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Hire Private Chef in Essex

Submit your event / occasion details to see a personalised list of Private Chef Menus in Essex available to book instantly.Read more

Browse Private Chef Menus

Italian cuisine
British cuisine
Modern European cuisine
Asian cuisine
Indian cuisine
French cuisine
3-Course Plant Based Italian Job
🎉 New to Poptop

3-Course Plant Based Italian Job

from £59 / person
The Discovery Italian 3-Course Private Chef Experience
4.72(171 reviews)
• 824 bookings

The Discovery Italian 3-Course Private Chef Experience

from £52 / person
Italian Extravaganza 3-Course Menu
5.0(6 reviews)
• 7 bookings

Italian Extravaganza 3-Course Menu

from £48 / person
Italian Inspired Menu with Milanese Risotto
4.96(25 reviews)
• 37 bookings

Italian Inspired Menu with Milanese Risotto

from £70 / person
Magnificent 3-Course Menu with a Modern Twist
4.96(25 reviews)
• 37 bookings

Magnificent 3-Course Menu with a Modern Twist

from £75 / person
View all Italian private chefs

Best Private Chef Menus in Essex

Planning a special occasion in Essex? Our hand-picked selection of the best private chefs for hire is here to elevate your event, from intimate family dinners to lively hen parties in a rented cottage or Airbnb. We have 175 incredible private chefs across Essex offering diverse cuisines, from Italian and French to modern British, who will handle every detail from ingredients to clean-up. Find the perfect culinary artist to create an unforgettable dining experience for your guests today.

  • Every private chef on Poptop has been meticulously vetted by our team, ensuring they meet our high standards for culinary skill, professionalism, and consistent client satisfaction, based on their reputation and booking history.
  • The average price for hiring a private chef in Essex is around £80 per guest, with the final cost depending on your chosen menu's complexity, the number of courses, and the overall guest count.
  • Our Essex-based private chefs have delighted diners at over 1,317 events, accumulating 392 verified reviews and maintaining an impressive average rating of 4.86* out of 5*.

British Feasting Sharing Style Menu
4.91(65 reviews)
• 151 bookings

British Feasting Sharing Style Menu

Celebrate love and togetherness with our exquisite Feasting and Family Sharing style menu. We believe that the best moments are shared around the table.

from £65 / event
Britain’s Finest Flavours 4-Course Menu
5.0(3 reviews)
• 3 bookings

Britain’s Finest Flavours 4-Course Menu

I’ve had the privilege of cooking for personalities including Robbie Williams, crafting bespoke dining for distinguished clients—driven by a passion for culinary excellence and hospitality.

from £100 / person

Why event planners love Poptop

Reviews for Best Private Chef Menus in Essex

Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in Essex

J
Jayne Chamberlain4 Jul 2023
Wow! What an experience!! Fabulous food, beautifully presented. Mike is an absolute professional and made the whole experience worth every penny. Cannot recommend highly enough. I still dream about the chocolate torte!
H
Helen Martin19 Mar 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The food was really good and there was plenty of it. Unfortunately I requested nit free for one of the guests and the chef didn't do this. Apart from that, we all thoroughly enjoyed.
J
Jacqui Jones30 Oct 2022
This was a family golden wedding meal. Chef Eugen was excellent In every way- responded to my emails quickly, was prompt, had everything with him and was friendly. The food was excellent, canapés delicious, scallops (especially pea purée) tasty, fillet steak cooked to to everyone’s taste, dessert and cheese to finish a fabulous meal, enjoyed by us all Very happy to recommend Chef Eugen
R
Robert Scurfield20 Mar 2022
Christos was booked for a private dinner party for 2 for my son and daughter-in-law - their comments are: " We were given the most fantastic gift! Christos came to our house and prepared a 5 course meal that would make Michelin star restaurants jealous. Every dish was a delight for the eyes and a surprise of flavourful fireworks. On top of the beautiful food, Christos' friendly, fun and professional personality was a real treat. We would recommend Christos and his menus to anyone wanting a memorable culinary experience". Fantastic job Christos; many thanks.
T
Taylor30 Aug 2020
Names arrived on time..Was very polite and efficient. His meal was fantastic and we have no hesitation in recommending him. Thanks for a great night James.
Z
Zoe Tate14 Sep 2018
"I could not fault our chef Gareth! He was fantastic. It was a great experience and something I would do again. He was so accommodating to all of our needs. We had 2 vegan guests which had special meals. Very friendly and professional!"

We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies

We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.

