Hiring a private chef in the Cotswolds isn’t just a luxury for the ultra-wealthy. Whether you’re planning an intimate anniversary dinner, a special family celebration, or just want the fridge filled with delicious meals so you can really switch off — a private chef can transform your trip.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a private chef in the Cotswolds: from what services they offer to how to choose the right one for your stay.
Why Hire a Private Chef on Your Cotswold Holiday?
Picture this: you arrive at your holiday cottage after a long drive. The views are stunning, the rooms are cosy, and the last thing you want to do is run to the shops or figure out dinner. That’s where a private chef steps in.
Hiring a chef while on holiday means:
- No stress cooking or cleaning
- Fresh, seasonal food prepared just for you
- A chance to try new dishes or dietary-friendly meals
- More time to spend with loved ones
- A completely bespoke dining experience
Whether you’re looking for a one-off dinner party, daily catering, or ready-to-eat meals stocked in the fridge, there’s a private dining experience for every kind of holiday.
What Services Can a Private Chef Offer?
One of the best things about hiring a private chef in the Cotswolds is the flexibility. Here are some of the most popular services you can choose from:
Private Dinner Parties
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, hen weekends, or just because! A private chef will cook and serve a multi-course meal in your holiday cottage, restaurant-style. They’ll often take care of everything from shopping and prep to plating and cleaning up.
Expect seasonal menus, local ingredients, and even wine pairings. We will chat with you ahead of time to create the perfect menu for your tastes.
Fridge-Filling & Heat To Eat Meals
Don’t want to cook but still want amazing food? Cassoulet & Cream offer heat-to-eat, three course meals delivered to your cottage before you even arrive. Think Pressed Ham Hock, Wild Mushroom Tarts, Braised Shortribs, Coq Au Vin, Classic Desserts — all homemade, all ready to reheat.
Picnic Hampers
Heading out for a countryside walk or planning a lakeside lunch? Cassoulet & Cream can prepare a hamper packed with artisanal sandwiches, fresh salads, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks.
We can even tailor hampers to dietary needs or local produce themes — think Cotswold cheese and chutneys, farm-fresh scotch eggs, or vegan wraps and smoothies.
Week-Long Catering
If you’re staying for a while and want the full break-from-the-kitchen experience, we can offer daily catering or a mix of services throughout your stay. Whether that’s coming in to prepare breakfast each morning, deliver dinners in the evening, or stock the fridge with fresh options every few days.
This is a popular choice for larger groups, families with young children, or anyone who really wants to unwind and savour every moment of their holiday.
How to Find a Private Chef in the Cotswolds
There’s no shortage of talented chefs working in the Cotswolds, but how do you find the right one for your holiday?
Ask Your Accommodation Provider
If you’ve booked a holiday cottage through a local agency such as Bolthole Retreats or Orion Holidays, chances are they have a list of trusted chefs they work with regularly. Some even offer chef packages or can help you organise everything directly.
Use Local Recommendations
Local food blogs, Cotswold travel guides, and even Instagram can be fantastic ways to discover chefs. Look out for chefs who showcase their work, share menus, or have great reviews from past clients.
What to Ask Before Booking
Once you’ve found a chef you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to ask a few key questions:
- Are you available on my dates? (Always ask this first!)
- Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
- Do you provide the tableware and serving staff?
- Is cleanup included?
- Can we customise the menu?
- Do you source local or organic produce?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
Getting clear on these details early will help you avoid surprises later — and ensure the chef’s style matches your needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Chef?
Prices can vary depending on the type of service, number of guests, and the chef’s experience. Here’s a rough guide to our prices.
- Private dinners: From £75 per person (for 3 courses)
- Fridge-fillers: From £7 per item
- Picnic hampers: From £17.50 per person
- Full-day or week catering: Contact us for bespoke pricing. jamie@cassouletandcream.com
Many chefs will work with your budget and tailor the offering to suit you. It’s always worth asking.
Top Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Book early. Especially during summer, school holidays, and Christmas, private chefs get snapped up quickly.
- Be clear about your needs. If you have dietary requirements or fussy eaters in the group, flag this up early.
- Trust the chef. Give them the chance to work their magic with seasonal ingredients and local produce.
- Make it special. Set the table with candles, play your favourite playlist, and let the evening unfold just like a restaurant — only better.
Hiring a private chef in the Cotswolds is about so much more than convenience. It’s about turning an already memorable trip into something truly unforgettable. From intimate meals to effortless family feasts, it’s a chance to savour every bite without the hassle.
Whether you’re booking a romantic cottage weekend, a group getaway, or a long family holiday, let someone else take care of the cooking. You deserve it.
So pour a glass of wine, sit back in your countryside retreat, and let the flavours of the Cotswolds come to you.
Thinking about hiring a chef for your next Cotswold stay? Let us know what you’re planning — we’d love to help!