About The Chef Bureau
Our Mission
The Chef Bureau is a boutique recruitment agency dedicated exclusively to culinary talent.
We connect high-calibre chefs with discerning restaurants, private households, and hospitality venues across the UK.
Rooted in industry knowledge and guided by quality, we operate with a curated approach — prioritising skill, professionalism, and personality. Whether you're looking to fill a Michelin-level kitchen or hire a personal chef for an intimate event, we deliver hand-matched candidates who elevate the culinary experience.
Client Testimonials
The Chef Bureau delivered exactly what we needed — and fast. Both the Head Chef and Sous Chef placed at The Extraordinary Hare brought skill, calm leadership, and creativity to the kitchen from day one. It’s rare to find an agency that actually understands kitchen culture. We won’t be looking elsewhere.
— Paul Adams, Owner
The Extraordinary Hare, West Hendred
We were struggling to find a reliable CDP who could handle volume while maintaining quality — until we found The Chef Bureau. The candidate they placed was a seamless fit and has quickly become an essential part of our team. Highly recommended for rural pubs looking for serious talent.
— Charlotte Grant, General Manager
the White Horse, Priors Dean
Finding pastry chefs with both flair and consistency is never easy — but The Chef Bureau came through. The candidate slotted into our brigade during a high-pressure season and delivered from day one. It’s a relief working with an agency that understands the demands of a real kitchen.
— Tom Ellis, Head Chef
The Black Horse, Otley
Candidate FAQ's
How do I submit my resume?
To submit your resume, simply head to our Join the Bureau page and complete the short application form. You’ll be asked to provide details about your culinary background, experience level, preferred roles, and locations. Once completed, you can upload your CV in PDF format, along with any relevant references or examples of your work. This helps us begin building a clear picture of who you are and where you’ll thrive.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once we receive your application, we personally review your submission to ensure it aligns with our standards and current demand. If your profile is a good match, we’ll invite you to a one-on-one screening interview. This isn’t just a formality — it’s a chance for us to understand your strengths, personality, and the kind of kitchen environment where you’ll succeed. After vetting, you’ll be added to our internal talent pool and considered for both immediate and future opportunities across the UK.
How can I prepare for an interview?
We recommend approaching your interview with the same professionalism you would bring to a new kitchen. Be ready to talk about your culinary journey, key experiences, and the types of roles or kitchens you’re looking for. If you have a portfolio, signature dishes, or plating images — have them ready to share. We're not just assessing skills, but also cultural fit, communication, and reliability. Most importantly, be honest about your expectations — it helps us place you in a role that suits you long-term.
Employer FAQ's
How do I request a chef?
To request a chef, simply visit our Hire a Chef page and complete the short enquiry form. You’ll be asked to provide key details such as the role you're hiring for, cuisine style, location, duration, and any specific requirements. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out personally to discuss your needs in more detail and begin the matching process.
What happens once i submit a request?
After we receive your request, we’ll arrange a brief consultation call to clarify the role and understand the environment you’re hiring into — whether it’s a fast-paced brigade, a private household, or a pop-up concept. We then review our vetted talent pool and introduce you to one or more chefs we believe are a strong fit. Each candidate we present has been personally interviewed, reference-checked, and selected based on both skill and cultural alignment.
What kind of chefs do you work with?
We represent a handpicked network of culinary professionals across the UK — from Michelin-trained head chefs to private event specialists, pastry chefs, CDPs, and freelancers. What they share is a proven track record, strong references, and a professional mindset. Whether you're running a fine dining kitchen or hosting a private dinner party, we’ll match you with chefs who align with your standards and values.