How to Hire a Private Chef: 5 Steps to Get It Right
Hiring a private chef in Dorset or Hampshire is more straightforward than most people expect, and at £75 to £100 per person, all-inclusive, the cost often surprises people too. This is the complete guide to how it actually works: what a private chef does, what it costs, how to book, and what happens on the night. We’re based in Bournemouth and cook across the South Coast every week, so the answers below are specific to the UK rather than the generic American versions you’ll find elsewhere.
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: designing the menu, sourcing the ingredients, 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 £75 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 rate stays the same whether you’re hosting 8 guests or 40; what moves it inside the £75–£100 band is courses and ingredient choices. For ten worked 2025 quotes and the full UK pricing context, see how much does a private chef cost in Dorset?.
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. From 6 to 60 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
Contact us via WhatsApp, email, or the online form. Tell us about:
- 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)
2. Menu Planning
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:
- Poole & Sandbanks
- Christchurch
- Wimborne
- New Forest
- Dorchester
- Weymouth
- Lymington
- Winchester
- Salisbury
- Ringwood
If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just ask: we’re usually happy to travel.
How Far Ahead Should I Book?
We are booked well ahead, so enquire as early as you can, for dinner parties and for weddings and larger events alike. We reply to every enquiry the same day, and it’s always worth asking even if your date feels close.
What Guests Say
With a 5.0-star Google rating from hundreds of five-star Google reviews, here’s what recent guests have said:
“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.