Log In

Don't have an account? Sign up now

Lost Password?

Continue with Google

Sign Up

Continue with Google

No-Nonsense Finance: Ask an Accountant Anything (For Freelance Chefs)

freelance chef finance questions and reading tax guide at home
Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free blog for freelance chefs answers your most common finance, tax, and legal questions in plain English—so you stay compliant and in control.

Introduction

Most freelance chefs aren’t trying to dodge the rules. They’re just confused by them. This blog tackles the key financial topics that come up again and again—from how to invoice, to what counts as a write-off, to avoiding fines when HMRC sends that dreaded email. It’s clear, useful, and written with your world in mind.

Table of Contents

1. Top 10 Questions Chefs Ask (And Honest Answers)

  • Do I need to register as self-employed?
  • What’s the threshold for paying tax?
  • Can I claim for my knives? My phone? My train fare?
  • What if I missed last year’s return?
  • What if I work PAYE and freelance?

Straight answers. No upsell. No scare tactics.

2. Why Most Chefs Get in Trouble (It’s Not What You Think)

It’s not tax fraud. It’s forgetfulness. Or confusion. Or bad advice from mates.

This blog shows you how to:

  • Avoid basic admin mistakes
  • Keep HMRC happy
  • Spot red flags before they cost you money

3. What Counts as Income (And What Doesn’t)

Tips, transfers, gigs, and bonuses — yes

Gifts, reimbursements, or dinner comps — depends

We break it down line by line so you don’t guess.

4. Expense Claims That Actually Hold Up

You can claim for:

  • Tools, uniforms, training, mileage, marketing

You probably can’t claim:

  • Your weekly takeaway or your gym membership

This section lists what works—and what gets flagged.

5. What to Do About Late Payments

  • Sample message to send to a client
  • Timeline for chasing vs. writing it off
  • Whether it’s worth taking legal action (and when)

Most chefs don’t want to be aggressive—but you do want to be paid.

6. Self-Assessment Survival Tips

  • How to get ahead of the January deadline
  • What paperwork you actually need
  • Why an income tracker beats a shoebox full of receipts

The sooner you start, the less it hurts.

  • Use simple tools (like our free bookkeeping kit)
  • Keep records monthly, not yearly
  • Don’t ignore letters from HMRC (ever)

This section gives you a 3-step plan for staying compliant.

Conclusion

Our Ask an Accountant Anything blog is built for freelance chefs who want clarity, not chaos. Taxes don’t need to be terrifying—and this guide proves it.

Click to read the blog and get clear, no-nonsense answers from a real accountant who knows what it’s like behind the pass.

Kricket Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

The Ultimate Chef Services List for UK Freelancers & Private Chefs

Author picture
Watch or listen to this article.
You’re a talented chef—but talent alone doesn’t land gigs, clients, or financial peace of mind. In 2025, being a freelance or private chef in the UK means being a brand, a business, and a booking machine. That’s why we built tools to help you thrive. This blog lists every chef-focused service we offer—from CV support to booking sites. Browse, click, and level up.

TLDR: Going freelance? Don’t guess. From websites to rate tools to tax guides, these chef services help you go pro, get booked, and get paid.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • Branding & Online Presence
  • Getting Hired Faster
  • Money, Rates & Tax Tools
  • Reviews, Recipes & Reputation
  • Support, Learning & Growth

1. BRANDING & ONLINE PRESENCE

2. GETTING HIRED FASTER

3. MONEY, RATES & TAX TOOLS

4. REVIEWS, RECIPES & REPUTATION

5. SUPPORT, LEARNING & GROWTH

For custom packages, support, or questions, contact us here.
Social Pantry Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

For Chefs: Share Your Story. Shape the Industry.

Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: The Chef Network isn’t just for finding jobs—it’s your platform to be heard. Share your thoughts, stories, and insights on how chefs can influence the hospitality industry. Help shape how brands, agencies, and employers understand the real kitchen experience.

Introduction

Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

Chefs are the heartbeat of hospitality. You carry the stress, the creativity, the adrenaline, and the late-night clean-downs. But too often, the conversations that shape the future of food, work conditions, and product innovation don’t include your voice. We’re changing that.

The Chef Network is opening the floor. This isn’t about surveys or clickbait. It’s about telling the truth from behind the pass—whether it’s about working conditions, supplier issues, staffing shortages, or what you actually need from kitchen tools, brands, and employers.

Table of Contents

1. Why Should You Speak Up?

  • Influence Brands: Want better products? More realistic kit? Food companies are listening—if they hear the truth.
  • Shift Culture: Change starts with calling out what needs fixing. Mental health. Pay. Hours. Respect.
  • Build Credibility: Your voice adds weight to your career. Speaking up = leadership.
  • Inspire Others: Your story might help someone stay in the industry another day.

2. What You Can Share

  • What you wish brands knew before they design a new product
  • What’s broken in kitchen culture
  • What keeps you motivated
  • What a “good employer” actually looks like
  • What tools or tech actually work in your kitchen
  • What you’ve learned the hard way

3. Real-Time Access to the Industry’s Frontline

When chefs speak, smart people listen. Your insights help:

  • Brands test and launch better products
  • Employers design better kitchens
  • Agencies understand chef trends
  • Policymakers grasp the real issues

This isn’t a one-way street. Your input fuels change. And yes, we’ll help you stay anonymous if you prefer.

4. Already Live

Want to see the impact? We’re building collaborations with:

  • Brands testing new ingredients with chefs
  • Employers improving hiring based on real chef feedback
  • Agencies changing their approach to contracts, pay, and onboarding

You could be part of this.

