Our Story

The Dorset Chef — Our Story

Creating life long memories & experiences through incredible food.

350 five-star Google reviews

Voted "The Best Private Chef Service in the South 2025" Privilege Awards

5 Food Hygiene Rating

The Journey

I've had a lifelong passion for cooking and feeding people. It started with private dining events in 2012, followed by sold-out pop-ups in Southbourne, before I took on the role of head chef at The Priory restaurant in Christchurch.

But I wanted to work without the cost constraints and restrictions of a restaurant — to provide a more intimate setting and a truly personal experience. The Dorset Chef was born in June 2023 with one intention: creating lifelong memories for diners using the very best local and seasonal ingredients.

I have a relentless drive to learn, and a simple belief — if you source the best local and seasonal ingredients and cook them honestly, people will notice.

They did. In August 2024, I was recognised by the Love Local Trust Local organisation and won a hospitality award. By early 2025 I had become the highest-rated private chef in Dorset, followed by being named "Best Private Chef Service in the South" at the start of 2026.

Philosophy

Why We Cook the Way We Cook

"Creating life long memories & experiences."

We believe in generous refinement, using classic techniques with some modern interjections where appropriate. Fine-dining technique delivered with warmth and real portions. Precision plating (but no tweezers) served with a smile, not pretension. Every dish should make you feel special — not hungry.

We cook Modern British, French, Italian, — deliberately versatile because your occasion deserves a menu that fits perfectly, not one forced into a single style.

Locally Sourced

Rooted in Dorset

Dorset isn't a marketing tag — it's who we are and where we source the majority of our produce. From day-boat fish landed at Poole harbour to organic vegetables from Ringwood and dairy from Shaftesbury, every dish tells the story of this incredible county. We know most of our suppliers by name.