide to personal chef vs private chef.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Chef?

At The Dorset Chef, private dining starts from £70 to £100 per person. That’s a fully inclusive price covering:

Menu planning consultation
All ingredients (locally sourced and seasonal)
Preparation and cooking in your kitchen
Full table service with luxury crockery, cutlery, and personalised printed menus
Wine advice and pairing recommendations
Complete kitchen clean-up

There are no hidden costs — no transport fees, no staff charges, no service charge. The price depends on the number of guests, courses, and ingredient choices.

For weddings, catering starts from £85 per person.

What Occasions Suit a Private Chef?

Almost any occasion where you’d otherwise go to a restaurant — except this time, the restaurant comes to you:

Dinner parties — The most popular booking. Intimate evenings for 2-12 guests
Birthday celebrations — From 21sts to 60ths, read our birthday guide
Weddings — Boutique catering for up to 60 guests
Anniversaries — Intimate two-person dinners or larger family gatherings
Corporate entertaining — Client dinners, team celebrations, board events
Holiday cottage dining — Especially popular in the New Forest and along the Dorset coast. Read our holiday cottage guide

How to Book a Private Chef — Step by Step

1. Get in Touch

The occasion
Number of guests
The date you have in mind
Any dietary requirements
Where it’ll be (your home, a venue, a holiday cottage)

We’ll have a conversation about your favourite flavours, any must-have dishes, and ingredients you love or want to avoid. From there, we design a completely bespoke menu. Browse our sample menus for inspiration — but your menu will be uniquely yours.

3. Confirm Your Booking

Once you’re happy with the menu and quote, a £100 deposit secures your date. We confirm everything in writing so there are no surprises.

4. The Day

We arrive a few hours before service. We bring everything we need — ingredients, equipment, luxury crockery, cutlery, napkins, and personalised printed menus. We set the table, prepare every course fresh, and serve at the pace that suits your evening.

5. After the Last Course

Your kitchen is left spotless. Surfaces wiped, washing up done, everything put away. You carry on enjoying your evening.

Where We Cook

We’re based in Bournemouth and serve clients across Dorset and Hampshire:

If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just ask — we’re usually happy to travel.

How Far Ahead Should I Book?

For dinner parties, 2-4 weeks is ideal. For weddings and larger events, 3-6 months gives the best availability. That said, we can sometimes accommodate shorter notice — it’s always worth asking.

What Guests Say

With a 5.0-star Google rating from 347+ reviews, our clients consistently rate the experience as exceptional:

“It was our first experience of hiring a private chef, and wow. Amazing value, but the most incredible quality food!” — Brian Foulger

“From start to finish it felt truly special and completely effortless.” — Jen Troman

Read all guest reviews.

Ready to Hire a Private Chef?

Get in touch today and let’s start planning your menu.