Hire a Private Chef or Cook for Your Christmas Dinner

With Christmas Day fast approaching, are you dreading the thought of cooking the Christmas dinner for your all family and friends? Do you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones? If the answer is YES, we can help you! Take a look at our Christmas Chefs and Christmas Cooks who are available and ready to make your Christmas an extra special one.

Our Chefs and Cooks work to suit a range of budgets and styles with the menu planning, shopping, cooking and clearing away all included in the price.

Just think how many hours you will save on planning, shopping, preparation, cooking and clearing up afterwards. One of our Christmas chefs could save a minimum of 8-10 hours!

This will give you time back with your family and friends. You will feel ultimately more relaxed and enjoy Christmas instead of worrying: is the turkey cooked? Have I catered for the vegetarians? Are the roast potatoes crispy and fluffy?

We are sure that you know a ‘happy host’ is a Happy Christmas, lets us help you fully enjoy Christmas this year, feel relaxed and stress free. Our chefs are flexible, professional and will ensure you have a lovely home cooked Christmas meal in the comfort of your home. Make this a year to remember and the Christmas your family and friends will have to top for years to come!

What do you get the person who has everything? Do you know anyone who loves to entertain and goes out of their way to make everyone else happy? Why not give them the ultimate present this Christmas…..hire a Chef to make their culinary dreams come true!

We can arrange dates to suit and it does not necessarily have to be over Christmas – perhaps your special someone deserves a rest after the hectic festive period and would prefer to have a wonderful dinner party when all the chaos of the festive season has abated.

Contact our specialist consultants today to discuss the options and costs for giving a truly unique Christmas gift.

Make an Enquiry

or contact us

Available Chefs & Cooks

The Candidates featured below are just a selection taken from the huge database of Candidates actively looking for work through Greycoat Lumleys.

If you don't see an ideal Candidate here, call us to discuss your needs.

Temporary Chefs & Cooks

Desired Location: London or International Desired location: North Yorkshire – based in Harrogate
Live in or live out: Live Out
Availability: ASAP
Salary expectations: £150+ per day
Candidate number: 92459

She is a highly experienced Private Chef who is based in Harrogate and who is looking for both short-term bookings, permanent part-time work or permanent full-time work. Original from a Yacht background she moved to work in private households and now has regular clients in the Harrogate area. Highly recommended and an old candidate of Greycoat Lumleys

Call 01298 600 414 Email Laura Harrall

Desired Location: Scotland
Live In or Live Out: Dependent on Job
Salary Expectation: £200 per Day plus Travel
Available from: ASAP
Candidate ID: 85950

This Chef is passionate about cooking and has a very positive attitude to work. He is a relaxed calm cook who never gets easily flustered. He always loves to cook with local seasonal produce where he can. Mainly in French, British style but also some other styles like Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian.

Call +44 (0) 131 556 5139 Email Mary McQuillin

Desired Location: Any, based in North Yorkshire
Live In or Live Out: Either considered
Salary Expectation: £200 per day for temp
Available from: 1 m notice
Candidate ID: 123066

Michelin Experienced Private Chef based in Pocklington: She is a confident, hardworking, classically trained and enthusiastic chef, who has great experience of working well within a team and independently. She is currently working at The Black Swan Inn, Oldstead , North Yorkshire (1 Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes) having previously worked at restaurants L’Enclume (2 Michelin stars and 5 AA Rosettes) in Cartmel and the double Rosette restaurant ‘’The William Cecil’’ in Stamford. She is seeking a new position as a private Chef which she can bring her experience in Michelin star kitchens with her. She thrives under pressure in a fast paced kitchen, producing great food to a high standard. She has also worked a Ski season in Austria as a chef. She is flexible, organised, energetic, creative, ambitious and a quick learner. Although she is classically trained and used to working to Michelin standards, she can work and produce plates at all levels. She is open to travel with a client, ideally looking for a permanent role or temporary roles.