Want to Contribute?

Got a story, insight, or opinion? We’ll help shape it into something powerful.

No pressure. No judgement.

  • Anonymous options available.
  • Open to all chefs, no matter your rank.

Click here to get started. Share your voice—and shape what comes next.

Dishoom Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Trim the Fat: Free Utility Expense Analyzer for Hospitality Businesses

Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our Free Utility Expense Analyzer includes a due diligence checklist covering energy, internet, PRS fees, and more—so you can cut hidden costs and tighten spend. Download the checklist today.

Introduction

Overheads creep in quietly—especially across utilities. But that £79/month Sky box in the bar? That annual PRS license you forgot to challenge? They add up. This tool helps you see it all at once—and decide what stays, what goes, and what gets renegotiated.

Table of Contents

1. Why You Should Audit Your Utilities

Too many venues just auto-renew or let standing charges stack up. An annual review helps you:

  • Spot billing errors
  • Renegotiate or switch suppliers
  • Drop non-essentials during slow periods

One 20-minute checklist = major savings.

2. What’s in the Analyzer & Checklist

  • Gas and electric contract tracking sheet
  • Internet + phone line cost log
  • Sky, PRS, and PPL licensing fee breakdown
  • Subscription and standing charge audit
  • Questions to ask suppliers before renewal
  • Monthly vs. annual comparison columns
  • Downloadable in Excel or Google Sheets format.

3. Hidden Costs We Commonly Spot

  • Outdated energy contracts with inflated standing charges
  • Double-charged PRS/PPL fees across merged spaces
  • Unused phone lines still being billed
  • Sky Sports packages no longer needed

Awareness is step one. Action is step two.

4. Who Should Use This Tool

  • Pub, café, or restaurant owners
  • Hotel or multi-venue operators
  • Managers prepping for seasonal trade shifts
  • Anyone unsure what they’re actually being charged

Ideal for first-time due diligence or yearly audits.

5. Real Results From Past Users

  • A 40-cover restaurant cut £380/month from overheads after one review
  • A rural inn switched electric suppliers and saved £1,200/year
  • A venue group used it to centralise telecoms and reduce admin chaos

Quick audit. Long-term impact.

6. How to Download and Start Cutting Waste

Step 1: Click the link
Step 2: Download the checklist (Excel or Sheets)
Step 3: Set 30 minutes aside with your invoices

No tech skills needed. Just your bills and this file.

Conclusion

Our Utility Expense Analyzer gives hospitality businesses a smarter way to review overheads. It’s free, fast, and focused—helping you cut what doesn’t serve your team or your bottom line.

Click to read the blog and grab the free utility checklist today.

Logo
Fix Your SEO
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Own Your Brand. Get Booked Direct: Private Chef Website with Booking Portal

Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our private chef website service builds you a sleek, booking-ready site with your bio, gallery, reviews, and an integrated form clients can use to book you directly. Setup: £399. Optional domain and email extras available.

Introduction

Chefs don’t need to rely on agencies or DMs to get work. A great website puts your services, story, and availability in front of the right people—instantly. We build that for you.

Table of Contents

1. Why Chefs Need a Website That Books

You’re a business. People should be able to:

  • See your skills
  • View your food
  • Read your reviews
  • Book you without emailing twice

This site does all that—and makes you look as good online as you do on the plate.

2. What’s Included in Your Website Build

  • 1-page or multi-page private chef website (WordPress or Webflow)
  • Custom layout with your images and brand style
  • Integrated chef bio + services list
  • Testimonials and reviews section
  • Booking enquiry form (linked to your email or CRM)
  • Mobile optimised
  • Delivered in 7–10 working days.

3. Booking Portal Features

  • Clients submit preferred date, time, guest count, and event details
  • Automated thank-you response
  • Editable availability calendar (optional add-on)
  • No more back-and-forth DMs. Just clear bookings.

4. Optional Add-Ons (Domain + Email)

  • £20 custom domain (.com, .co.uk, etc.)
  • £80 professional email setup (you@yourdomain.com)
  • You own everything. No third-party logins required.

5. Who This Is For

  • Private and freelance chefs building a personal brand
  • Chefs tired of losing jobs to middlemen
  • Event chefs ready to look the part
  • Culinary professionals building a business around themselves

If your Instagram is your portfolio, this is your storefront.

6. How to Get Started

Step 1: Click the link to view example sites
Step 2: Submit your content and images
Step 3: Get your site live within 10 days

No tech skills needed. We do it for you.

Conclusion

Our private chef website with booking portal helps you control your brand, get direct enquiries, and look like the pro you are. £399 setup—delivered fast, designed to convert.

Click to view example sites and request your own booking-ready website today.

Kricket Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Price It Right: Free Recipe Costing Template for Chefs

Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free recipe costing template for chefs is a downloadable spreadsheet that calculates dish costs, margins, and breakeven points—perfect for private dining, events, and pop-up menus.
Whether you’re running a tasting menu, street food stall, or private dinner, this tool helps you know your costs and set your prices with confidence. Built for real-world use by chefs, not accountants.

Introduction

Price It Right: Free Recipe Costing Template for Chefs
Stop guessing. Start earning properly.

Table of Contents

1. Why Recipe Costing Matters (More Than Ever)

Food prices fluctuate. Labour costs rise. Clients expect value.
If you’re not tracking what a dish costs to make, you’re probably undercharging—or eroding profit without realising.
This template fixes that.