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Private Chef Menus in Essex

Private Chef Menus in cities of Essex

Ilford(300)
Brentwood(287)
Chelmsford(283)
Saffron Walden(280)
Colchester(254)

Also available in

London

Welcome to Private Dining in Essex: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Private Chef

There is something special about Essex. The salt air rolling in from the coast, the quiet elegance of countryside estates, and weekends filled with bright celebrations in private gardens and waterfront spaces. When you bring a Private Chef into that setting, the atmosphere becomes even more unforgettable. Whether it is a christening lunch in a charming country house or a corporate evening with colleagues in a marquee by the coast, a Private Chef makes dining feel personal, effortless, and just a little bit magical.

We write this guide to help you explore how hiring a Private Chef in Essex can transform any event. We also want to make your planning journey as simple as possible. If you have ever tried to organise a celebration and found yourself chasing quotes, comparing menus, or worrying about dietary needs, you will know how valuable an easy and reliable platform can be. That is exactly why we are here.

This guide will walk you through what makes Essex a wonderful place for private dining, the most popular event types, venue ideas, what to expect price wise, and how booking through Poptop helps you plan without the stress. Think of this as your road map to hosting a party that everyone will remember.

Why Essex is Perfect for Hiring a Private Chef

Essex offers variety like few counties do. One moment you are looking at a peaceful country house with sprawling lawns, and the next you are stepping into a modern waterfront venue where champagne catches the sunlight. It means there is a dining opportunity for every taste.

Because of this, Private Chefs here are used to being adaptable. They understand how to serve seafood feasts overlooking the water, craft Mediterranean style sharing plates for garden lunches, or put together luxury grazing tables for those stylish parties where everyone stands with a glass in hand, nibbling and chatting.

When you book a Private Chef in Essex, you are making space for connection. Guests are not lost in long queues or awkward silence while choosing buffet items. The food comes to them fresh, plated, and filled with care. Your time becomes about conversation, laughter, stories, and toasts.

Ideal Events for a Private Chef in Essex

Some celebrations seem almost made for Private Chefs.

  • Beach house brunches where guests drift between the terrace and living room, Aperol in hand
  • Casual summer BBQ parties filled with sizzling flavours and long conversations stretching past sunset
  • Corporate entertaining where you want to impress but also keep things relaxed and accomplished

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private chef cost in Essex?
The cost of hiring a private chef to cook dinner for you is calculated according to your number of guests and the complexity of your menu. The average price per person is £32. To find out an exact price to hire a personal chef for your party, just fill in your event details on the website and receive an instant quote.
Who supplies the kitchen appliances?
We strive to make private chef hire as simple as possible, so you won’t need to have any extraordinary equipment in your kitchen. Our chefs specify their requirements of kitchen appliances on each service card. Also, if you’re still worrying if your kitchen will be equipped enough, you can contact the supplier directly to find out their list of requirements.
The Twelve Tastes of Christmas
5.0(3 reviews)
• 3 bookings

The Twelve Tastes of Christmas

Festive season, let your home become the heart of a gourmet celebration. As your private chef, I bring the warmth of tradition and the elegance of dining to your table and make memories.

from £150 / person
3-Course Indian Cuisine Menu with Canapes & Table Service
4.94(33 reviews)
• 64 bookings

3-Course Indian Cuisine Menu with Canapes & Table Service

We will cater to all food requirements for your wedding. Our trained staff provides highest level of service to guests. We are committed to exceeding your expectations from start to finish.

from £45 / person
Superb 5-Course Meal Featuring Grilled Monkfish
5.0(2 reviews)
• 5 bookings

Superb 5-Course Meal Featuring Grilled Monkfish

Serving delicious freshly-cooked food with that special warm friendly approach, we are the perfect choice for all your catering needs!

from £100 / person
Indian-Style Private Dining Experience with Scallop Bhel
🎉 New to Poptop

Indian-Style Private Dining Experience with Scallop Bhel

Delicious, beautifully presented fresh food prepared and served by a professional chef in the comfort of your own home!

from £100 / person
Modern European Fine Dining
🎉 New to Poptop

Modern European Fine Dining

Delicious, beautifully presented fresh food prepared and served by a professional chef in the comfort of your own home!

from £65 / person
The Ultimate Christmas Experience
5.0(2 reviews)

The Ultimate Christmas Experience

The ultimate Christmas experience, using the best possible ingredients from suppliers we’ve worked with for over 15 years. You just relax and enjoy, we’ll take care of the rest.

from £80 / person
Modern British Mangal 3-Course Menu
5.0(2 reviews)

Modern British Mangal 3-Course Menu

We use some of the best suppliers in the country to bring a taste of our modern British mangal to your home or event. We make everything from scratch ourselves from the sourdough to dessert.

