By Marco Delgado · Culinary Editor, Tip a Chef
Reviewed · Covers London, United Kingdom
Quick answer
How much does a private chef cost in London?
A private chef in London typically costs £350–£1,200 for a dinner event covering shopping, cooking, and clean-up. Weekly meal prep runs £200–£480/day, and a full-time private chef earns £40,000–£85,000/yr. Tipping is customary at 10–20%, and with Tip a Chef that tip goes directly to the chef.
Cost calculator
What will a private chef cost in London?
Set your guests, courses, and cuisine for a live estimate, then add the tip. When you are ready, browse London chefs and book one at that price.
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✓ Book direct, no agency cut
✓ 100% of the tip goes to the chef
Why a private chef
Private chef vs the alternatives in London
| Private chef | Eating out | Catering company | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it happens | ✓Your home or venue | You travel to them | Your venue |
| The menu | ✓Bespoke, built with you | Fixed menu | Set packages |
| How it's cooked | ✓Fresh, on-site, just for you | Line kitchen, many tables | Often off-site, reheated |
| Dietary needs | ✓Handled individually | Limited swaps | Hard at scale |
| Who gets your tip | ✓100% the chef | Split with front-of-house | Often pooled |
| Booking | ✓Direct with the chef | Reservation | Via a sales team |
The private chef scene in London
Last reviewed 2026-05-27
42
Chefs in & around the city
250
Tips sent in the last 90 days
£15
Average tip left here
Seafood
Most-requested cuisine
Thursday
Busiest night for bookings
Private chef demand in London peaks in April, and dinner parties are the most common reason locals book one. Tips here average £15 and go straight to the chef, with most diners booking for a Thursday night.
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Private Chefs in London
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Private chef services in London
Private Dinner Parties
Unforgettable dining in your London home. Your chef handles shopping, cooking, plating, and clean-up.
Meal Prep Services
Weekly chef-cooked meals in London tailored to your diet. Portioned and ready in your fridge.
Special Occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals. A private chef adds a personal touch no restaurant can match.
Cuisine Specialists
Hibachi, Italian, plant-based, omakase. Find a cuisine specialist in London for any style.
Corporate Events
Executive lunches and team dinners in London. Private chefs bring a premium edge to any corporate occasion.
Cooking Classes
One-on-one cooking lessons at home with a London chef. Learn real techniques in your own kitchen.
Pricing
How much does a private chef cost in London?
Costs vary based on menu complexity, guest count, and service type. Here is a general guide for London.
Private Dinner Event
£350–£1,200
Full service including shopping, cooking, serving, and clean-up.
Meal Prep Service
£200–£480/day
Weekly or daily chef-cooked meals tailored to your nutrition goals.
Full-Time Private Chef
£40,000–£85,000/yr
Exclusive household chef. All meals, seven days, entirely tailored to you.
Platform Fee
5% only
We charge 5% on tips. Chefs keep 95%. Joining is completely free.
How it works
Simple for diners. Powerful for chefs.
For Diners
Find your chef
Browse verified private chefs in London by cuisine and availability.
View their story
See their full profile, specialties, menus, and kitchen secrets.
Tip directly
Scan their QR code, pay with any card. The tip goes straight to them.
For Chefs in London
Create your free page
Sign up in 60 seconds. Add your photo, story, and specialties.
Connect Stripe
Link your bank in 2 minutes. Tips go directly to your account.
Share your QR code
Print it on menus or receipts. Diners scan and tip in seconds.
FAQ
Private chef questions for London
How much does a private chef cost in London?
Private chef costs in London vary by service. For a private dinner event expect £350–£1,200 depending on guest count and menu complexity. Meal prep services run £200–£480/day. A full-time private chef in London earns £40,000–£85,000/yr.
How do I hire a private chef in London?
Browse verified chef profiles on this page. Every chef in London has a full profile, menu style, and direct contact method. For events, book 1–2 weeks in advance. For larger occasions, aim for 3–4 weeks.
What services do private chefs in London offer?
Private chefs in London offer dinner party catering, weekly meal prep, special occasion cooking, cooking classes, corporate lunches, and full-time household positions. Most tailor menus to dietary requirements.
What is the difference between a private chef and a personal chef in London?
A personal chef usually serves several clients on different days, preparing meals in advance. A private chef typically works for one household full-time. In London the terms are often used interchangeably for one-off event cooking.
Do you tip a private chef in London?
Yes. Tipping a private chef is standard and warmly appreciated. For events, 10–20% of the chef's fee is customary. With Tip a Chef you can tip directly from your phone in seconds — no cash, no split with management. 100% goes to the chef.
How far in advance should I book a private chef in London?
For events with 10+ guests, 2–4 weeks in advance is recommended. For smaller dinners, 1–2 weeks is usually fine. Many chefs in London can accommodate shorter notice for meal prep bookings.
Do private chefs in London come to your home?
Yes. Private chefs come to your home, holiday rental, or event venue in London. They bring their own tools, shop for groceries, prepare everything fresh, and handle all clean-up.
How do I find a private chef near me in London?
Browse Tip a Chef profiles above. Each chef in London has a verified profile with their story, cuisine style, and a direct tip and booking link. You can also share their profile page on social media or menus.
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Create your free chef page in under 2 minutes. Get your personal QR code, share it with diners, and start receiving direct tips. No middleman. 95% straight to your account.