2. What’s Included in the Template

  • Editable Google Sheet or Excel file
  • Inputs for:
    • Ingredients + quantities + unit costs
    • Number of servings
    • Total cost per dish
  • Outputs:
    • Cost per portion
    • Suggested selling price based on desired margin
    • Breakeven calculator for event pricing
  • Colour-coded cells and automatic formulas included.

3. How It Works (And What You’ll Need)

  • Enter ingredients and prices from your supplier
  • Add portion size and dish yield
  • Let the sheet calculate per-portion cost and recommended sell price
  • Adjust margins and see impact instantly
  • Takes 10 minutes to set up—saves you from undercharging forever.

4. Use Cases That Pay Off

  • Private chefs pricing bespoke menus
  • Pop-up chefs calculating plate costs for events
  • Street food vendors running tight margins
  • Catering chefs quoting for weddings or corporate events

Your menu. Your cost control.

5. Who This Is For

  • Freelance chefs
  • Private dining operators
  • Small event caterers
  • Anyone who needs to justify pricing with facts

No more guessing. No more awkward undercharges.

6. How to Download and Start Using It

Step 1: Click the link
Step 2: Choose Google Sheet or Excel format
Step 3: Add your first recipe and start tracking your margins

You’ll be pricing smarter in under 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Our free recipe costing template for chefs helps you turn food into a business—by knowing your costs, setting fair prices, and protecting your profit.

Click to download the free template and start costing your dishes properly today.

Mob Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Get the Praise You Deserve: Free Client Review Request Tool for Chefs

Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free client review request tool for chefs helps you automate testimonial follow-ups after every job—making it easier to build trust, credibility, and repeat work.

Introduction

Strong reviews lead to stronger bookings. But most chefs forget to ask—or feel awkward chasing feedback. This free tool makes it automatic. You get ready-made follow-up messages and templates to prompt clients to share what they loved.

Table of Contents

1. Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever

Chefs with testimonials get booked faster.

  • Agencies take you more seriously
  • Private clients feel safer hiring you
  • Portfolios and profiles get more attention

Your next job might depend on your last client’s words.

2. What the Tool Does

  • Automates review request messages post-job
  • Includes templates for:
  • WhatsApp or SMS
  • Email
  • LinkedIn or Facebook DMs

Helps you track which clients left a review.

It’s not just about asking—it’s about asking well.

3. How It Works

  • Copy the message template
  • Add your job details + link to review form or site
  • Send it 24–48 hours after the job
  • Track responses in the provided sheet

Polite. Timed. Repeatable.

4. What’s Included in the Kit

  • Google Sheet or Airtable to track requests
  • 6 plug-and-play message templates
  • Review platform suggestions (Google, LinkedIn, your own site)
  • Optional script for video or quote review requests

Takes 5 minutes to set up. Works for every chef type.

5. Who This Is For

  • Freelance chefs wanting more trust online
  • Private chefs building a luxury client base
  • Relief chefs needing fast credibility
  • Any chef wanting to future-proof their bookings

More reviews = more opportunities.

6. How to Start Using It Today

Step 1: Click the link
Step 2: Download the tool and templates
Step 3: Start sending after your next shift

You’ll be building a stronger portfolio with every job.

Conclusion

Our free client review request tool for chefs helps you collect testimonials without the awkwardness—building trust that turns into bookings.

Click to set up your review requests and start collecting testimonials today.

Rhubarb Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Ask for More. Get What You’re Worth: Free Salary Negotiator for Chefs

Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free salary negotiator tool for chefs shows you current rates by role, region, and experience—plus gives you the exact words to ask for more. Built for interviews, reviews, and contract talks. Too many chefs undercharge because they don’t know the market—or don’t know how to ask. This tool fixes both.

Introduction

You bring the skill. We help you bring confidence.

Table of Contents

1. Why Negotiation Is Part of the Job

Rates vary. Roles change. Locations matter. If you’re not checking regularly—or asking—you’re likely falling behind. Negotiating isn’t pushy. It’s professional. And knowing what’s fair puts you in control.

2. What the Tool Does

  • Shows average day/night rates by chef role and postcode
  • Breaks down freelance vs. full-time
  • Adds skill-level context (Michelin, live-in, seasonal, etc.)
  • Offers ready-made script templates for:
  • Interview rate negotiation
  • Pay reviews
  • Shifting from PAYE to freelance

3. How the Rate Data Is Sourced

  • Live agency data from current job boards
  • Relief and freelance chef networks
  • The Chef Network’s internal salary benchmarks by region
  • Updated every 3 months

The goal: no more guessing. Just clarity.

4. Script Examples That Work

For Interviews: “Based on what I’m seeing regionally for this role, I’d be comfortable at £165/day. Is that within your range?”

For Pay Reviews: “I’ve reviewed the current benchmarks and I believe there’s room to align my rate with the local average. Can we explore an adjustment?”

For Freelance Offers: “For this type of event and travel, my current rate is £220/day. I’m happy to confirm availability if that fits.”

You adapt. You deliver. Now ask to be paid fairly.

5. Who This Is For

  • Freelance chefs pricing new gigs
  • Full-time chefs prepping for contract reviews
  • Private chefs setting new client terms
  • Anyone nervous about asking for what they’re worth

This tool builds backbone—without making it awkward.

6. How to Access the Tool

Step 1: Click the link
Step 2: Enter your role and postcode
Step 3: Get a salary estimate and negotiation script instantly
Use it before your next chat with HR, agency, or client.

Conclusion

Our free salary negotiator for chefs helps you go into your next job talk ready. Real data. Clear scripts. Confidence without confrontation.

Click to access the tool and negotiate with confidence today.

