How much is a private chef in the UK

If you need a chef for occasional assistance or a specific event, you can hire them on an hourly basis. Typically, the hourly rate ranges from £30 to £50. This fee generally covers meal preparation and cooking but does not include travel or accommodation expenses.

For those requiring a chef over multiple days, such as during a holiday, daily rates can vary significantly. Expect to pay between £250 and £2,000 per day, depending on the chef’s experience, the number of guests, and the complexity of the menu. This rate usually encompasses the chef’s time for meal preparation, cooking, and cleanup. It’s crucial to confirm whether the cost of groceries is included in this fee.

The most common method of hiring a chef is through platforms like Yhangry. On average, clients spend around £700 for a group of 10 when hiring a private chef through these platforms. Unlike traditional hourly and day rates, prices quoted by chefs on yhangry typically include the cost of groceries for your selected menu.

If you’re considering hiring a private chef on a more permanent basis (full-time or part-time), the annual salary can vary widely. On average, a full-time private chef in the UK may cost between £30,261 and £48,547 per year, depending on their experience and the range of services they provide.

Let’s understand the cost breakdown in detail.

When hiring a private chef, the total cost often includes several components:

When considering hiring a private chef, it’s essential to understand the various factors that influence their costs. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that can affect pricing:

The experience level of the chef plays a significant role in determining their rates. Chefs trained in Michelin-starred restaurants often command higher fees due to their prestigious backgrounds and culinary skills. For instance, while some chefs may have a minimum spend of £250 per event (including groceries), those with more experience may set higher minimums of £2000. On average, customers spend around £700 for an event serving 10 people, which is approximately £70 per person.

The nature of the menu significantly impacts pricing. For example, a finger food buffet typically costs less per person than a multi-course dinner. A chef might charge a minimum of £40 per person for a buffet-style event, but the cost could easily rise to £100 or more for a sophisticated 5-course dinner. This variation reflects the complexity and preparation involved in different dining experiences.

The service style you choose can also influence costs. Plated meals, where each dish is individually served to guests, often require more time and effort compared to shared platters or buffet-style meals.

A plated 3-course meal may cost around £70 per person, as the chef must prepare the food, plate each dish, and manage the timing of service. In contrast, a sharing-style 3-course meal, where dishes are served family-style, might cost £50 per person, as it requires less individual plating and allows for a more relaxed dining atmosphere.

The size of your guest list directly impacts the overall cost of hiring a private chef. Average prices range from £54-£120 depending on group size

Areas with higher living costs and greater demand for culinary services often see increased rates. Hiring a private chef in London may cost significantly more than in a smaller town. In London, you might find chefs charging upwards of £200 per person for a high-end meal, while in a rural area, the same service might be available for £90 per person due to lower demand and cost of living.

The time you need the chef’s services will also impact pricing, whether you need a chef for a single event or regularly. If you hire a chef for a one-off dinner party, you might pay a premium for their time. However, if you arrange for weekly meal prep, the chef may offer a discounted rate, as they can streamline their shopping and preparation processes.

If your guests have specific dietary restrictions, this can lead to higher costs. For instance, the chef might need to create a custom menu for a vegan/gluten-free guest. This could potentially increase the per-person cost from £70 to £80 or more, depending on the complexity of the dishes and the availability of speciality ingredients.

Customer reviews are among the most important factors when hiring a private chef. Reading past clients’ feedback provides valuable insights into the chef’s culinary skills, professionalism, and overall ability to deliver a memorable dining experience. Platforms like Yhangry make accessing these reviews on each chef’s profile easy, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Sample menus provide a glimpse into the chef’s style, creativity, and the types of dishes they specialise in. This allows you to assess whether their culinary offerings align with your event’s preferences and expectations. 

Upon receiving a request, Yhangry private chefs will promptly send you their sample menus tailored to your event type and specific requirements within minutes. This quick turnaround allows you to compare different chefs and their offerings easily, simplifying shortlisting candidates based on your culinary desires.

When booking a private chef for an event, having clear and flexible payment terms is crucial, especially if you are planning as a group and need to split the invoice. Without clarity around payment and cancellation policy, any changes you require might result in losing money.

Yhangry provides flexible cancellation terms as well as payment protection: You can cancel your booking up to 7 days before the event and still get a 100% refund. Because chefs are paid 1 day after your event, in case of any disagreements, your money is protected until a resolution is found.

Yhangry offers flexible payment options, allowing you to pay a 10% deposit upfront if you book more than five weeks in advance. This is particularly useful if you need to secure your booking but don’t want to pay the total amount immediately. The remaining 90% can be charged closer to the event date, making budgeting easier.

Yhangry also enables each guest to pay their share directly through the platform, saving the host from chasing payments from the group. 

Hiring a private chef for your event can add a touch of luxury and personalization that is hard to match. While the process may seem daunting, with various factors influencing the cost, the right approach can make it seamless and enjoyable.

Yhangry streamlines this journey for you. Our platform connects you with experienced chefs catering to your needs, ensuring a perfect match for your event. We offer transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and the ability to browse sample menus, making hiring a private chef straightforward and stress-free. Additionally, our cancellation protection ensures that you receive refunds within one week of cancellation, providing peace of mind.

Whether you’re seeking a MasterChef winner like Chef Alex Webb or a sushi chef like Chef Keiko, Yhangry works with more than 1000 chefs across the UK who can offer a memorable culinary experience.