Have you ever thought about hiring a private chef, but weren’t sure where to start? Maybe it feels like something reserved for luxury holidays or glossy magazines. The truth is, it can be surprisingly down-to-earth, especially when the focus is on great food, good company, and creating an experience that feels personal and relaxed.

I’ve worked as a private chef for all sorts of gatherings: long-table garden parties with my outside catering service, intimate dinners in cosy flats, milestone birthdays for @Home clients, retreats in the countryside as part of my retreat catering service. Each one is different, but what they all have in common is the chance to build lasting connections with clients who value thoughtful, seasonal food and the ease of having someone they trust in the kitchen. If you’re wondering what it’s really like to hire a private chef at home in , let me walk you through it.

Why People Hire a Private Chef

Most people come to me because they want have a busy life style, but don’t want to compromise on good food. I take the stress out of shopping, preparation and cooking. That might sound obvious, but it’s often deeper than that too.

There are many reasons why someone would seek out a priave chef:

Busy executive professional life can be time restricting, especially if travelling is involved
Family life in general! Some clients appreicate a chef to come in and take the preparation out of their hands, so they can concentrate on more pressing things.
Something a little different. Each chef comes equipped with their own style and signature dishes. Some clients hire a Private Chef as a food discovery experience.
Intermate dining at home. There are private chefs who you can hire for as a one-off for a special occasion.

Having someone take care of the food means you can really focus on your own time. No clock-watching, no juggling hot trays, and you might even unlock a new flavour pallette or learn some new culinary techniques.

Thinking About Hiring a Private Chef in Blackheath?

If you live in or around Blackheath and are curious about what it’s really like to bring a chef into your home, here’s what you can expect from my Baked Salt @ Home service.

What the Process Looks Like

The beginning should always start with a relaxed conversation. You don’t need to have a menu in mind or a fully planned event. Some people have a clear brief for their situation, while others just know they want something special and seasonal.

Step-by-step, here’s how it usually goes:

Initial Chat – Discuss your dietary needs, the regularity of visits, and the tastes preferences you would most enjoy.
Space & Setup – Most of the time, when I am cooking in my clients' home kitchens, whatever the size or layout, I work with the space available. This would apply to any chef coming into your home.
Menu Planning – I’d suggest some seasonal ideas based on what you love to eat, makes you feel good, and cuts the faff out of your meal times. This is also ingredient dependant and what you r chef is able to source ahead of preparation.
The Service Itself– Whether you need a private chef to stock up your larder, or to prepare meals for you, it’s down to what you require the service for. The description of a Private Chef does differ from chef-to-chef, so it’s always worth having a conversation about the service they offer.

It’s all designed to be seamless. You get to enjoy the food and not worry about the shopping list or preparation.

What Makes It Personal

The food, of course, is a huge part of the experience, but what people often remember it’s the feeling of being looked after.

My approach is always down-to-earth. I don’t wear chef whites or hide away in the kitchen unless that’s what the space calls for. Some clients may wish for their chef to take a more formal approach. Typically, my clients like me to be part of their day, chatting about the ingredients or travel stories behind the dish. Others prefer things to stay quietly in the background. Either way, it’s about making things feel easy, natural, and unforced.

The menu always reflects the mood: relaxed spring sharing dishes, summer salads with grilled fish, slow-cooked autumn stews, or bright, zingy canapés for something more celebratory. Everything is made with seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully presented, and tailored to your preferences.

Common Questions & Misconceptions

Do I need a big kitchen?
Not at all. As long as there’s a bit of counter space, an oven, and a sink, we’re in business. I bring what’s needed with me, and always plan based on what’s available.

Is it really formal?
Only if you want it to be. Most of the my clients for are looking for relaxed, unfussy. I’m not into silver cloches or stiff courses, but this is down to the type of private chef you wish to hire, and their service offerings.

Can you cater for special diets?
Absolutely. I regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-aware menus. No one should feel like an afterthought at the table, and I’m sure other chefs have the same ethos as I do.

Do I need to provide tableware or serving dishes?
Most people have what they need, and a chef would utilise what you have available.

What if I don’t know what I want?
That’s totally fine. It’s the chef’s job is helping you figure it out. A few pointers about your style, favourite meals, or mood can be enough to get started.

When Baked Salt @ Home Makes Sense

There’s no one-size-fits-all event, but here are a few moments where having a private chef at home really shines:

To ensure your larder is stocked and ready to go, if you’re away on a business trip, or you simply can’t find the hours in the day to do so.
Preparation; for when you need someone to take that load of your mind.

Busy weeks when you want to take the stress out of cooking and still enjoy nourishing, beautiful meals at home

For many of my regular clients, it’s not about a one-off treat, it’s about creating a rhythm to their hosting. Whether it’s once a season, once a month, or whenever something special comes up, I’m here to make it delicious and stress-free.

Is It Right for You?

Hiring me as your private chef through my Baked Salt @ Home service is a great way to enjoy exceptional food and consistent support at home, especially for busy professionals and families in Blackheath and South East London.

It’s not about being extravagant. It’s about freeing yourself up to enjoy the time, the people, and the experience, with delicious food that reflects the season and your style.

Let’s Chat

If you live in Blackheath or the surrounding areas and this sounds like something you’d love to explore, I’m always happy to chat things through, no pressure, no hard sell. Whether you’ve got a clear plan or just the beginnings of an idea, feel free to get in touch.

You bring the people, I’ll bring the food.

What It’s Really Like to Hire a Private Chef at Home