Call +44 (0) 1298 600 414 Email Laura Harrall

Current Location: London
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £200 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 103511

This candidate graduated from Leiths School of Food & Wine. After graduating she came to Greycoat Lumleys and has been working for us ever since. She has proven to be a valuable member of the team who is incredibly popular and is always asked back by clients. She has worked as an Assistant in director’s dining rooms, private member’s clubs, catering companies and also in private houses. She is a great team player, and always gets on well with everyone. She is equally capable of leading a team and working independently. She is able to produce good quality food on both a small and large scale. She is happy working on a freelance basis, but she is also looking for the right permanent job. She is cheerful, friendly and comes highly recommended.
Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: Kent
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £200 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 86360

This candidate is a versatile and experienced cook, having always had a love of food and cooking. She combines a creative instinct for ingredients with a healthy respect for the classics, whilst also keeping an eye on new culinary trends. She is inspired by many cuisines of the world, but leans towards Mediterranean with its fresh seasonal vegetables, olive oil, herbs and regional products which result in dishes which are alive with flavour. She loves the emphasis on making vegetables an exciting feature of a Mediterranean meal, if not the centre of it. She feels that cooking is alchemy – it’s about taking the most unassuming ingredients and turning them into something truly memorable. This magical transformation is what excites her!
Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: London
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £250 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 54363

This chef is efficient, flexible and creative with more than 26 years professional experience of cooking in hotels, restaurants and private households. During his career he has developed a deep knowledge of preparing healthy and nutritious meals and ad-hoc snacks, using fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients, all presented to a high standard. He is constantly updating his knowledge regarding current trends, new products and cooking techniques. He has experience in banqueting functions, serving VIP guests as well as organising and preparing meals, cocktails and canapes for private family parties. He is currently working as a private chef for a family, cooking a range of international cuisines for lunch and dinner. He is able to work under pressure for large numbers of people where needed; nothing is ever too much trouble. He is a very friendly and personable chef who was a pleasure to interview.

Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: Kent
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £250 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 95805

A fantastic chef who has proven longevity working in private households. His previous position was for an UHNW Russian family. He is used to working in a busy environment where plans can change at the last minute. He can cater for any specific dietary requirement, particularly gluten free, sugar free, vegan and vegetarian. He can also turn his hand to any kind of cuisine, including French and Italian, but really enjoys cooking Asian cuisine. He is a very friendly chef whilst also being very professional and committed.
Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: London
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £250 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 96422

This candidate was born and raised in Nairobi and moved to the UK to further his education. He began his culinary career in Bristol and then London where he gained experience working alongside top Chefs such as Mitch Tonks, Gordon Ramsey and Julian Marshall. He was keen to travel and spent 5 years working as a Chef Consultant in Africa, and then went on to open his own restaurant in Nairobi. He has most recently been working as a Private Chef on a freelance basis for various UHNW and VIP clients, where the highest of standards are expected. He is now looking for a long term role within a private household, and in the meantime is open to temporary assignments.
Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: London
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £200 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 27550

A qualified chef who has been working in private houses and commercial restaurants for over fifteen years. She has also worked for a private catering company where she specialised in designing and producing a wide range of canapes. During her career with a variety of private clients, she has specialised in wheat- and dairy-free diets, along with vegetarian and vegan specific diets.
Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: London
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £250 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 65551

A fantastic, classically trained Chef with vast experience working in both restaurants and private households. He began his career in restaurants, which have included high-end Michelin establishments where standards were extremely high. He has worked in Germany, France and the UK, as well as having travelled with private clients and working on their yachts. He has also worked for a number of UHNW individuals in their private homes and understands the importance of providing a service tailored to their individual needs.
Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: London
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £200 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 122127

This candidate has worked as a Chef in restaurants for 7 years and as a Personal Chef in private residences for 3 years. This experience has allowed her to inspire, surprise and indulge her clients. Her goal is to create a special experience every time. She is a specialist in a wide variety of cuisines, including French, Spanish, Mediterranean, Italian, Swiss, German, Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan, as well as raw food. She also loves to create sophisticated or rustic desserts, always adapting her cuisine to her client's wishes. She enjoys focusing on detailed presentation, as that is what gives dishes their special appeal. Using fresh seasonal produce is particularly enjoyable for her, as the taste is incomparable. She is fluent in 5 languages which is an advantage when dealing with international clients.

Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: Hampshire
Desired Location: Depends on role / location
Salary Expectation: £250 per day
Available from: Temporary
Candidate ID: 44864

This candidate is a really likable and easy going person who is passionate about food. She is a talented private chef who has worked for a number of catering companies on events of all sizes, from small intimate dinner parties to banquets and weddings for up to 500 people. She has also owned her own successful café for over three years, where she gained significant knowledge of budgeting and cost control. She has now stepped away from this, as she felt she had taken the business as far as it could go – the next step would have required significant investment, which she wasn’t quite ready for at this stage of her life. She is keen to work on a freelance basis, learning from new environments and client preferences. She loves the variety that comes with private catering, with the need to adapt menus and dishes to suit each client’s individual needs and preferences. She is considered to be a very competent family chef, who has an excellent understanding of how to conduct herself in a private family home.

Call      +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Kari Vigor

Current Location: Keighley Yorkshire
Desired Location: Yorkshire / North of England
Live In or Live Out: both / freelance
Salary Expectation: £200 per day+ for shoots / dinner parties
Available from: asap
Candidate ID: 26801

She is an incredibly experienced Private Chef who has been working for Greycoat Lumleys on a freelance basis for many years. Based in West Yorkshire, she takes bookings throughout Yorkshire, the North of England and the Midlands as well as working overseas. She is flexible, professional and very experienced in working in different kitchens.

Call +44 (0)1298 600 414 or Email Laura Harrall

Desired Location: Based in North Yorkshire, happy to travel / relocate
Live In or Live Out: Either depending on location
Salary Expectation: £250-350 per day, £45,000+ gpa
Available from: asap
Candidate ID: 122468

A highly experienced and ambitious chef who has over 7 years’ experience in a 3 star Michelin restaurant L'Eclume. In addition he was the winner of the Cumbria Young Chef of the year award in 2013 as well as being a finalist in 'The Roux Scholarship'. He is now looking for a full time Private Chef role, looking to build on his previous experience which has included running the Private Chefs table L'Eclume as well as catering for large private parties when he was working at Middlethorpe Hall. He understands the difference between catering in a formal commercial kitchen and a private home or estate and he is very happy to take on temporary work to build up his private experience. He would be happy to take on short bookings closer to home in York as well as travel for longer contracts (2-4 weeks). He is very flexible and happy to cook for both family meals up to fine dining, experimenting with different seasonal ingredients and always cooking from scratch. He will do all menu planning, shopping, preparation and keeping the kitchen clean and organised.

Call +44 (0) 1298 600 414 Email Laura Harrall

Desired location: London
Days worked: 2 days
Availability: ASAP
Salary expectations: £25-£30 per hour
Candidate number: 119258

This candidate is an extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and professional chef who has worked her way through the ranks in a small number of high end restaurants in London. She started her career on yachts before moving onto HIX in London where she began as a Chef de Partie. This candidate then spent time working at both The Raw Duck and Petersham Nurseries. Most recently she was part of the set up and opening of The Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden and undertook the role of Head Pastry Chef. She has spent the last few months freelancing for HNW client’s in their private homes.

Call +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Hannah Weeks

Desired location: London
Days worked: 2/3 days per week
Availability: ASAP
Salary expectations: £30 per hour
Candidate number: 104131

A lovely, professional and friendly chef who is currently looking for part time roles in London. She is passionate and knowledgeable about all things nutritional and has a vast knowledge of dietary requirements and food allergies. This candidate enjoys using seasonal produce and loves to be creative with food. This candidate has worked in café’s and cookery schools as well as undertaking food stylist and nutrition roles. She has more recently moved to working in private households and would slot in very well to any environment.