Social Pantry Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Turn Tension Into Trust: Free Conflict Resolution Training for Hospitality Staff

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free WhatsApp job blast service sends your chef role to our active subscriber lists—delivered directly to chefs’ phones within minutes. If you want traction without paying for ads, this is your next move.

Introduction

Want your chef job seen by real chefs, instantly? Use WhatsApp.

Table of Contents

1. What the WhatsApp Job Blast Is

We send chef job alerts directly to:

  • Freelance chefs
  • Relief chefs
  • Live-in job seekers
  • Private chefs

Each alert includes:

  • Role title + location
  • Day rate or salary
  • Key info (e.g. live-in, start date)
  • Direct contact or application link

2. Who Sees the Jobs

We have segmented, chef-only WhatsApp lists by region and role type:

  • 2,000+ active subscribers
  • Opted in via our network
  • Updated monthly to remove inactive users

Chefs are engaged—and often respond within minutes.

3. What It Looks Like to Chefs

Example message:

Head Chef – Live-In | Devon
£170/day | ASAP Start | 6-week role
Great produce, housing provided, weekends off.
DM your CV or click to apply: [link]

Messages are short, skimmable, and mobile-optimised.

4. How to Submit Your Job

Step 1: Go to [submission page or email]

Step 2: Send us:

  • Job title
  • Location
  • Salary/day rate
  • Key perks or notes
  • Application method (link or contact)

Step 3: We format and schedule it for the next batch (usually same-day)

5. Tips to Maximise Responses

  • Be clear about pay
  • Include location + housing if relevant
  • Keep the message short
  • Respond quickly when chefs reach out
  • Direct, transparent ads get the best results.

6. Why It’s Free—and How We Keep It Fair

We offer this free to support the industry.

  • Limit: One job per business per week (free tier)
  • Paid priority blasts available
  • Built to help you reach chefs who are actively looking

Conclusion

Our WhatsApp Job Blast Service is the fastest way to reach working chefs. It’s free, effective, and chef-tested. Don’t wait for applicants—message them directly.

Dishoom Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Pay Less. Stay Legal. Free 2025/26 UK Tax Guide for Self-Employed Chefs

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free UK tax guide for self-employed chefs (2025/26) walks you through registration, expenses, deadlines, and legal ways to keep more of your income.

Introduction

Self-employed chefs deserve better than last-minute panic and overpaid tax.

Table of Contents

1. Who This Guide Is For

Freelance chefs working temp or relief gigs

Private chefs running their own bookings

Commis and sous chefs earning outside PAYE

Anyone paid by invoice or bank transfer

If you don’t get a payslip—you need this guide.

2. What’s Inside (And What’s Not)

  • Covered:
    • How to register with HMRC
    • Self-assessment explained
    • What you can claim (equipment, travel, food, phone, etc.)
    • What records to keep and how long
    • Deadlines and penalties to avoid
    • Tax brackets and how to estimate your bill
  • Not covered:
    • PAYE employment taxes
    • VAT or company tax advice

3. How to Register as Self-Employed in the UK

This section walks you step-by-step through:

  • Getting a UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference)
  • Registering for self-assessment
  • What to do if you missed last year
  • Links to official HMRC pages

No confusion. Just the steps.

4. What You Can Legally Claim as Expenses

You’ll get a list of chef-specific expense categories:

  • Tools, knives, jackets
  • Mileage, train fares, taxis
  • Mobile phone (if used for work)
  • Home office (if booking gigs/admin from home)

Each one includes an example and how to track it.

5. How and When to File (With or Without an Accountant)

Covers:

  • Tax year dates: 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026
  • Filing deadlines
  • How to estimate your tax bill monthly
  • Whether or not to hire an accountant

Plus: basic setup if you want to DIY with free tools

6. The Most Common Tax Mistakes Chefs Make

  • Forgetting to register on time
  • Missing the payment deadline (31 Jan)
  • Not tracking expenses properly
  • Using the wrong income figure (gross vs net)
  • Thinking you’re “too small” to pay tax

This guide helps you avoid every one of them.

7. How to Download Your Copy

Step 1: Click the link Step 2: Download the PDF guide Step 3: Keep it saved and refer to it each month

Use it. Highlight it. Share it with your chef mates.

Conclusion

Our free 2025/26 UK tax guide for self-employed chefs gives you clarity, confidence, and control. You’ll know exactly what to file, when, and how to keep more of what you earn—legally.

Click to download the free guide and master your tax responsibilities without the stress.

Kerb Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Better English. Stronger Teams. Free Language Training for Hospitality Staff

Picture of renee.anne.ngo
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free language training modules for hospitality staff help multicultural teams improve workplace English, boost confidence, and strengthen team dynamics. Available now.

Introduction

Many hospitality teams are diverse—but not everyone speaks the same language with ease. That can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and missed potential. These free English training modules are designed to help international chefs and FOH staff communicate more clearly, ask better questions, and feel more included.

Table of Contents

1. Why Language Skills Matter in Hospitality

Good service relies on clear communication. When staff feel unsure about what to say or how to ask, they:

  • Avoid questions
  • Make errors
  • Withdraw from the team

But when they feel confident speaking up, you get:

  • Faster service
  • Fewer mistakes
  • Better morale

2. What’s Inside the Training Modules

  • Workplace-focused English vocabulary (kitchen + FOH)
  • Common phrases used in service, prep, and handover
  • Visual flashcards for key tools and actions
  • Audio clips for listening + pronunciation
  • Mini-quizzes to test comprehension

All content is beginner-friendly and built for hospitality—not classrooms.