from £68 / person
3-Course Fabulous Private Chef Experience with a Wide Choice of Meals
4.79(28 reviews)
• 79 bookings

3-Course Fabulous Private Chef Experience with a Wide Choice of Meals

Hosting a private dinner for your family and friends? Let a trusted catering company help you make your event even more special.

from £41 / person
3-Course Plant Based Mexican Fiesta
🎉 New to Poptop

3-Course Plant Based Mexican Fiesta

We bring you unforgettable plant-based dining at home or your chosen venue, with bespoke table styling and a crafted menus to wow your guests creating memories that last a lifetime

from £59 / person
3-Course Plant Based Italian Job
🎉 New to Poptop

3-Course Plant Based Italian Job

We bring you unforgettable plant-based dining at home or your chosen venue, with bespoke table styling and a crafted three-course experience.

from £59 / person
3-Course Plant-Based Roast Dinner Featuring Our ‘Beef’ Wellington
🎉 New to Poptop

3-Course Plant-Based Roast Dinner Featuring Our ‘Beef’ Wellington

We bring you unforgettable plant-based dining at home or your chosen venue, with bespoke table styling and a crafted three-course experience.

from £59 / person
French Inspired Menu with Grilled Octopus To Start
5.0(3 reviews)

French Inspired Menu with Grilled Octopus To Start

Allow us to take your tastebuds to France with this delicious menu filled with the authentic flavours of France.

from £63 / person
Experience A Dining Adventure With A Plant-Based 4-Course Meal
🎉 New to Poptop

Experience A Dining Adventure With A Plant-Based 4-Course Meal

Experience an exclusive dining adventure with a plant-based meal, with dishes meticulously prepared to highlight the unique flavours and nutritional benefits of plant-based ingredients.

from £50 / person
Cinnamon to Saffron Fine Indian Dining Experience
5.0(3 reviews)
• 3 bookings

Cinnamon to Saffron Fine Indian Dining Experience

Create a sense of exclusivity with a unique and unforgettable dining experience. This service is for anyone who is seeking a fine dining experience in the comfort of their own homes.

from £50 / person
Modern Fine Dining British Menu
5.0(8 reviews)
• 2 bookings

Modern Fine Dining British Menu

A seasonal fine dining experience making the most of my favourite autumnal ingredients found in Britain and abroad.

from £90 / person
Modern British 3-Course Menu with Local Kentish Ingredients
5.0(7 reviews)
• 2 bookings

Modern British 3-Course Menu with Local Kentish Ingredients

We are offering a stunning 3 course British menu cooked and served to you in the comfort of your own home or desired Venue. We will adapt any menu to suit your needs or dietary requirements.

from £60 / person
Delicious 4-Course Menu Featuring Aged Beef Fillet
Delicious 4-Course Menu Featuring Aged Beef Fillet
Delicious 4-Course Menu Featuring Aged Beef Fillet
Delicious 4-Course Menu Featuring Aged Beef Fillet

Private Chef Menus spotlight 🌟

Delicious 4-Course Menu Featuring Aged Beef Fillet

4.83(58 reviews)
• 128 bookings

This delicious 4-course menu showcases well sourced seasonal produce from our trusted suppliers and where possible, local farms. We carry out every aspect of this meal from prep to serving, clearing away at the end so you have nothing to worry about. We include a detailed explanation of each dish we serve.

About supplier

We have each been in the restaurant and private catering for over 20 years. We are professional in every aspect of bringing to you a wonderfully presented and delicious tasting 4-course menu to you and your guests whether it's in your own home or chosen venue.

from £80 / person

Instant Quote

Explore thousands of party experiences with live pricing & availability for all our catalogue.

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Curated suppliers

All Poptop’s suppliers are rigorously vetted and approved by our team of party experts, ensuring you book the very best.

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Liverpool(127)
Edinburgh(65)
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Abridge

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Bulphan

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Coopersale

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University of Essex

Walton On The Naze

Weeley

West Bergholt

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Wickham Bishops

Writtle

  • Christening lunches, where family and friends come together for something elegant, warm, and comforting
  • Essex celebrations tend to feel social and relaxed. They are often about bringing people together rather than creating a staged spectacle. A Private Chef fits that vibe perfectly because the experience feels catered yet informal, elevated yet not intimidating.

    Venues and Spaces That Work Beautifully

    What we love about Essex is how many spaces lend themselves naturally to private dining. When choosing where to host, think about atmosphere first. Ask yourself what sensory details you want your guests to remember.

