Private Chef Hire in London

A three-course dinner costs £50 to £120 per person. For a dinner party of 8 guests, total cost is roughly £400 to £960 including the chef's fee and ingredients. Fine-dining tasting menus with premium ingredients can reach £150 per head. Most chefs have a minimum spend of £300 to £500. Clarify whether ingredient costs are included or billed separately — it makes a big difference.

Food hygiene certification (Level 2 minimum), public liability insurance, and how they handle allergen management. Ask for references or read Gathrd reviews from similar events. Request a sample menu and discuss dietary requirements early. Check whether they bring their own equipment or need access to your kitchen tools. For London flats — where kitchen sizes range from spacious to genuinely tiny — share photos or dimensions with the chef so there are no surprises on the night.

A standard domestic kitchen with an oven, hob, fridge, and decent worktop space covers most chefs. For larger events, some bring portable induction hobs or sous vide equipment. In London, where kitchen sizes vary from grand Kensington kitchens to galley kitchens in Dalston flats, sharing your space details beforehand is essential. For venue-based events without a proper kitchen, some chefs prep offsite and finish dishes on location.

For Christmas and Valentine's Day, book 6 to 8 weeks ahead — these dates fill up fast. Weekend dinner parties need 2 to 4 weeks' notice. Wedding catering should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance. Saturday evenings are always the first to go, so the earlier you enquire the better your choice of chef.

Experienced London private chefs handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and allergen-specific diets routinely. London's diverse food scene means most chefs are well-versed in a wide range of dietary traditions. Communicate all needs when booking so the menu can be designed around them from the start rather than retrofitted at the last minute.