How much does a private chef cost? (UK price guide)
For dinner parties and celebrations, private chef costs may range from £600 for an event and £120 per guest. The final cost will depend on the menu, guest numbers, number of courses, event format and location.
Harper Privé prepares each estimate around the individual requirements of the occasion. This allows the menu and style of dining to reflect the way you wish to host, with each element considered in relation to the event as a whole.
Private chef event pricing and cost per head
Whether you are arranging a dinner party, celebration or corporate event, the cost of hiring a private chef will depend on the overall shape of the occasion. A more intimate seated meal may call for a different level of planning and preparation from a larger gathering or reception.
The sections below provide a useful guide to event pricing and per head costs. Your final estimate will be tailored around the details of your plans.
Private chef cost per event
The cost of a private chef for an event is made up of the menu cost per guest together with the chef and service fees required for the occasion. This means the overall cost will vary according to the number of guests, the menu selected and the format of the event.
| Element | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Seasonal menu | £120 – £195 per guest |
| Private chef | £600 for up to 10 guests |
| Service team | £200 for up to 10 guests |
All prices are exclusive of VAT. For smaller parties, Harper Privé has a minimum menu spend of £1,000, with a chef fee of £600 and service fee of £200.
Event pricing provides a useful starting point when planning a private chef experience. Drinks, hire, travel and any additional requirements are considered separately where relevant, while larger events may require further chef or service support depending on the menu and style of dining.
Private chef cost per head
Private chef cost per head provides a useful guide to the menu element of your event. Across different menu styles, food costs typically range from £100 to £220 per guest.
For seated private dining, menu costs begin at £120 per guest for a three course seasonal menu and rise to £195 per guest for a six course tasting menu. More informal formats begin at £100 per guest for a canapé party, while open fire and Japanese dining experiences are priced at £220 per guest.
Menu prices are based on food only and are exclusive of VAT. Chef fees, service staff, drinks, hire, travel and any additional requirements are considered separately when preparing your final estimate.
Per head pricing is a helpful starting point when planning a private chef experience. The final cost will reflect the menu, guest numbers, chef and service requirements, as well as the location and format of your event.
What affects the cost of hiring a private chef?
The cost of hiring a private chef is shaped by the details that bring an occasion together. Guest numbers, the style of menu and the setting all influence the level of planning and preparation required, allowing Harper Privé to create an experience that feels considered from the first course to the final course.
Guest numbers
The number of guests helps shape the scale of the event, from the quantity of ingredients required to the preparation and presentation of each course. It also informs the most suitable menu format for the occasion.
Number of courses
A shorter menu may suit a relaxed gathering, while a multi course meal can create a more structured dining experience. The number of courses influences the preparation required and the pace at which the meal is served.
Ingredients
Each menu is designed around the season, your preferences and the nature of the occasion. Ingredient selection, including any specialist produce required for the menu, will be considered when preparing the final estimate.
To explore different menu ideas and styles of private dining, view the Harper Privé menus.
Service staff
For some occasions, additional support may be considered to suit the format and flow of the event. This may depend on the number of guests, the style of dining and the level of presentation required throughout the meal.
Travel
Location forms part of the planning process, particularly for events outside London or where further travel arrangements are needed. Harper Privé provides private chef services across the UK and international bookings are considered according to logistics, timing and the nature of the request.
If you are planning an event in the capital, hire a private chef in London.
A typical private chef dinner party example
For a dinner party for six, the final cost will be shaped by the menu and the style of the evening. A multi course seated meal may require a different level of planning and preparation from a more relaxed private gathering.
For a five course dinner party for six guests, a typical cost would be £1,820 plus VAT. This includes a chef fee of £600, a waiter fee of £200 and a five course menu at £170 per guest.
Canapés can be added before dinner at £30 per guest. Final pricing will reflect the menu, guest numbers, event duration and location.
During planning, Harper Privé will consider your preferred dishes, dietary requirements, timings and kitchen facilities. The chef then manages the preparation, cooking and presentation so you can spend time with your guests rather than focusing on the kitchen.
The cost of a private chef for a dinner party therefore reflects the complete experience, from the initial menu discussion through to a clean kitchen after the final course.
For a more focused social occasion, hire a private chef for a dinner party.
Full time private chef and daily rate costs
The figures below relate to full time private chef roles and daily chef work. They are separate from private dining event pricing, which is tailored around the menu, dietary requirements, event duration and location.
| Service type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Full time private chef, UK | £60,000 – £130,000 per year |
| Daily rate, without monthly retainer | £300 – £750 per day |
A full time private chef role will vary according to the nature and scope of the position. Daily rates can also differ according to the working pattern, role requirements and location.
For private dining events, Harper Privé prepares a tailored estimate based on the details of your occasion.
Plan your private dining experience
Whether you are arranging an intimate dinner, a family celebration or a larger private event, Harper Privé can create a bespoke menu and service style around your plans. Make an enquiry to request a tailored estimate.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a private chef cost for a dinner party for six?
For a five course dinner party for six guests, a typical cost would be £1,820 plus VAT. This includes a chef fee of £600, a waiter fee of £200 and menu costs of £170 per guest.
Canapés can be added before dinner at £30 per guest. Final pricing will reflect the menu, guest numbers, event duration and location.
- Is there a minimum spend for a private chef?
Harper Privé has a minimum menu spend of £1,000, with chef fees from £600 and waiter fees from £200. VAT is added to the final estimate.
Private chef pricing is prepared around the individual requirements of each event. Contact the Harper Privé team with your preferred date, location, guest numbers and menu preferences to discuss your plans.
- Are ingredients included when hiring a private chef?
Harper Privé sources ingredients and manages the cooking and dining process. Your tailored estimate will set out the details relevant to your event and menu.
- Do you charge for travel?
Location is considered when preparing a private chef estimate. This is particularly relevant for events outside London or where additional travel arrangements are required.
- Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Menus can be adapted around dietary requirements and preferences. Please discuss allergies and specific dietary needs during planning so the team can confirm what can be accommodated.