Call +44 (0)20 72339950 or Email Hannah Weeks

Desired Location: Based in Sheffield by happy to travel
Live In or Live Out: Both
Salary Expectation: £200 per day+
Available from: asap
Candidate ID: 33617

She is an experienced Freelance Chef who has both private and commercial experience. Since relocating from London to Sheffield she has been running her own catering business and is available for private bookings. She has a wide range of cooking skills but says her own style is a modern European. She is happy to do all menu planning, shopping and preparation and has previously cooked for fishing parties, shooting lunches, BBQ’s, Weddings and Dinner Parties. She has also been catering for various pop up events. She is based in Sheffield but very happy to travel for longer bookings.

Call +44 (0) 1298 600 414 Email Laura Harrall

Desired Location: Scotland
Live In or Live Out: Temporary only
Available: Immediately
Salary Expectation: £200 per day
Candidate ID: 120385

This candidate has over 4 years’ experience as a private chef catering for shooting/stalking weekends, family holidays, dinner parties and small private events. Having trained in some of London’s top restaurants, including Le Gavroche and Ottolenghi, they have skill across a range of cuisines and a particular passion for vegetarian and vegan.

Call +44 (0)131 556 5139 or Email Mary McQuillin

Desired Location: UK/International
Live In or Live Out: Live Out / Live in
Available: Immediately
Salary Expectation: £250/ £300 per day
Candidate ID: 120329

This candidate has excellent experience in the very best kitchens in the world, including 3 years at 3 Michelin starred El Celler de can Roca in Spain, as well as more casual bistro style food. Comfortable with a range of cuisines and with experience cooking all over the world this candidate is happy to adjust to all occasions and can bring a wow factor to any event. This candidate is now looking to do short term bookings in the UK and Internationally.

Call +44 (0)131 556 5139 or Email Mary McQuillin

Desired Location: North Yorkshire / Scotland / UK
Live In or Live Out: Temp only
Salary Expectation: Neg depending on the booking – ask for more details
Available from: asap
Candidate ID: 87187

Excellent Private Chef based in Harrogate looking for short-term booked and regular local clients. She is able to cater for all occasions although her focus is on fitness and nutrition so she is also looking for more local clients who she can cater for on a regular basis. Happy to travel for longer bookings.

Call +44 (0) 1298 600 414 Email Laura Harrall

Desired Location: London/ internationally
Live In or Live Out: Live out / live in
Available: Immediately
Salary Expectation: £200 per day
Candidate ID: 119258

This candidate is an extremely pleasant, knowledgeable and professional chef who has worked her way through the ranks in a small number of high end restaurants in London. She started her career on yachts before moving onto HIX in London where she began as a Chef de Partie. She then spent time working at both The Raw Duck and Petersham Nurseries. Most recently she was part of the set up and opening of The Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden and undertook the role of Head Pastry Chef. She has worked on all sections of the kitchen throughout her career and has a vast knowledge of dietary/nutritional requirements. This candidate is now looking for private temporary roles in London or Internationally.

Call +44 (0)20 7233 9950 or Email: Hannah Weeks

Desired location: North Yorkshire
Live in or live out: depending on the role / booking
Availability: ASAP
Salary expectations: neg dep on the booking
Candidate number: 92459

This candidate is a highly experienced Chef who is based in Harrogate. She is available for short-term bookings and would also consider a more permanent role. She has experience catering for families, shooting parties, dinner parties and baking and has been placed several times by Greycoat Lumleys.

