What Exactly Does a Private Chef Do?

One of the questions I get asked the most is:

“So… what exactly does a private chef do?”

And honestly, I get it. The idea of having a chef turn up at your house, cook a restaurant-quality meal, serve it, and clean up might feel a bit bougie or mysterious. But the truth is—it’s much more relaxed (and more personal) than you might think.

Here’s what actually happens when you book a private dining experience with me at Chef at Home.

It All Starts with a Quote (But Not Just a Price)

Once someone gets in touch and asks for a quote, I don’t just send back a number—I send a full proposal. That includes three curated menus to choose from: Relax, Celebrate, and Indulge.

Each one is designed for a different kind of evening. Maybe it’s a hen night with the girls, a family birthday, or just an excuse to treat yourselves to a proper good meal at home. I’ll suggest the menu that best suits your event and your budget, then we tweak it together. Want to swap an ingredient? Add a course? Go completely bespoke? No problem.

The Extra Touches That Make It Yours

Once the menu’s sorted, we chat about the personal touches. This is where it gets fun.

Maybe you want a special celebration cake or a few canapés for guests to enjoy as they arrive. Maybe someone’s got a favourite dish you’d love to include—or you’re planning to pop the question and want dessert to help set the scene. These little extras help make the experience completely unique to you.

The Prep: Behind the Scenes

The day before your event, I do what I call the messy prep.

Think: reducing stocks, making pasta dough, prepping anything that takes time to develop deep flavour. All the fiddly bits are done ahead of time so that on the day, I can focus on finishing everything fresh—right there in your kitchen.

I usually arrive two hours before service to get set up, fire up the oven, and get into the flow. If you’re staying in a holiday home or entertaining for a group, it’s often the perfect time for everyone to go get showered, changed, and ready for the evening while I crack on with the cooking.

And On the Day?

You don’t lift a finger.

I cook, I plate, I serve—and yes, I clean up after too.

You just sit back, enjoy, and make memories with your guests. It’s like going out to a fine dining restaurant… except you don’t have to leave the house.

So, What Does a Private Chef Do?

I bring the restaurant experience to you. I help you relax. I make sure you can celebrate without stress. And if you’re after something a bit extra? You’re welcome to indulge.

That’s what Chef at Home is all about.

Want to book your own private dining experience?

Have a look at the menus or get in touch to start planning something special:

www.chefathome.events