Planning an event with a private chef raises lots of questions — from booking and deposits to menus, travel, and what’s included. At Pommes x Butlers, we believe in keeping everything transparent, so you know exactly what to expect. Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about hiring a private chef, event catering, and making your celebration stress-free.
Answer: You can request a quote by contacting us in one of these ways:
Fill out our booking form
Send us an email
Message us via WhatsApp or text
Give us a call
For larger events, we may also offer an in-person meeting and a menu tasting.
When requesting a quote, please include:
Number of guests
Event date and location
Type of event (wedding, birthday, hen party, etc.)
Serving style (plated, buffet, sharing platters)
Menu or cuisine ideas
Dietary requirements
Answer: Once we have received your request via booking form or email, we’ll reply within 24 hours with a custom quote, menu suggestions, and event ideas. If we need more details before confirming, we’ll get in touch. You can connect with us by phone, email, Zoom, or WhatsApp.
Answer: To confirm your booking, we ask for a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is collected 2 weeks before your event.
We use GoCardless for secure payments. You’ll receive a custom payment link to pay your deposit and set up a direct debit for the remaining balance. A reminder notification will be sent before the final amount is collected.
For credit card and international payments, we use Stripe. Their processing fees apply:
2% for credit card payments
5% for international payments
Your event date is only secured once the deposit is received. Menu selections can be finalised later — we recommend paying your deposit early to secure your preferred date.
Answer: Every quote includes:
A custom menu
All ingredients
Travel costs and time
Your chef’s preparation, cooking, and service
Answer: Yes. Our chefs are happy to travel for events outside our local area. Additional charges may apply to cover flights, accommodation, or extended travel time. Share your event details with us, and we’ll provide a tailored quote.
Answer: Pricing is custom for each event and depends on your menu, guest count, and any additional options. The price per guest is based on your chosen dishes plus any extras such as:
Extra sides or canapés
Wine pairing or drink service
Glassware and cutlery rental
Additional staff (servers, assistants)
Travel fee
Booking platform fee (10%)
Payment platform fee (£5 for debit card, 2% for credit card, 5% for international payments**)
About our fees:
We’re transparent about all costs, and every quote clearly shows how your total is calculated.
The booking platform fee helps cover secure bookings, client protection, and administrative costs.
The payment platform fee reflects the actual charge from our payment provider (for processing card and international transactions).
Travel fees are based on distance and time — the first 45 minutes are free, then charged at £50 per additional 15 minutes.
Every quote is tailored to your event so you always know exactly what you’re paying for — no hidden charges.
Answer: We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weddings and summer events, which fill up quickly. We’ll always try to accommodate last-minute bookings where possible.
Answer: We generally don’t reduce quotes, especially for plated events, since the chef must be present throughout.
For a more budget-friendly option, we can prepare:
Gourmet platters with setup service
Easy-to-finish dishes that require only light reheating
These alternatives give you the same quality food with less on-site service, helping reduce costs while keeping the experience enjoyable.
Answer: Your chef will:
Arrive 1.5–2 hours before service
Prepare, cook, and serve the menu
Tidy and clean the kitchen before leaving
Answer: No special equipment is required. Our chefs typically use the kitchen facilities at your home or venue. If something specific is needed, we’ll let you know in advance.
Answer: No. All ingredients are included in your quote. Our team brings everything required for the menu.
Answer: Yes, most dishes are prepared and cooked on site. Some elements may be pre-prepared in advance to save time and ensure consistent quality.
For example, our popular blade of beef requires:
12 hours brining
12 hours marinating
12 hours slow braising
This ensures deep flavour and tenderness, while final cooking and serving happens at your event.
Answer: Normally, the chef does not set the table.
However, if you choose our tableware rental service, table setting is included — along with printed menus designed for your event.
Answer: Yes, we have rental options available, which we’ll offer to you when planning your event.
Many clients find that using our rental service helps create a smoother experience, allowing them to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about logistics.
Answer: Yes. For small groups, the chef or assistant will clean the kitchen and clear plates. For larger events, the chef will clean the kitchen, but you may need a server to clear plates. You can arrange your own server or ask us to organise one for you.
We will advise you about clean-up arrangements when you make your booking, so everything is clear in advance.
Answer: If you cancel more than 14 days before your event, we provide a 100% refund (except for purchases already made for your booking and the booking platform fee, which are non-refundable).
For larger events such as weddings, where additional staff are required:
Staff costs may not be refundable within 30 days of the event.
Refunds on purchases already made for your booking will be deducted.
The booking platform fee is always non-refundable.
Please note: bookings for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are non-refundable.
Answer: Please email us at info@pommesandbutlers.com to check if we can serve your new location. Extra travel fees may apply. We will confirm if your event can still go ahead.
Just message or email us. We’ll update your booking and let you know if the cost changes. Our minimum event spend and travel fees remain the same.
Answer: The chef is fully responsible for delivering the service. If you’re not satisfied, please raise the issue directly with your chef during the event — they’ll usually do everything they can to resolve it.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the event:
Contact us by 12pm the next day.
Provide photographic evidence where applicable.
We will make our best efforts to assist in an amicable resolution. Please note, if issues are not raised during the event, we may not be able to help afterwards.
Answer: If you’d like to partner with Pommes x Butlers, email your CV and cover letter to info@pommesandbutlers.com.
If invited for a chat, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills:
Chefs
Knowledge of gastronomy (e.g., mother sauces)
Basic knife skills
Preparation of meat, poultry, seafood, and fresh vegetables
Pastry techniques (e.g., tart making)
Creation of a 3-course meal that showcases your style and artistry
Front of House / Assistants
Knowledge of alcohol (wine, sparkling, dessert wines, soju, sake, craft beer)
Basic cocktail making
Cheese knowledge
Basic gastronomy and preparation skills
Serving etiquette
Table setting
Answer: Absolutely. We regularly provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-safe menus. Please share requirements when booking so we can plan accordingly.
Answer: Tips are never required but always appreciated if you feel your chef and team provided excellent service. Your chef and any servers receive 100% of the tips. You can give tips directly on the day, or add them when making your final payment.
Answer: We love hearing from our clients. After your event, you’ll receive a follow-up email with a link to share your review. You can also leave feedback directly on Google Reviews or by emailing us at info@pommesandbutlers.com.
Your feedback helps us grow and ensures future clients enjoy the same high-quality experience.
Couldn’t find the answer you were looking for?
Contact us today and our team will be happy to assist
We serve most locations within 60 miles of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, UK, or about 1.5 hours of travel time.
We do, however, make exceptions.
Get in touch with us to find out your options.
We aim to respond within 24 hours. However during peak event days/seasons, we may take longer to respond.
Get in touch with our team to plan your next event!