How Much Does a Private Chef Cost in Dorset?
£75–£100 per person, all-inclusive. No transport, staff or service charges added.
We are booked well ahead, so enquire as early as you can. We reply to every enquiry the same day.
A private chef in Dorset costs £75 to £100 per person, all-inclusive. Private dining starts at £75pp; wedding catering at £85pp. The figure on your quote is the figure you pay: no transport, no staff fees, no booking fee, no service charge.
What that £75–£100 per person actually covers
Menu planning, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, full table service, luxury crockery, personalised printed menus, and complete kitchen clean-up. Everything except the drinks.
The exact private chef cost depends on the number of guests, the date, the number of courses, and your ingredient choices. See the worked examples below for typical totals. Wedding bookings include a complimentary tasting session.
We'll always provide a clear, detailed quote within 24 hours before you commit to anything. Once the date, time, and menu are agreed, a £100 deposit secures your booking. For the longer-form cost breakdown with ten worked 2025 quotes and the UK-wide pricing context, see our full private chef cost guide for Dorset.
Every Experience Includes
Private Dining
From £75pp- Bespoke multi-course menu
- Locally sourced Dorset ingredients
- Seasonal canapés on arrival
- Full table service
- Luxury crockery & table settings
- Personalised printed menus
- Complete kitchen clean-up
Weddings
From £85pp- Everything in Private Dining, plus:
- Complimentary tasting session
- Canapé reception service
- Wedding breakfast (multi-course)
- Evening food options available
- Wedding planner coordination
- Flexible venue catering
Celebrations
From £75pp- Birthdays, anniversaries, milestones
- Bespoke menu for the occasion
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Full table service
- Luxury crockery & table settings
- Personalised printed menus
- Complete kitchen clean-up
What Affects the Price?
The final price per person depends on a few factors, all of which we'll discuss with you before providing a quote:
- Number of guests: helps us plan format and timings; at larger numbers the format may move to a sharing feast rather than a fully plated menu
- Number of courses: from a 3-course dinner to a 7-course tasting menu
- Ingredient choices: premium ingredients like lobster, wagyu, or truffles sit at the higher end
- Location: we're based in Bournemouth and serve across New Forest, Sandbanks, Weymouth, and wider Dorset & Hampshire
- Occasion: weddings with tasting sessions and full-day coverage are priced accordingly
What Does It Actually Cost?
Every quote is bespoke, so these are ballpark figures, but they give you a realistic sense of total spend for common occasions. All totals include food, locally sourced ingredients, full table service, and complete kitchen clean-up. No transport, service charge, or hidden fees.
| Occasion | Guests | Courses | Ballpark total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intimate dinner party | 6 | 5 | £450–£600 |
| Milestone birthday | 12 | 4 | £900–£1,200 |
| Dinner party for friends | 25 | 3 | £1,875–£2,500 |
| Large celebration | 50 | 3 | £3,750–£5,000 |
The per-person price within the £75–£100pp range depends on menu complexity, ingredient choices and courses, not guest numbers. At larger numbers, the format may move to a sharing feast rather than a fully plated menu. For a personalised quote tailored to your occasion, get in touch.
Private Chef vs Dining Out: How the Cost Compares
A quality restaurant in Dorset for a group of eight, with a tasting menu, wine, service charge, and taxis both ways, quickly reaches £100–£150 per person. And you're sharing the space with other diners, keeping an eye on the clock, and competing for the waiter's attention.
A private chef dinner for the same group at £80 per person is £640 all-in: bespoke food cooked around your tastes, served at the pace that suits your evening, with your own home as the setting. No background noise, no bill chase at the end, no washing up the next morning.
The headline per-person figure is similar. The experience is not.
Pricing FAQ
How much does a private chef cost?
A private chef typically costs £75 to £150 per person. At The Dorset Chef, our private dining experiences start from £75pp and wedding catering from £85pp, all-inclusive. The price covers menu planning, locally sourced ingredients, full table service, and complete kitchen clean-up. There are no transport charges, staff fees, or service charges on top.
How much does it cost to hire a chef in Dorset?
Our personal chef experiences in Dorset range from £75 to £100 per person, depending on the number of courses and menu complexity. This includes everything: menu planning, locally sourced ingredients, preparation, cooking, full table service, and complete kitchen clean-up. Get in touch for a personalised quote.
What affects the price?
The main factors are the number of courses, ingredient choices (e.g. lobster or wagyu will be at the higher end), and any special requirements. At larger guest numbers, the format may move from a plated menu to a sharing feast.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
We cater for 6 to 60 guests. Intimate dinner parties are one of our most popular bookings, for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a special evening at home.
Do you charge extra for dietary requirements?
No. Catering for dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies) is part of what we do, at no extra cost.
What about wedding pricing?
Wedding catering costs £85 to £100 per person, all-inclusive, depending on the menu, number of courses, and whether you'd like canapés, evening food, or the full day covered. We cap at 60 guests and include a complimentary tasting session. Full breakdown, worked examples and the planning timeline are on our boutique wedding catering page.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, once the budget, date, time and menu have been agreed, a £100 deposit secures your date. The remaining balance is due before the event. We'll confirm all the details and costs in writing before you commit to anything.
Are drinks included?
The price covers food, service, and clean-up. We can recommend wines to complement your menu, but drinks are arranged separately. We're happy to advise on pairings and quantities.
Is a personal chef the same as a private chef?
Yes, the terms are completely interchangeable. A personal chef and a private chef are the same service: a professionally trained chef cooking a bespoke meal in your home. At The Dorset Chef, we offer both personal and private chef hire across Dorset and Hampshire.
How much is a private chef in Bournemouth?
Our private dining experiences in Bournemouth start from £75 per person. As we're based right here in Bournemouth, there are no additional travel costs. The price includes a bespoke multi-course menu, locally sourced ingredients, full table service, and complete kitchen clean-up.
What does a private chef cost in the New Forest?
Private chef hire in the New Forest ranges from £75 to £100 per person. We cook across the entire Forest: Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Burley, Beaulieu, and beyond, and holiday cottage dining is our most popular booking. The price covers everything from menu planning to kitchen clean-up.
Ready for a Quote?
Tell us about your occasion and guest numbers. We'll send you a personalised quote within 24 hours.