Recruiting a permanent private chef requires careful planning to find the right fit for your household or business. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help:
1. Define Your Needs
Full-time or part-time?
Permanent or Freelance?
Live-in or live-out?
Cuisine preferences & dietary requirements
Meal frequency (daily, weekly, special events?)
2. Set a Budget
Salaries vary based on experience & location but as a rough guide:
Junior Chef: £45,000 - £50,000 per year
Experienced Chef: £50,000 - £80,000 per year
Michelin-Level Chef: £85,000 - £120,000 - per year
3. Find Candidates
Specialist Recruitment Agencies like Yuzu Private Dining, Harper Fine Dining, Tiger Private, or Eden Private Staff specialize in private household chef recruitment.
4. Interview & Trial Process
Check experience & references
Test their cooking skills - Arrange a trial dinner to assess technique, presentation, and taste.
Evaluate personality & professionalism - A private chef works closely with you, so personal fit is key.
5. Finalise Employment Terms
Contract & Salary - Define working hours, duties, holidays, and bonuses.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) - Common for high-profile clients.
Insurance & Tax Considerations - Ensure compliance with employment laws.
Would you like help finding specific recruitment agencies or job boards for your search? Fill in our recruitment enquiry form now and one of our consultants will be in touch to discuss your hiring needs.
Can I hire a private household chef on a short-term basis?
Yes, you can hire a private household chef on a short-term basis. Many private chefs offer flexible arrangements, including:
One-Off Bookings – For special occasions, dinner parties, or private events.
Short-Term Contracts/Freelance Bookings – If you need a chef for a few weeks or months (e.g., during a holiday, while your regular chef is away, or for a temporary stay).
Trial Periods – If you’re considering a long-term hire, you could start with a short-term contract to assess fit.
Many chefs are available for temporary placements, freelance days and agencies can help match you with someone suitable. Please fill out our recruitment enquiry form & one of our consultants will be in touch to discuss your needs as soon as possible.
Can I hire a private chef on a permanent contract?
Yes, you can hire a private chef on a permanent contract. This is common for households, estates, or businesses that require regular ongoing culinary services without the additional hassle of booking chefs & retraining staff constantly.
There are two main ways to do this:
1. Direct Employment - You hire the chef as an employee, providing a salary, benefits, and potentially accommodation (if required). You’ll need to handle payroll, taxes, and employment contracts.
2. Retainer or Long-Term Contract - The chef remains self-employed or part of a company but agrees to work exclusively or regularly for you under a structured contract. This can offer flexibility while ensuring consistent service.
Would you be hiring for a personal household, a business, or another setting?
How much does a private household chef cost per day?
The cost of hiring a private household chef per day can vary based on location, experience, and requirements. In the UK, typical daily rates are:
Basic/Junior Chef: £200 - £350 per day
Experienced Private Chef: £350 - £600 per day
High-End or Michelin-Star Trained Chef: £600 a £1,500+ per day
Rates depend on factors like the number of meals, serving & table setting requirements, dietary requirements, travel, and whether ingredients are included. Some chefs offer package deals for multiple days or long-term bookings.
Are you looking for a chef for a single day, a short-term stay, or something more regular?
Complete our recruitment enquiry form now to discuss your needs.
Can I book a private chef for a holiday or business trip?
Yes, you can book a private chef for a holiday or business trip. Many chefs offer travel services, whether for a weekend getaway, a week-long villa stay, or an extended business trip.
How It Works:
Short-Term Hire – A chef can cook for the duration of your trip, preparing meals daily.
Full-Time Live-In/Travelling Chef – Some chefs travel with clients, staying on-site and handling all meals.
Event-Specific – If you only need a chef for special occasions during your trip.
Costs & Considerations:
Daily Rates – Similar to household rates (£350–£1,500+ per day).
Travel Expenses – Flights, accommodation, and per diem may be required.
Cuisine & Preferences – The chef can tailor menus to your dietary needs.
Would you need a chef for a personal holiday or a corporate retreat?
Complete our recruitment enquiry form now to discuss your needs.
Can I hire a private chef just for 2 people?
Yes, you can absolutely hire a private chef for just two people. Many private chefs specialize in intimate dining experiences, whether for a romantic dinner, anniversary, or simply a luxurious meal at home.
How It Works:
The chef will create a bespoke menu tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.
They handle shopping, cooking, serving, and clean-up.
You can choose a one-off experience or a recurring service.
Cost for Two People:
Casual Dining: £150 - £300 per person
Fine Dining/Michelin-Level: £300 - £600+ per person
Would you like a one-off experience, or are you considering a regular service? Let us know in our recruitment enquiry form.
How many people can a private chef cater for?
A private chef can cater for anywhere from 1 person to 50+ guests, depending on the setup. The number of guests they can accommodate depends on factors like menu complexity, kitchen facilities, and whether they have additional staff.
Typical Capacity:
1-2 people - Intimate dining experiences with personalized service.
4-12 people - Common for private dinner parties, tasting menus, and small events.
12-30 people - Requires more prep time, often with a sous-chef or server and as such can cost more per head.,
30+ People - Usually for larger gatherings, with extra staff to assist absolutely necessary.
For bigger events, private chefs will often work with event planners, event porters, front of house staff or hire extra hands to ensure smooth service.
How many guests are you planning for? Fill out our event catering enquiry form and we’ll get back to you to help plan your perfect event.
What is a private chef responsible for?
A private chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals tailored to your preferences. Their duties can vary based on the arrangement but typically include:
Core Responsibilities:
Menu Planning – Creating customized menus based on dietary needs, allergies, and preferences.
Ingredient Sourcing & Procurement – Shopping for fresh, high-quality ingredients (or working with suppliers).
Meal Preparation & Cooking – Preparing meals to restaurant-quality standards.
Presentation & Service – Serving dishes in a professional manner (or plating for self-service).
Kitchen Clean-Up – Ensuring the kitchen is left spotless after cooking.
Additional Services (if agreed upon & charged separately):
Meal Prepping – Cooking meals in advance for storage.
Event Catering – Managing larger gatherings or dinner parties.
Wine Pairing – Suggesting or sourcing wines to match the meal.
Traveling with Clients – Cooking on holidays or business trips.
Would you be looking for a chef for daily cooking, special occasions, or a specific service? Let us know in our recruitment enquiry form.
Can I hire a diet or nutrition chef?
Yes, you can hire a diet or nutrition-focused private chef to create meals tailored to your health goals, dietary restrictions, or medical needs. These chefs specialize in preparing nutritious meals while ensuring they are delicious and well-balanced.
Who Might Benefit from a Nutrition Chef?
High-performance Executives & Business Leaders
UHNW families
Professional Athletes
People with medically recommended diets – Support for diabetes, heart health, food intolerances, or other conditions.
Vegans, vegetarians
Severe Allergy Sufferers
How It Works:
The chef will consult with you (or a nutritionist) to understand your dietary needs.
They will source ingredients, cook fresh meals, and may even meal prep for the week.
Some chefs offer ongoing services, while others can provide a one-off consultation and meal plan.
Would you need a nutrition chef for daily meals, a short-term plan, or a special dietary requirement?
Let us know in the recruitment enquiry form and one of our consultants will contact you to discuss your needs.
Comentarios