Hiring a Private Chef at Home: What to Expect
From the menu conversation to the last plate cleared: how a private chef evening works, what you need to provide, and what it typically costs.
By Sharonelle, Founder & Events Director
· 3 min read
How a private chef evening works
- The conversation. You talk through the occasion, guests, tastes, allergies and the feel of the evening.
- The menu. The chef proposes a menu, often several courses, and refines it with you.
- Shopping and prep. The chef buys the ingredients and does much of the preparation in advance.
- Arrival. The chef arrives a few hours before guests to set up and cook in your kitchen.
- Service. Each course is cooked, plated and served, by the chef alone or with serving staff for larger groups.
- Clear-up. The kitchen is cleaned and everything is put away before the chef leaves.
What your kitchen needs
Most home kitchens work well. Your chef will usually ask about:
- Your oven and hob: how many rings, gas or induction
- Fridge space for ingredients before and during the evening
- Counter space for plating
- How many plates, glasses and cutlery settings you have, and whether they should bring tableware
- Parking or loading near the house
If your kitchen is small or you're hosting a larger group, some chefs bring extra equipment, or prepare more in advance.
What a private chef costs
These are market ranges from published UK private chef guides and marketplaces, to help you budget. They are not House of Nelle's prices.
| Type of evening | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner party, multi-course | £55 to £100+ | Smaller groups usually cost more per head |
| High-end tasting menu in London | can exceed £150 to £200 | Premium ingredients, more courses |
Check what's included: ingredients, serving staff, tableware hire, wine pairing, travel and clean-up can each be included or extra. Many chefs also set a minimum spend.
Occasions that suit a private chef
- Milestone birthdays and anniversaries
- Engagement dinners and pre-wedding family meals
- Client and business dinners at home
- Celebrations where guests would rather not go out
- Holiday and festive dinners
Choosing a private chef
- Where have they cooked, and what style of food do they cook best?
- Will they design a menu for you, or offer set menus?
- Do they bring serving staff, and how many for your group?
- Can they handle every dietary requirement at the table?
- Do they hold food hygiene registration and public liability insurance?
Our private chefs trained at kitchens including The Savoy, the Michelin-starred Labombe by Trivet and The Ivy, and cook across London, Mayfair, Hertfordshire, Surrey and Essex. See also our dinner party catering.
Questions answered
How much does a private chef cost in the UK?
Marketplace guides put private chef dinners at roughly £55 to £100 or more per person, with high-end tasting menus in London costing more. Check whether ingredients, staff, tableware and clean-up are included.
Does a private chef clean up afterwards?
Usually, yes. Most private chefs leave the kitchen clean and everything put away, but confirm it when you book.
Do I need a big kitchen for a private chef?
No. Most home kitchens work, as long as there's a working oven and hob, some fridge space and room to plate. Tell your chef about your kitchen when you book.
Sources for prices
Price ranges are typical market figures from these published guides, not House of Nelle's prices. Always get written quotes.