Complete Guide
The definitive guide to hiring a private chef in London. From salary expectations and vetting processes to live-in vs live-out arrangements — everything you need to make the right choice for your household.
£35k–£85k
Annual salary range
7 days
Average placement time
5+ years
Minimum experience
96%
Client satisfaction
A private chef is a culinary professional employed exclusively by one household to plan, shop for, and prepare meals according to the family's preferences, dietary requirements, and lifestyle. Unlike a personal chef who serves multiple clients, a private chef works only for your family — either as a live-in staff member or on a live-out basis.
In London's UHNW households, private chefs typically handle everything from daily family meals to formal dinner parties, dietary accommodations, meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen management. Many also coordinate with other household staff and manage food budgets that can range from £500 to £5,000+ per month depending on the family's requirements.
Private chef salaries in London vary significantly based on experience, culinary background, household size, and whether the position is live-in or live-out. Here are current market rates:
Salaries reflect gross annual amounts. Live-in positions typically offer 10-20% lower base salaries but include accommodation, utilities, and often meals, making the total compensation package competitive.
There are several routes to finding a private chef in London, each with distinct advantages:
Best for: Families seeking thoroughly vetted, experienced candidates
Agencies like Irving Scott specialize in private household recruitment and maintain databases of pre-screened chefs. They handle vetting, references, right-to-work checks, and provide replacement guarantees. Fees typically range from 15-25% of annual salary but include comprehensive service and ongoing support.
Best for: Families with HR experience or specific chef contacts
Recruiting directly through professional networks, LinkedIn, or word-of-mouth can work well if you have industry connections. However, you'll need to handle all vetting, background checks, and legal compliance yourself.
Best for: Part-time or trial arrangements
Platforms like Greycoat Lumleys, Housekeeper.com, and others can provide access to candidates, but vetting quality varies significantly. More suitable for part-time arrangements than full-time live-in positions.
Irving Scott has placed private chefs with London families for over 13 years. Let us find the right chef for your household.
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