3. How Employers Can Use These Effectively

  • Print out visual guides for kitchen walls or prep areas
  • Offer 15-minute team sessions during quiet periods
  • Pair experienced staff with new hires for learning reinforcement
  • Add modules to onboarding for international hires

No teacher required—just time and care.

4. Who This Is For

  • Hotels and restaurants hiring international staff
  • Kitchens with multicultural brigades
  • FOH teams with communication gaps
  • Managers who want smoother service without language barriers

If you’ve ever had to repeat an order twice—this is for you.

5. Benefits We’ve Seen in Real Kitchens

  • A hotel in Manchester saw faster handovers and fewer kitchen errors after one month of use
  • A seaside pub reduced prep mistakes by 40% by printing visual cue cards
  • A bistro added modules to onboarding and got better reviews mentioning service clarity

Simple tools. Big results.

6. How to Access the Modules Today

  • Step 1: Click the link
  • Step 2: Download the PDF + audio module pack
  • Step 3: Print, play, and use during team briefings or downtime

No accounts. No paywall. Just free training.

Conclusion

Our free language training modules for hospitality staff give multicultural teams the skills to speak, listen, and serve more confidently. They’re easy to use, industry-specific, and ready to print today.

Click to access the free modules and support your team’s growth and confidence on the job.

Logo
Ads not converting?
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Cook. Earn. Track. A Bookkeeping Kit Built for Freelance Chefs

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free bookkeeping starter kit for freelance chefs includes an income tracker, invoice templates, and tax basics—download it today and stay organised.

Introduction

Freelance chefs work like pros but often run their finances like it’s still a side gig. When it’s time to submit a tax return or chase a payment, many are scrambling. This kit changes that. It’s simple, chef-specific, and built to help you track income, send invoices, and stay ahead of self-assessment season.

Table of Contents

1. Why Bookkeeping Matters for Freelance Chefs

You don’t need to be an accountant—but you do need to:

  • Know what you’re owed
  • Know what you’ve earned
  • Be ready for tax deadlines

Poor tracking = missed income + last-minute panic.
Good tracking = peace of mind and better business decisions.

2. What’s in the Starter Kit

  • Chef-specific income + expense tracker (Google Sheets or Excel)
  • Invoice template (ready to personalise)
  • Basic tax checklist for UK self-employed chefs
  • Suggested write-offs and reminders

All designed in plain English—with the reality of chef life in mind.

3. How This Kit Saves You Stress

  • Tracks every gig, rate, and payment
  • Helps you avoid missed invoices or double bookings
  • Prepares you for HMRC deadlines (with less guesswork)
  • Gives you clarity on what’s working—and what’s not

This is your digital apron pocket for financial sanity.

4. Who This Kit Is For

  • Freelance chefs working gigs, events, or relief jobs
  • Private chefs managing their own bookings
  • Commis and sous chefs testing self-employed work
  • Anyone earning without PAYE support

No finance background needed. Just download and go.

5. Real-World Use Examples

  • A freelance chef in Brighton used the tracker to prep 90% of his self-assessment in advance
  • A private chef in Norfolk used the invoice template to standardise bookings and get paid faster
  • A relief chef in Glasgow caught £300 of missed payments using the income column

It pays to be organised.

6. How to Download It Now

Step 1: Click the link
Step 2: Download the starter kit (PDF + Sheets)
Step 3: Start using it this week—it takes 10 minutes to set up

Keep it saved. Use it weekly. Thank yourself later.

Conclusion

Our free bookkeeping starter kit for freelance chefs is the simplest way to take control of your money, prep for tax season, and run your freelance kitchen like a business. No stress. No jargon. Just clarity.

Click to download your free bookkeeping kit and take control of your finances now.

Mob Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Build a Team That Stays: Free Activities for Hospitality Staff

Picture of Mara
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free team-building activity list for hospitality teams gives you quick, low-cost ways to boost morale, improve communication, and reduce turnover. Download it today.

Introduction

Hospitality is high pressure—and team dynamics can make or break your service. But not every venue has time or money for staff retreats. That’s why we made this: a list of team-building activities designed for real kitchens, pubs, hotels, and cafes. They’re fast. They’re simple. They actually work.

Table of Contents

1. Why Team Building Matters in Hospitality

Great service starts behind the scenes. If the team isn’t synced, guests feel it. But when teams bond:

  • Service improves
  • Conflict drops
  • Staff stick around longer

And that saves you time, stress, and recruitment costs.

2. What’s in the Activity List

  • 10-minute pre-shift warm-ups that build trust
  • After-hours games that don’t feel forced
  • Communication drills that don’t require flipcharts
  • Recognition rituals that boost morale fast
  • Food-based team games using kitchen ingredients

All activities are:

  • Low-cost or free
  • Designed for FOH + BOH teams
  • Quick to explain and repeat

3. How to Use These With No Extra Budget

  • Start with one idea a week
  • Use briefing time or end-of-shift cooldowns
  • Rotate team leaders to run sessions
  • Tie activities into staff rewards or shout-outs

Even 10 minutes a week makes a difference.

4. Real Examples That Worked

  • A small café in Edinburgh used “High-Low-Why” as a briefing game—staff said it changed how they communicate
  • A hotel used the “Mystery Plate Challenge” as a BOH team night—it turned into a monthly ritual
  • A restaurant added “one shout-out per shift” rule and saw morale lift in 2 weeks

These aren’t corporate gimmicks—they’re made for kitchens.

5. Who This Is For

  • Venue managers with tight budgets
  • Owners who want to reduce churn
  • Head chefs and team leads looking to strengthen trust
  • Hospitality teams that feel a little disconnected

Culture doesn’t need a consultant. It needs consistency.

