Personal Chef Pricing — What Does It Cost to Hire a Chef?
Transparent pricing for an exceptional dining experience.
Our private chef experiences range from £75 to £100 per person, covering everything from menu planning, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients to full table service, wine advice/pairing and kitchen clean-down.
Every booking is bespoke — there are no set packages or hidden costs like transport, staff, booking fee or service charge.
The price depends on the number of guests, the day & date(s), number of courses, ingredients and menu choices.
We'll always provide a clear, detailed quote before you commit to anything.
Once the budget, date, time & menu has been agreed, to confirm the booking date we ask for a £100 deposit.
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 — larger groups often benefit from a lower per-person cost
- 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 anniversary dinner | 2 | 5 | £180–£220 |
| Milestone birthday | 6 | 4 | £450–£540 |
| Dinner party for friends | 8 | 3 | £600–£720 |
| Family gathering | 12 | 3 | £900–£1,080 |
Larger groups benefit from economies of scale, so the per-person price sits at the lower end of the £75–£100pp range. Smaller, more intimate dinners tend to fall at the higher end. 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 six to 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 £480 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 it cost to hire a chef in Dorset?
Our personal chef experiences range from £75 to £100 per person, depending on the number of guests, 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 guests, the number of courses, ingredient choices (e.g. lobster or wagyu will be at the higher end), and any special requirements. Smaller, more intimate dinners tend to be at the higher end per person, while larger groups benefit from economies of scale.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
We cater for as few as 2 guests. Intimate dinners for couples are one of our most popular bookings — perfect 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. Every guest receives an equally exceptional meal at no extra cost.
What about wedding pricing?
Wedding catering starts from £85 per person, depending on the menu, number of courses, and whether you'd like canapés, evening food, or the full day covered. We offer a complimentary tasting session for wedding bookings. Contact us to discuss your plans.
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. Whether you're searching for a personal chef or a private chef, you're looking for 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.