Private Dining Booking Guide
Everything you need to know before your evening
Thank you for considering one of my private dining experiences.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, family gathering or simply bringing friends together around great food, my aim is to make the whole experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
I'm based in South Devon and regularly travel throughout Devon and Cornwall, bringing restaurant-quality dining into the comfort of your home or holiday accommodation.
This guide explains everything you need to know before, during and after your evening. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please get in touch — I'm always happy to help.
At a glance
• Restaurant-quality dining in your own home or holiday accommodation
• Available throughout Devon & Cornwall
• One shared menu for your whole group
• Minimum 4 guests (Monday–Thursday)
• Minimum 6 guests (Friday–Sunday)
• Travel within 30 minutes each way included
• Relax while I prepare, cook, serve and clear away
Booking your Private Dining experience
Once you've chosen a date and we've discussed your requirements, I'll confirm my availability and send you everything you need to secure your booking.
Your booking is confirmed once your deposit has been received.
The remaining balance is payable four weeks before your booking unless we've agreed otherwise in advance.
Before your booking I'll get in touch to confirm:
• Your chosen menu
• Your final guest numbers
• Your preferred dining time
• Any agreed dietary requirements
• Your venue address and access arrangements
• Any final details or questions
This gives us both peace of mind that everything is organised before the day arrives.
For larger parties, I may also ask to see a few photographs of your kitchen. This simply helps me plan where equipment will go and ensures I can provide the smoothest possible service.
Choosing your menu
For most private dining bookings, you'll choose one of my menus for the whole group.
This allows me to prepare every course to the highest possible standard and ensures everyone enjoys the same carefully prepared dining experience.
If you're unsure which menu would best suit your occasion, I'm always happy to help.
Please bear in mind that my menus change throughout the year to make the most of seasonal produce, so individual dishes may occasionally change.
Food allergies and dietary requirements
Food allergies and dietary requirements must always be discussed before booking.
As much of the preparation takes place in my home kitchen, I'm unfortunately unable to cater for food allergies.
I can accommodate a limited number of dietary requirements on certain menus, but this must always be agreed before your booking is confirmed.
Where a menu item is marked with a green V on my menus, that dish can usually be adapted for vegetarian guests while the rest of the group enjoys the same course. Unfortunately, I'm unable to prepare completely separate dishes for individual guests, so the whole group will need to choose the same menu and courses.
If you're unsure whether I'll be able to help, please get in touch before booking and I'll always be honest about what's possible.
Preparing for your private dining experience
One of the biggest advantages of private dining is that you can enjoy restaurant-quality food without leaving your home.
Before I arrive, it would be really helpful if you could set the dining table however you'd like it and preheat your oven to 180°C. If you have a second oven, preheating this to 80°C is also greatly appreciated.
If possible, having an empty dishwasher available during the evening is helpful, although it certainly isn't essential.
My arrival time depends on the menu you've chosen. We'll agree an arrival time during the booking process so everything is ready for your guests.
I'll bring all of my own cooking equipment, crockery and serving dishes. I'll simply need access to your oven, hob, sink and kettle, and I may also need a little fridge or freezer space depending on your chosen menu.
I always allow plenty of travel time, but in the unlikely event of a delay that could affect your evening, I'll contact you as soon as possible.
During your private dining experience
Once everything is ready, simply relax and enjoy your evening with your guests while I prepare, cook and serve each course.
I'll happily introduce each course and explain the dishes if you'd like me to.
Between courses I'll quietly prepare the next dish, giving you plenty of time to relax with your guests. My aim is always to strike the right balance between attentive service and allowing you to enjoy your evening together.
For your pets' safety, I kindly ask that they remain out of the kitchen while I'm cooking and serving.
Private dining guest numbers
Private dining bookings are available for a minimum of 4 guests Monday to Thursday and 6 guests Friday to Sunday.
I'm equally happy catering for intimate dinners or much larger celebrations. For bookings of eight guests or more, I will bring an additional member of staff to ensure each course is served smoothly and efficiently. Any additional staffing cost will always be discussed and agreed before your booking is secured.
After your private dining experience
At the end of the meal, I'll clear away my equipment and leave your kitchen clean and presentable, allowing you to continue enjoying the rest of your evening.
Cancellation policy
A booking deposit of £20 per person is required to secure your booking. Once your deposit has been received, your date will be reserved exclusively for your group.
Your menu choices, final guest numbers and remaining balance must all be confirmed at least four weeks before your booking date.
IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL
Booking deposits are non-refundable.
More than four weeks before your booking:
No further payment will be due.
Less than four weeks before your booking:
The full balance remains payable, as your menu will have been confirmed, ingredients may have been purchased and it is unlikely that I'll be able to rebook your date at short notice.
If I'm able to rebook your cancelled date, I'll always do my best to offer a full or partial refund where possible. Any refund offered will be entirely at my discretion.
Life doesn't always go to plan, so if something unexpected happens, please get in touch as soon as possible. I'll always do my best to be fair and help where I can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can everyone choose different dishes?
No. To ensure every course is prepared to the highest possible standard, the whole group chooses the same menu. Selected dishes can usually be adapted for vegetarian guests where indicated on the menu.
Do I need to provide plates or serving dishes?
I'll bring all of the crockery and serving dishes needed for your chosen menu. I simply ask you to set your table with your own cutlery and glassware.
How much kitchen space do you need?
I'll require access to your oven, hob, sink and kettle. The more clear worktop space you can make available, the better. For larger groups, I may request photographs beforehand to ensure the space is practical.
Do you clean up afterwards?
Yes. Before I leave, I'll tidy my equipment and leave your kitchen clean and presentable.
How far do you travel?
I'm based in South Devon and regularly travel throughout Devon and Cornwall. Travel within 30 minutes each way is included. Longer journeys incur a travel charge of 50p per minute and, for particularly long distances, nearby overnight accommodation may also be required. Any additional costs will always be discussed and agreed before your booking is confirmed.
Feel free to browse my menus. If you have any questions at all before booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.
My aim has always been simple—to create an evening where you can relax with your guests, enjoy exceptional food and make lasting memories, all without the stress of cooking or hosting.
I look forward to cooking for you soon.