6. How to Get the List Now

Step 1: Click the link Step 2: Download the activity list (PDF) Step 3: Pick one to run this week It’s team building without the budget.

Conclusion

Our free team-building activity list for hospitality teams gives you the tools to create stronger, happier teams without adding cost or complexity. Start small. Stay consistent. Watch the culture shift.

Click to download the activity list and start building a better team today.

Mark Waterhouse Logo
Find the right chef
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Post Like a Pro: The Free Social Media Kit Built for Chefs

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free social media content kit for chefs gives you caption ideas, hashtags, and job post templates to help you grow your online presence fast.

Introduction

Whether you’re a freelance chef, private chef, or just trying to stay visible between gigs, your online presence matters. But staring at a blank caption box isn’t marketing—it’s stress. That’s why we built a kit just for chefs: quick prompts, proven hashtags, and job-friendly content you can use right now.

Table of Contents

1. Why Chefs Need to Post More

Great chefs get overlooked every day because they’re not visible. Instagram and LinkedIn are where:

  • Clients look for private chefs
  • Agencies scout new talent
  • Employers check who you are

If you’re not posting, you’re missing gigs. Simple as that.

2. What’s Inside the Content Kit

  • 15 caption prompts for food, process, and personality
  • 25 top-performing hashtags (UK chef niche)
  • 5 job callout templates (“Looking for work” posts that convert)
  • Tips for writing bios and CTA lines
  • Posting frequency guide for Instagram and LinkedIn

No fluff. Just plug-and-play content.

3. How This Kit Saves You Time

  • No more caption blocks
  • No more hashtag guessing
  • No more wondering what to post

You open the kit. You copy. You post. Done.

4. Real Posts That Get Results

  • A chef in Bristol landed 3 trial shifts after using one of our job templates
  • A private chef’s hashtag stack landed them a repost by a booking agency
  • A commis chef used our prompts to start a weekly post routine—now 2k+ followers

Consistency = bookings.

5. Who This Is For

  • Freelance chefs
  • Private and personal chefs
  • Commis chefs building presence
  • Chefs trying to stand out without hiring a social media manager

You don’t need to go viral—you just need to be findable.

6. How to Download It Free

  • Step 1: Click the link
  • Step 2: Download the kit (PDF + caption sheet)
  • Step 3: Start posting this week

Set a 10-minute weekly reminder and stay top of mind.

Conclusion

Our free social media content kit for chefs makes posting easy. It’s how you stay visible, get booked, and show up like the professional you are. No budget, no stress—just good content that works.

Click to grab your free content kit and start posting like a pro today.

Rhubarb Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Stop Guessing, Start Selling: Get the Leads That Grow Your Agency

Picture of Michael
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our employer lead list service for chef agencies delivers geo-targeted restaurant and hotel contacts—filtered by hiring history and niche relevance. From £250 per 500 leads.

Introduction

Cold outreach only works if the list is warm. That means relevance, recency, and the right contact. Our lead lists are built for chef recruitment agencies who want to scale fast—without wasting time on dead ends. Whether you’re running email campaigns, doing outbound sales, or building your client base, this is your shortcut.

Table of Contents

1. Why Generic Lead Lists Don’t Work

Most agencies buy bulk contact data, only to find:

  • Wrong contacts
  • Closed venues
  • Zero industry fit

That’s money wasted.

Our lists are built from:

  • Verified public hiring records
  • Social and job board activity
  • Real hospitality hiring trends

You only get venues actively or recently hiring—nothing stale.

2. What Makes Our Lists Different

Every list is filtered and targeted:

  • By city, region, or postcode
  • By venue type (hotel, bistro, pub, etc.)
  • By chef style relevance (fine dining, casual, live-in)
  • With names, roles, and emails where available

Plus: All contacts are GDPR-aware and scraped using compliant tools.

3. Use Cases That Drive Results

  • Build a cold email campaign that actually gets replies
  • Feed your CRM or sales team with high-fit prospects
  • Identify the right places to call, visit, or DM
  • Build regional heat maps for expansion

This isn’t a scattergun list—it’s a client acquisition tool.

4. What You Get for £250

  • 500 leads minimum (CSV or CRM-ready format)
  • Filtered by your geo and chef type criteria
  • Includes name, venue, contact info, and hiring signal
  • Optional add-ons: socials, last job posted, lead scoring

Orders scale up to 2,500 leads/month.

5. Volume, Quality, and Targeting Explained

  • Minimum Order: 500 leads
  • Maximum Monthly Volume: 2,500 leads
  • Starting Price: £250 per 500
  • Delivery: Within 3–5 business days
  • Format: CSV, Sheets, or direct CRM import

You brief. We build. You sell.

6. How to Preview and Order Your List

  • Step 1: Click the link to request your sample
  • Step 2: Choose your filters (location, venue type, chef focus)
  • Step 3: Receive pricing and ETA

Your team can start outreach within the week.

Conclusion

Our employer lead list service for chef agencies gives you high-fit, geo-targeted, contact-rich leads that convert. Stop spending hours on LinkedIn. Start with a list built for your niche.

Logo
Ads not converting?
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Sell More. Waste Less. Train Teams to Upsell with Confidence

Picture of Mara
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free sales techniques workshops for hospitality teams teach FOH and chefs how to upsell specials, reduce waste, and increase average guest spend. Workshop materials available now.

Introduction

In most kitchens, chefs know what needs to move. FOH know how to speak to guests. But they rarely connect. These workshops bridge that gap with practical, chef-led sales training that gets teams aligned, reduces waste, and drives revenue.