    You might choose:

    • A country house where the dining room feels grand but the garden loungers keep the mood relaxed
    • A waterfront venue where guests enjoy oysters and seafood while the tide moves quietly outside
    • A private garden that feels intimate and serene, perfect for afternoon grazing tables or evening candlelight dinners
    • A marquee in a wide open field, where the sound of laughter carries through the warm air and food becomes part of the landscape

    These environments make Private Chef dining extra special because they frame the experience. The surroundings act as another ingredient.

    Themes and Menus That Bring Essex to Life

    Menus here are often inspired by coastal flavours, outdoor energy, and Mediterranean evenings that do not feel rushed. Many chefs lean towards:

    • Summer BBQs featuring flame grilled meats, charred vegetables, and fresh sides served with brightness
    • Seafood and coastal dining celebrating what Essex is known for, from prawns and mussels to fresh fish prepared delicately
    • Mediterranean afternoons with sun friendly dishes, sprigs of herbs, and a rhythm to the meal that invites people to relax
    • Luxury grazing tables that double as decor. Think colourful displays with cheeses, fruits, dips, breads, and textures that encourage wandering between plates

    Because every Private Chef is different, menus can be sculpted around allergies, requests, childhood dishes that mean something to you, or ingredients that match your theme. The experience is not simply food. It is storytelling.

    What Does a Private Chef in Essex Typically Cost

    Most Private Chef services in Essex fall roughly between £55 and £120 per person depending on the number of courses, ingredients, menu complexity, and style of service.

    1. If you want a relaxed sharing table with fresh ingredients, you may sit closer to the lower end.
    2. Multi course plated menus or luxury seafood banquets will usually be toward the top.
    3. Pricing often includes the preparation, cooking, service, and cleaning up afterwards.

    One of the reasons booking through Poptop is so helpful is because pricing is instant and all inclusive. You know what you will pay before you book, which means no worrying about hidden fees or waking up on Monday with an unexpected bill.

    How Poptop Makes Planning Simpler and Stress Free

    There is a difference between finding a Private Chef and confidently booking one. The first involves searching, messaging, comparing, and hoping you have chosen correctly. The second means your time is protected, your experience is supported, and you walk into your event without anxiety.

    Enjoy a Warm and Welcoming Experience

    When you book through us, you are not just hiring someone who cooks. You are connecting with a person who brings energy, warmth, and engagement to the room. Food is the foundation, but atmosphere is what makes an event unforgettable.

    Plan Quickly and Efficiently

    Private dining should not require days of emailing and waiting. With instant, all inclusive pricing, you can decide within minutes. It means more precious time spent on the parts of planning you love.

    Get a Celebration That Feels Like You

    Tell the chef what matters to you. A favourite childhood dish. A theme inspired by a holiday memory. A vegan menu for a particular guest. Personalisation is what separates a normal dinner from a deeply meaningful one.

    Stay Relaxed From Start to Finish

    You will always know what stage your booking is at. The communication is clear, the process is structured, and the experience is managed so you can enjoy the days leading up to your event instead of worrying.

    Easily Find Exactly What You Need

    All it takes is your postcode, date, and guest count. For example:

    Postcode: CM1 | Guests: 15 | Date: 22/08/2026

    The platform immediately shows chefs that are available and suitable. No endless browsing required.

    Everything in One Place

    Whether you need the food alone or want to add entertainment, decor, or a drinks service, you can manage it all within the same space. One plan, one platform, no tabs open across three devices.

    Create Events That People Will Talk About

    Private dining leaves an impression. When your guests walk away saying, "That was the best food I have had at a celebration," you know it was worth it.

    Secure Booking and Total Confidence

    Every chef is vetted. If there is an issue, a replacement can be arranged. There is also a money back guarantee, meaning your investment is always protected.

    Taking Your Essex Event From Plan to Reality

    If there is one thing we have learned over years of supporting events, it is this: celebrations become memorable when hosts are free to enjoy them. Hiring a Private Chef gives you the gift of being present.

    You get to welcome guests without dashing between kitchen and dining table. You get to hold conversations rather than hold serving platters. You get to be part of the celebration instead of managing it. That is the biggest advantage of choosing a Private Chef in Essex. You are choosing ease, personality, artistry, and connection.

    Final Thought: Your Perfect Essex Event Is a Few Clicks Away

    Whether you already picture the meal clearly, or simply know you want something special, you are ready to begin. Trust your instinct. Trust the experience. And let someone else do the cooking.

    Your celebrations deserve joy, flavour, and moments you will remember.

    With a Private Chef, that is exactly what you get. When you are ready, book your chef and start planning the Essex event that will leave everyone talking.

    Who cleans the kitchen after the event?
    The cleaning is on our chefs, they will leave your space clean and tidy, so you can have fun and just relax after your party.