Dinners & events
A single celebration dinner, a shooting weekend or a house party for thirty. Chefs who arrive with a menu, shop locally and leave the kitchen spotless.
How it works
From first call to first course
A personal, chef-led search that gets the right person into your kitchen, without the guesswork.
A chef's eye for talent.
Most agencies are run by recruiters. Saffron Chefs was founded by a working private chef.
We know what a good private chef looks like at seven in the morning and at eleven at night, in a busy family villa or a quiet country house. That experience shapes every step below, from the questions we ask you to the chefs we put forward.
The process
Five steps, one point of contact
Step 1: Your brief
We start with a conversation about your household: where and when, how many people you are feeding, the food you love, any allergies or dietary needs, and how your home runs day to day.
You getA clear written brief that we both agree on
Step 2: Shortlist
We search our roster and our network for chefs who fit, then send you two or three profiles. Each one comes with sample menus, photographs of their food and an honest note on why we think they suit you.
You getTwo or three hand-picked chefs, not a pile of CVs
Step 3: Meet & taste
Speak to your favourites by video or in person. Where possible, we can also arrange a tasting so you know exactly what you are getting before you commit.
You getConfidence in your choice before anyone arrives
Step 4: Placement
We agree terms, confirm dates and handle the practical details. Your chef receives a full briefing on your household, your preferences and the kitchen they will be working in.
You getA chef who arrives prepared on day one
Step 5: Aftercare
We stay in touch throughout the booking. If anything is not right, or your plans change, we act quickly to put it right or find a replacement.
You getOne point of contact for the whole booking
What we place
The right chef for every table
Villa, chalet & yacht seasons
Resident chefs for a fortnight in Provence, a ski season in the Alps or a summer at sea. Chosen to fit your family as well as your palate.
Permanent household chefs
Full-time or part-time chefs for your home, live-in or live-out, or travelling with you between residences.
AlsoSki seasons · Christmas & Easter · Shooting parties · Travelling chefs · Special diets and nutrition-focused cooking
Questions
Good to know
Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp or call, and we will happily talk it through.
How much notice do you need?
The more the better, especially for peak summer and ski seasons. That said, we can often help with short-notice dinners and events, so it is always worth asking.
What does it cost?
Our fee depends on the type and length of the placement. We confirm it in writing before we start your search, so there are no surprises.
Where do you place chefs?
We are based in Provence and place chefs across France and worldwide, from Riviera villas and alpine chalets to homes in the UK and further afield.
Can you cater for allergies and special diets?
Yes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and nutrition-focused cooking are all part of the brief, and we only put forward chefs who are confident with your requirements.
What happens if a chef is not the right fit?
Tell us straight away. We will talk it through with you and the chef, and if it still is not working we will find a replacement as quickly as possible.
Tell us about your table
Share your dates, your guests and the kind of food you love, and we will come back to you personally.
Or call +44 7912 494349