Table of Contents

1. Why Upselling Matters More Than Ever

Margins are tight. Stock waste is real. Guests are willing to spend—if the offer is right.
But most upselling fails because:

  • Staff aren’t briefed
  • Specials aren’t described well
  • Teams aren’t aligned across kitchen + floor

This workshop changes that.

2. What the Workshop Covers

  • Daily dish briefing structure (what’s special, what needs to go)
  • How to describe food with emotion and urgency
  • Pairing suggestions (drinks, starters, desserts)
  • Language swaps (“would you like” → “you’ll love”)
  • Handling hesitation with confidence

Everything is role-play tested. No theory—just scripts, prompts, and shared goals.

3. Who Should Run It (and How)

  • Head chef + FOH lead co-run the session
  • Happens pre-service or post-shift
  • Ideal for venues with changing menus, specials, or stock priorities
  • No projector needed—just a table, 20 minutes, and the right intent.

4. Real Examples of What Works

  • A bistro added £3 per cover by briefing dessert pairings during pre-service
  • A rural pub cut waste by 60% by aligning FOH with chefs on Sunday roast portions
  • A hotel restaurant sold out specials by 8PM by giving staff a one-line sales hook

Tiny tweaks = major results.

5. Workshop Materials You’ll Get

  • FOH script prompt sheet
  • Chef briefing checklist
  • Sales hook examples
  • Upsell-friendly phrasing guide
  • 10-minute pre-service workshop format

All printable. All practical. All tested in real venues.

6. How to Access the Training Today

  • Step 1: Click the link
  • Step 2: Download the workshop toolkit
  • Step 3: Use it in your next team briefing

Your team will sell smarter by tonight.

Conclusion

Our free sales techniques workshops for hospitality teams give chefs and FOH staff the confidence to upsell naturally. When everyone understands the food and how to sell it, the whole venue wins.

Click to access workshop materials and start training your team to sell more, waste less, and work as one.

Platinum Recruitment Logo
Find Exceptional Talent
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Healthy Teams Work Better: Free Wellness Programs for Hospitality Employers

Picture of Mara
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free health and wellness programs for hospitality teams give you access to curated mental health, wellbeing, and engagement resources—free to use, easy to implement.

Introduction

Long hours. High pressure. Staff turnover. The hospitality industry is known for its grit, but that grit wears down. Wellness matters—not just to avoid burnout, but to build teams that stay, grow, and perform. We’ve gathered a list of free programs any employer can use to support staff wellbeing without adding costs.

Table of Contents

1. Why Hospitality Needs Better Wellness Support

Most staff turnover in hospitality is preventable:

  • Poor communication
  • Lack of recognition
  • Zero support for stress or life outside work

Mental health and burnout are rising. But small, consistent wellness efforts create loyalty, boost morale, and improve service quality.

2. What’s in the Program List

  • Free mental health support services (UK-wide)
  • Workplace wellness challenges and check-in tools
  • Daily gratitude and team recognition templates
  • Links to NHS-backed stress and anxiety apps
  • Guides to starting internal peer-support systems
  • Nutrition, sleep, and financial wellness resources

All chosen for hospitality. All free.

3. Who This Is For

Designed for:

  • Restaurant and hotel owners
  • Pub managers and FOH leads
  • Hospitality HR teams
  • Any business employing chefs, KPs, or FOH staff

You don’t need a wellness budget to start caring.

4. Real Impact Without Spending a Pound

  • One group added 5-minute wellness breaks before dinner service
  • A pub used daily gratitude shout-outs and saw a drop in staff absences
  • A hotel circulated a free mindfulness app link and got great feedback from night porters

Culture changes don’t always need money—they need effort and consistency.

5. How to Implement These Fast

  • Pick 2–3 ideas from the list
  • Add them to your weekly team briefing
  • Print out posters or send staff WhatsApp messages
  • Encourage management to lead by example
  • Start small. Stay consistent.

6. Access the List Now

  • Step 1: Click the link
  • Step 2: Download or bookmark the resource page
  • Step 3: Share with team leads or HR

You’ll have a wellness plan in 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Our free health and wellness programs for hospitality teams are designed to fit real kitchens and service teams—not corporate offices. Use them to boost morale, reduce burnout, and show your staff they matter.

Click to explore programs and implement wellness into your workplace—without spending a penny.

Chef for All Seasons Logo
Need a temp chef?
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Structure That Scales: Set Up a Recruitment CRM Without the Headache

Picture of Michael
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our recruitment CRM setup service for chef agencies installs and configures a full CRM system (like Recruitee or GoHire) to help you manage candidates, clients, and placements—£249 setup fee.

Introduction

As chef agencies grow, so do the moving parts: job ads, candidates, client comms, interview stages. If you’re still juggling inboxes and Excel sheets, you’re bleeding time. Our CRM setup service gives you structure fast—without the learning curve. We handle the install, the configuration, and the key automations so your system works on Day One.

Table of Contents

1. Why Chef Agencies Outgrow Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are fine—until you’re running 5+ roles, emailing 10+ clients, or placing chefs weekly. Then:

  • Candidate info gets lost
  • Job stages get messy
  • You repeat tasks constantly

A CRM fixes that by giving you one place to:

  • Track applicants
  • Assign stages
  • Communicate with clients
  • Log placements

2. What a Recruitment CRM Actually Does

Think of it as your control panel:

  • One-click job posting
  • Candidate pipelines (applied, shortlisted, interviewed)
  • Tags, filters, and notes
  • Email templates and automation
  • Client dashboards and role visibility

You go from reactive to structured.

