Being a private chef in Cornwall means I’ve cooked in some incredible places—luxury holiday homes, grand estates, even on the beach. But sometimes, the most unforgettable jobs happen in the most unexpected locations.
Private dining isn’t always about state-of-the-art kitchens. Sometimes, you’re in a tiny Airbnb with a single hob, a remote bothy with no running water, or a clifftop with a view that makes up for the lack of kitchen space. Here are some of the strangest, most challenging, and most memorable places I’ve ever cooked.
1. A Clifftop with No Kitchen
This one was straight out of a movie. A client wanted a sunset seafood feast for a birthday celebration—on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic. Sounded idyllic, until I realised there was no kitchen, no running water, and barely any shelter from the wind.
The challenge? Cooking everything over an open fire, keeping sand out of the food, and plating dishes in near darkness. But when the guests sat down to freshly grilled lobster, roasted potatoes, and Cornish seaweed butter, all while watching the sunset—it was worth every second.
2. A Tiny Boat Galley
Cooking on land is one thing. Cooking on a moving boat? That’s a whole new level. I was asked to prepare a five-course tasting menu on a private yacht, which sounded like a dream—until I stepped into the galley. It was the smallest kitchen I’ve ever worked in, and everything moved every time a wave hit.
The challenge? Timing was everything. I had to prep on land, cook in shifts to keep plates warm, and balance myself (and the dishes) on a rocking deck. The end result? A seamless dinner service that felt effortless to the guests—just how it should be.
3. A Woodland Pop-Up
A couple wanted a private foraging-to-table experience in the middle of the woods. The idea was brilliant—we’d forage wild ingredients and cook them right there. But the reality? No kitchen, no prep area, and everything had to be cooked over fire.
The challenge? Working with whatever we could find. The menu featured wild garlic soup, pan-fried venison with nettle pesto, and a rhubarb compote cooked in embers. It was rustic, it was chaotic—but it was one of the most satisfying meals I’ve ever served.
4. A Holiday Let with Zero Equipment
Sometimes, you arrive at a booking expecting a fully stocked kitchen—only to find one blunt knife, a broken oven, and no pans. This happened at a remote Cornish holiday rental, where a family had booked a luxury private dining experience—without checking if the kitchen was actually functional.
The challenge? Improvisation. I ended up cooking most of the meal outside on a portable stove, using baking trays as makeshift frying pans. Somehow, I managed to pull off a four-course dinner, and the guests never knew how close I came to disaster.
The Best Part? The Stories
Private dining isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experiences, the problem-solving, and the stories that come with it. Cooking in the strangest places has taught me to be adaptable, resourceful, and always ready for the unexpected.
Wherever I’m cooking, one thing stays the same: the goal is to create an unforgettable meal, no matter the setting.
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See you at the table! 🍽️