20+ Bookings in less than 6 Months. How yhangry Turned Chef Simon into a Private Dining Powerhouse
Six months ago, Chef Simon made the leap from traditional kitchens to becoming a private chef — and it’s safe to say, he hasn’t looked back. With nearly two decades of experience behind him, including time as head chef at a top gastropub, he was no stranger to high standards or long hours. But the move to private cheffing has transformed not just his career, but his life.
Simon’s story mirrors a growing trend we’re seeing at yhangry: chefs with years of professional kitchen experience are choosing flexibility and better pay over the hustle of traditional hospitality. And like many, it all started with uploading that first menu on yhangry.
From Gastropubs to Guest Homes
Simon’s culinary journey started young — he was already working in kitchens by age 15. Over the years, he built up a solid CV: hotels, weddings, banquets, and gastropubs. But even with all that experience, the lifestyle was beginning to take its toll.
“Now, I’m earning in a single evening what I used to make in a whole week, but it’s not just about the money — it’s about being home in the evenings, having more time with my wife and kids. That’s something I never had in the restaurant world.”
We’ve seen this echoed across yhangry chefs who’ve left full-time kitchen jobs. Many say they’re now working fewer hours but enjoying more fulfilling, creative work. It’s not uncommon for chefs on our platform to replace their full-time salaries within a month of consistent quoting — especially during seasonal peaks. Simon’s experience is proof that the leap pays off.
Starting on yhangry as a private chef
Chef Simon joined yhangry in November, and like many chefs starting out, the first few weeks were quiet.
“I was sending out 50 quotes, and maybe getting 5 bookings,” he says. “But Chef Mike gave me great advice. He told me to improve my profile, be patient, and keep quoting.”
That mentorship paid off. Simon reworked his profile, added over 15 varied menus, and made them flexible — unpriced, so he could quote depending on the customer’s budget. He also prepped for seasonal demand, learning from early missteps.
“I missed the Christmas rush, but I was ready by January.”
What’s powerful about the yhangry community is how chefs uplift one another. Simon isn’t alone — our chef network often mentors new joiners, helping them fast-track their success. The most successful chefs on yhangry tend to follow the same blueprint: attractive menus, regular quoting, and being responsive. These small tweaks can double your booking rate.
A Week in the Life of a Private Chef
A typical week for Simon might include 1–3 bookings over the weekend, with prep beginning midweek. He organises his prep across multiple days if there are different menus involved and brings his own pans, crockery, and knives to every job — because no two kitchens are ever the same.
“Being organised is everything,” he says. “I treat it like running my own business, not just showing up and cooking.”
This “business owner” mindset is something we see time and time again in chefs who succeed on yhangry. They take ownership of their schedules, presentation, and even branding. Several former sous chefs and head chefs have shared how empowering it feels to run their own calendar, build repeat clients, and even increase their average order value just by adjusting their setup.
“Go For It”: Advice for New Chefs
For chefs thinking about giving private cheffing a go, Simon’s message is clear:
Whether you're hosting a special celebration dinner, looking for a chef during your holiday or weekly meal prep, we will match you to the perfect chefs.
Start here
- “Go for it.” Starting your private cheffing journey can be daunting, but taking the first step is key.
- “It’s tough at first.” Expect challenges — getting quotes out, perfecting your profile, and updating menus can feel overwhelming.
- Consistently keep updating your profile and refining your menu to attract potential clients.
- “You need to get your quotes out.” The more quotes you send, the higher your chances of landing a gig.
- Stay persistent — momentum is key. Keep going, even if things are slow at the beginning.
- “Once the momentum kicks in, it’s 100% worth it.” The hard work pays off, and your schedule will start to fill up.
Now, Simon is booked most weekends, doing what he loves on his own terms — and finding time for the things that matter most.
And he’s not alone. Dozens of chefs on yhangry are rewriting what success in hospitality looks like — replacing burnout with balance, and still doing what they love. Whether you’re fresh off a Michelin-star kitchen or running a local café, yhangry is where more and more chefs are turning to make their next chapter their best one.
- What is private cheffing and how does it work?
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Private cheffing involves cooking for individuals or small groups in their homes or at events, rather than in a restaurant. Chefs usually customise menus, shop for ingredients, and offer a tailored dining experience. Platforms like yhangry help chefs find consistent private dining gigs without needing to hustle for clients themselves.
- How do I become a private chef with no existing client base?
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You don’t need to know high-profile clients to get started. Platforms like yhangry connect chefs directly with customers looking to book private dining experiences, handling everything from marketing to payments, so you can focus on the food.
- Can I make more money as a private chef compared to restaurant work?
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Yes, many chefs report earning more as private chefs, especially when working through platforms like yhangry where you can set your own rates, get repeat bookings, and avoid the late nights and high stress of restaurant kitchens.
- Do I need formal training to become a private chef?
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While formal culinary training helps, it’s not always required. Many yhangry chefs come from varied backgrounds — from self-taught cooks to ex-sous chefs. What matters most is your passion, reliability, and ability to deliver a great guest experience. However, chefs do require some basic qualification. Read more here.
- How flexible is the private cheffing lifestyle?
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Private cheffing offers unmatched flexibility. With platforms like yhangry, you can accept or decline jobs based on your schedule, allowing for a better work-life balance — whether you want to work weekends only or take on full-time bookings.
- What kind of events can I expect to cook at as a private chef?
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From birthday dinners and hen parties to anniversary celebrations and luxury holidays — private chefs on yhangry see a wide range of events. It keeps things exciting, and no two gigs are the same.
- How can I stand out as a new private chef?
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Great food is essential, but being punctual, friendly, and communicative goes a long way. Platforms like yhangry also allow chefs to showcase their menus, reviews, and photos, helping you build a strong reputation from day one.