Call +44 (0) 1298 600 414 Email Laura Harrall

Desired Location: London or International
Live In or Live Out: Live in/Out
Available: ASAP
Salary Expectation: £300 per day
Candidate ID: 114276

This Chef has had history in the hospitality industry which has made him a confident communicator, and given him an easy demeanor with the public and a professional manner. It has also taught him to solve problems quickly and think on his feet. He has a hardworking attitude, enthusiasm, and an ability to pick up new skills easily. This chef has undertaken Sous Chef and Executive Sous Chef positions, and has strong organisational skills along with the ability to motivate himself and others.  He has entered the private world and is currently working for a high profile Client. He is experienced in catering for different dietary requirements with varying cuisines, menu planning and keeping stock of ingredients

Call +44 (0)20 7233 9950 or Email: Hannah Weeks

Desired Location: London or International
Live In or Live Out: Live out
Available: Temporary
Salary Expectation: £200-£250 per day
Candidate ID: 15960

This chef is an excellent private Chef and House Manager. He has spent the last 10 years working for a private family in a prestigious castle in Kent, providing everything from simple and tasty family cooking - to elegant fine dining dinner parties (and everything in between). As part of his role he has also been responsible for overseeing the household and managing the team of staff. He is totally flexible and extremely adaptable to different situations and environments. He is a very friendly character, who has a great balance of humour and professionalism. He would work very well as part of a team, he is a strong manager, diplomatic, adaptable and organised. Well-presented and charming, this chef is very professional and personable.

Call +44 (0)20 7233 9950 or Email: Hannah Weeks

Desired Location: Scotland
Live In or Live Out: Freelance
Salary Expectation: £150 per day
Availability: Freelance
Candidate ID: 100192

A lovely Italian chef who has a wealth of experience having worked in the same French restaurant in Edinburgh for 10 years. He is very passionate about his food and really enjoys using fresh produce wherever possible. He prides himself on understanding the client’s needs and preferences so as to produce dishes that will excite and delight them. Through this he has built up a strong reputation and is frequently re-booked throughout the year.

Call +44 (0)131 556 5139 or Email Katie Barbour

Desired Location: Scotland
Live In or Live Out: Freelance
Salary Expectation: £100 - £120 per day
Availability: Freelance
Candidate ID: 49351

This cook has had bookings with us since 2011. She has a fantastic attitude and is excellent at catering for family holidays. She is very friendly and really goes the extra mile for her clients in ensuring they have the best possible time. She favours cooking traditional Scottish cuisine but is also more than happy to cater to the client’s tastes.

Call +44 (0)131 556 5139 or Email Katie Barbour

Desired Location: UK
Live In or Live Out: Live out
Available: Temporary
Salary Expectation: £250 per day
Candidate ID: 93740

This chef is qualified and an accomplished chef who has years of experience of a long and diverse catering life. He finds great motivation in cooking and producing food to the highest of standards. He has had the pleasure of learning from some of the greatest chefs across the country, having worked in Michelin establishments up to Head Chef Level. From this time he has learnt to handle high pressure environments and efficiently manage a team of chefs and cooks and conduct training for them to handle tasks efficiently whilst giving them the ability to make delicious dishes. He is driven to help promote and teach others how to appreciate great food and the need to understand food is not just about cooking!

He is very interested in provenance and spends a great deal of his personal time visiting food producers and farmers who care for good sustainable food. Over his career in the food business he has gained a broad scale of knowledge and understanding to create wonderful food in all styles ranging from the most simply to the most creative aspect. His career spans over 20 years, from his apprenticeship in Michelin and Rosette restaurants to his own restaurant venture. Most recently he has been working as a private chef to a family in Surrey, catering for their daily needs and also freelancing for other private clients and catering companies. This chef is highly personable, charming and hard working.

Call +44 (0)20 72339950 or EmailHannah Weeks

Desired Location: London & UK
Live In or Live Out: Live Out
Available: Temporary & permanent Roles
Salary Expectation: £50,000 Per Annum
Candidate ID: 111823

An excellent Executive Chef/Private Chef is available immediately for temporary or permanent roles in London and the rest of the UK. This Chef started out in restaurants where he worked his way up the hierarchy before becoming a Private Chef catering for events and private dinner parties. He is available for temporary bookings and permanent roles.

Call +44 (0)202339950 or Email Hannah Weeks