Private Chef Hire in London

A private chef in London typically charges £50 to £120 per person for a three-course meal. For a dinner party of 8 guests, expect a total cost of £400 to £960 including the chef's fee and ingredients. Fine-dining experiences and celebrity chefs can charge £150 or more per head. Most chefs have a minimum spend of £300 to £500.

Verify their food hygiene certification (Level 2 minimum), public liability insurance, and allergen management process. Ask for references or read reviews from similar events. Request a sample menu and discuss any dietary requirements. Check whether they provide all equipment or need access to your kitchen tools. For events in London flats, confirm the chef can work within your kitchen's space constraints.

Most private chefs need a standard domestic kitchen with an oven, hob, fridge, and adequate worktop space. For larger events, some chefs bring portable induction hobs or sous vide equipment. In London, where kitchen sizes vary enormously, it is important to share photos or dimensions with the chef beforehand. For venue-based events without a kitchen, some chefs can work from a prep kitchen offsite and finish dishes on location.

For Christmas and Valentine's Day, book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. For weekend dinner parties, 2 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient. Wedding catering should be booked 3 to 6 months ahead. The most in-demand chefs on Gathrd book up fast for Saturday evenings, so earlier is always better.

Yes, experienced private chefs routinely accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and allergen-specific diets. Communicate all dietary needs when booking so the chef can design the menu accordingly. London's diverse food scene means most chefs are well-versed in a wide range of dietary traditions and restrictions.