When someone first suggested hiring a private chef for a night at Bluehouse, we thought it sounded a bit over the top. Then we did it. It was one of the best evenings of the whole holiday. Here's the honest take.
What actually happens
The chef arrives a couple of hours before dinner, takes over the kitchen (our kitchen is big enough — that matters), cooks a proper multi-course meal and serves it. You don't lift a finger. No one has to argue about who's cooking. No one spends the evening stressed over a recipe. You all just sit down together and eat something genuinely delicious. For a group of 10–14 it works out surprisingly reasonable per head.
Cornwall has brilliant private chefs
The food scene in Cornwall is excellent — lots of chefs who trained in good restaurants and now do private dining. They'll source local seafood, Cornish beef and lamb, seasonal veg. Much of it better than you'd get in a restaurant.
Who to contact
Here are a few we'd recommend looking at:
chefcornwall.com — a good selection of private chefs across Cornwall, various styles and price points.
yhangry.com — an excellent platform for booking private chefs across the UK, including Cornwall. You can browse menus and get instant quotes.
privatediningcornwall.co.uk — specifically focused on Cornwall. Worth a look for locally based chefs who know the area's ingredients.
Book well ahead in summer — the good ones fill up quickly. Tell them it's for Bluehouse in Tregurrian and they'll know the setup. Get in touch with us if you want a personal recommendation — we've had chefs work in the house before and can point you in the right direction.
When it makes most sense
A birthday dinner. An anniversary. The first night when everyone's just arrived and no one wants to cook. Or honestly just any night when you think "we've got a beautiful house, let's make the most of it." We'd suggest booking one evening per week rather than every night — the contrast makes it feel more special, and having a cook-together night the rest of the time is brilliant in its own way.
The cost
Typically £60–100 per head including food, depending on the menu and the chef. For 14 people that's £800–1,400 for the evening — sounds like a lot until you divide it between everyone and compare it to a restaurant bill for the same group. Often it works out similar or cheaper, and it's a much better experience.