ChiDining – Personal Chef & Catering Services
With over 40 years’ experience as a restaurateur and chef, I provide calm, well-organised catering and private chef services for clients who value quality, reliability, and thoughtful planning.
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What’s your signature dish?
Rather than a single signature dish, I’m known for carefully cooked seasonal food, particularly fresh fish, game, and classic British and European dishes where precision and timing really matter. My focus is always on flavour, balance, and cooking food properly, rather than chasing trends. I always use the best quality ingredients available, and favour local, British, sustainably sourced wherever possible.
How do you go about creating the perfect menu for your clients?
I start by understanding the occasion, guest numbers, and style of service, then design a menu that suits the event rather than forcing a standard package. I keep menus practical, well-balanced, and achievable on the day, so the food is delivered calmly and consistently, obviously taking into account what is (or going to be) best in season.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy the planning and execution just as much as the cooking. Delivering an event that runs smoothly, where hosts can relax knowing everything is under control, is what I find most satisfying. Taking time over a meal with friends, is one of the great joys of life. I enjoy being able to facilitate that.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I learned to cook first for family and friends at home, and later in their homes as well as professionally. Even my earliest kitchen jobs were opportunities to watch and learn — even when starting with the less glamorous tasks.
After many years in professional kitchens and hospitality, I wanted to offer a more personal, well-managed service, where quality, organisation, and clear communication matter more than volume.
Why should our clients choose you?
Clients choose me for experience, reliability, and a calm, professional approach. I don’t overpromise or overextend — I focus on delivering excellent food and a service people can trust, particularly for important or sensitive occasions. I use my lifetime of experience to enhance whatever it is the client needs. My role is to support the event quietly and competently, so clients can focus on their guests rather than logistics.
The customer is king (or queen!) Good food and good service always come first.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I have prior experience delivering cookery tuition and public cooking demonstrations, and can offer online cooking tuition occasionally and by prior discussion. This is not a core service. If this is of interest, please contact me to discuss suitability and availability.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Food safety and hygiene have always been central to my work. I operate from registered kitchens, follow established food safety procedures, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation at all times. I follow current government guidance where applicable, alongside practical measures and common sense, so clients can feel comfortable and confident.
Funeral & Memorial Catering
I provide discreet, well-organised catering for funerals and memorial gatherings, where reliability, sensitivity, and calm execution are essential. Menus are designed to be appropriate to the occasion and may include refined cold buffets, simple hot dishes, or light refreshments, depending on venue and guest numbers. My approach is respectful and unobtrusive, with clear communication throughout, so families have one less thing to worry about on the day.
Private Event Catering (Up to 100 Guests)
High-quality catering for small to medium-sized events, delivered with personal attention rather than production-line service. Suitable for family gatherings, celebrations, and private functions. Catering formats include plated meals, canapés, and both hot and refined cold buffets, planned to suit the tone and practicalities of each event.
Private Dining & Personal Chef Services
Bespoke private dining experiences in your home or venue, typically for smaller groups. Menus are carefully planned around seasonal ingredients, dietary requirements, and the style of the occasion. This service is ideal for clients looking for restaurant-quality food with calm, professional service in a private setting.
Afternoon Tea Catering (Formal & Semi-Formal Events)
Afternoon tea catering for formal or semi-formal events with appropriate guest numbers and settings. Menus are traditional, well-executed, and designed to suit the occasion. I do not offer themed, novelty, or budget-focused afternoon tea packages.
Wedding Catering (Small & Medium Celebrations)
Catering for smaller weddings (up to 100 guests) and wedding-related events where organisation, timing, and dependable service are key. Suitable for receptions, daytime celebrations, or informal wedding formats rather than large-scale production catering. Menus may include plated meals, canapés, or buffet-style service, depending on requirements.
Occasional Cookery Tuition & Demonstrations
I have prior experience delivering cookery tuition and public cooking demonstrations. This is not a core service, but occasional sessions — including online tuition — may be available by prior discussion, subject to suitability and availability.
