How it works

Some frequently asked questions

Q. I don’t know a lot about food – how will I know what to order?
A. Have a conversation with Steve on the phone to discuss the kind of things you like to eat, and he will be able to make some suggestions for the menu.
 
Q. Can I plan my own menu?

A. Yes a lot of people already know what they want to order – Steve will go along with what you want, or suggest ways the menu could be improved. The idea is to give you an evening to remember.

Q. Will there be any menu choices for my guests?
A. You can offer a menu with choices by ordering more dishes than you need for the number of people you are entertaining.  Steve will be able to make suggestions.
 
Q.  I don’t cook and I don’t have much cooking equipment, can I still have the chef service at my house?

A. Steve will ask about any equipment you have and bring anything extra that he needs. It will also be useful to know about the size of your oven, the type of hob you have, and the area of work surface available for preparing and plating your meal. We will talk you through all these things before we come.

Q. Is there anything that the chef does not bring with him?
A.We don’t provide any tableware – tablecloths, napkins, glasses, china or cutlery – however we can arrange the hire of this equipment. Please ask if you want us to quote. We don’t provide flowers for the table, or candles, so please leave these for us to use on your table.

Q. How long will the chef need to prepare my meal?
A.The length of preparation will depend on your menu choices, but having a complicated menu doesn’t mean you need the chef in your house all day. He can do a lot of the preparation before he arrives. He will have already worked out how long it will take him before he quotes you a price for the meal.  He will also be able to tell you what time he needs to be at your house. However, if there is something that takes a long time to cook in your own oven – for example a turkey for a Thanksgiving feast – he will have to arrive much earlier than if he is
cooking a fillet of beef.
 
Q. Who will serve the food?
A.We can provide a waiter if you wish, and we especially recommend this for parties of more than six people. We charge £75 for a waiter or waitress.
 
Q. Who does the washing up?

A. We do! We promise to leave your kitchen as we found it.
 
Q. Who provides wine and drinks?
A. Please shop for your own wine and drinks or ask us to put you in touch with someone who may be able to advise you on wine.
 
Q. What about little extras like canapés and petit fours?
A. Steve can make these too – hand made canapés and petit fours are a lovely way to start and round a meal off in style.
 
Q. I like the idea of a chef prepared meal, but we eat in the kitchen. Can the chef leave something for me to serve when he has gone?
A. Yes – this is another option. Ask Steve for suitable menu suggestions.
 
Q. I have food allergies – can Steve cater for these?
A. Special diets are catered for, and it’s important to let us know about any food allergies before we prepare the menu.
 
Q. How much should I expect to pay?
A. Each booking is priced individually, taking into account Steve’s time, and the cost of ingredients, but we can usually design a menu to suit your budget. Drop us an email to discuss your plans and get an idea of the cost. Once the menu is decided, you will be given a fixed price for the event.
 
Q. How do I pay?
A. Please pay a deposit of 50% to secure your booking. The balance can be paid on the day. Most clients like to pay by bank transfer but we also accept cash or a cheque.

Q. What if I need to cancel my booking?
A. We ask that any cancellations be made three days before your booked meal, otherwise the full price must be paid.
 
Any other questions – just call us for a chat on 020 8549 7514 or 07814 999798 or email us