Private chefs working for busy households are becoming increasingly popular. Most are professionally qualified and some may continue attending an academy to continue improving their skills.
Some chefs will have gained corporate catering experience and most will have experience of varied cuisine, from British, Mediterranean, and French, to Asian, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Fusion.
Often a private chef will work in more than one location and will travel with the client on business and holidays. Responsible for food shopping, menu planning and preparing and cooking meals, a good private chef will need to be flexible and creative.
Attention to detail is also crucial, as is an awareness of food allergies and intolerances with anyone they are serving. Awareness of food safety and hygiene is necessary.
Job roles may extend to assisting with party menu planning, or providing cooking lessons and demonstrations as required. Some may also be required to undertake household management or organise special events such as. While some private chefs may work as part of a team of household staff, others may work alone or alongside a housekeeper and may be responsible for kitchen budgets and accounts. In larger staffed residences a personal chef may manage a small team.
Private chefs are an excellent option for households that require a high standard of cuisine. They can work closely with their employers to cater for specific personal preferences and needs and can cook a range of cuisines catering for specific dietary requirements such as: low calorie, low fat, low sodium, Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, diabetic, gluten and dairy free.
Private chef’s salaries are dependent on experience. Most will work four, five or six days per week. Generally a chef will work eight-12 hours per day. They may also work on a rota basis with other chefs. Often chefs will do a split shift or regular hours with additional longer hours by arrangement.
The cost for a live in chef can vary from £20,000 to £50,000 per year gross depending on days.
A live out chef can earn between £30,000 and £70,000 per year gross. Top private chefs may command higher salaries and temporary and seasonal chefs can be employed at fixed rates.
Types of chefs Eden can source for you:
Michelin chefs
Personal/private chefs
Family cooks
Graduate/trainee cooks
Other seasonal chefss
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