3. Which Tools We Recommend

We’ll help you choose based on your goals:

  • Recruitee: For teams with multiple recruiters
  • GoHire: For lean agencies who want fast setup

Others available on request—we’re tool-neutral.

We’ll recommend based on your workflow, not kickbacks.

4. What’s Included in Our Setup

  • CRM account setup (yours, not ours)
  • Branding and user permissions
  • Job stage configuration (custom pipelines)
  • Email + template setup
  • Calendar and basic automation integration
  • Basic training guide (Loom video walkthrough)
  • Optional: full onboarding or team training for additional fee

5. Who This Is For

  • Best for: Agencies scaling beyond 5–10 live roles
  • Recruiters managing multiple clients or markets
  • Chef-focused staffing businesses needing structure
  • Not ideal for: One-person operations with under 3 roles
  • Businesses without dedicated hiring goals

6. How to Launch Your CRM in Days

  • Step 1: Click the link and tell us your CRM preference
  • Step 2: We set up and configure your account
  • Step 3: You get a walkthrough + go live

Most agencies are operational within 3 business days.

Conclusion

Our recruitment CRM setup service for chef agencies helps you scale without the stress. For £249, you get a structured, fully configured CRM system that puts candidates, clients, and workflows in one place.

Click to explore the CRMs we recommend for growing agencies—and launch yours this week.

Logo
Recruitment CRM Setup
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Tell Stories That Sell: Free Prompts to Make Every Dish Memorable

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our free dish storytelling prompts for chefs help you describe food in ways that sell—ideal for menus, briefings, and social media. Read the blog and start today.

Introduction

Describing food is a skill. A well-worded menu line or caption can spark cravings, bookings, or reposts. But too often, chefs undersell their plates. This free guide helps you turn basic descriptions into short, emotional stories that speak to culture, process, and flavour.

Table of Contents

1. Why Storytelling Sells More Food

People don’t buy food—they buy the experience behind it.

  • Emotion: builds appetite
  • Backstory: creates value
  • Descriptive language: sets expectations

Chefs who can talk about food well often book more events, upsell better, and build stronger online brands.

2. 4 Key Angles to Describe a Dish

Use one—or combine them—for extra impact:

  • Emotion: What should they feel? Comfort? Surprise? Nostalgia?
    Example: “A bowl that tastes like Sunday afternoons at home.”
  • Ingredients: What’s special, seasonal, or local?
    Example: “Charred leeks and cold goat’s cheese”
    Highlight sourcing: “Hand-dived scallops from Oban”
  • Technique: What shows craft?
    Example: “48-hour brined pork belly, finished over coals”
  • Culture/Memory: Where did the idea come from?
    Example: “A twist on the Filipino kare-kare I grew up eating”
    Example: “Inspired by summer nights in Marseille”

3. Real-World Examples

Before: “Lamb with mash and peas”
After: “Seared salt-marsh lamb, mint pea purée, smoked mash—spring on a plate”

Before: “Chocolate tart”
After: “Silky dark chocolate with black garlic caramel and crisp barley shortbread”

These aren’t exaggerations—they’re sensory guides.

4. Free Prompts to Try Today

  • “This dish reminds me of ____ because ____”
  • “The texture is like ____ but the flavour hits like ____”
  • “We chose this ingredient because ____”
  • “Think of this as our take on ____ from ____”
  • “It tastes like ____ with the smell of ____ in the background”

Use these on menus, specials boards, team briefings, or content posts.

5. How to Use This in Your Kitchen

  • Update your specials board with more descriptive copy
  • Train staff to say more than “it’s nice”
  • Add mini-stories to Instagram captions
  • Turn basic menus into brand-building assets

Every word is a chance to connect. Make them count.

Coming soon:

  • How to Write a Better Menu in Under an Hour
  • Content Ideas for Chefs Who Hate Social Media
  • How to Turn a Dish into a Marketing Asset

Conclusion

These free dish storytelling prompts for chefs are your shortcut to selling more food with fewer words. You’ve already done the hard part—creating something worth eating. Now, let’s make people hungry for it.

Click to read the blog and start telling better food stories today. Use the prompts. Watch what happens.

Social Pantry Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Make Your First Impression Count: Get a Chef Bio That Books Gigs

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our chef Instagram bio optimizer is a free tool that rewrites your IG bio to help you land more gigs, grow your following, and look pro.

Introduction

Chefs are judged in seconds—especially on Instagram.

Table of Contents

1. Why Your Instagram Bio Matters

Clients, agencies, and followers all scan bios before DMs. A weak or boring bio = lost opportunity.

  • Bad bios: Just list job titles
  • Bad bios: Say “freelance chef” with no context
  • Bad bios: Use outdated language or irrelevant links
  • Good bios: Show what makes you different
  • Good bios: Speak to a specific audience
  • Good bios: Invite action (DM, link click, etc.)

2. What Makes a Great Chef Bio

The best chef bios are:

  • Clear: Who are you and what do you do?
  • Confident: What makes you stand out?
  • Concise: Under 60 characters that hook

Example:
Before: “Private Chef | London | Bookings Open”
After: “Seasonal fine-dining in-home chef | London-based | DM to book”

3. How the Bio Optimizer Works

You answer a few quick questions (style, role, goal)

Our AI rewrites your bio in seconds

You get 3 options: bold, clean, and playful

Pick one and update your Instagram

It’s built to sound human—not robotic. No templates. No fluff.

4. Who It’s Built For

Ideal for:

  • Freelance chefs: trying to get noticed
  • Private chefs: building their online brand
  • Chefs: with outdated or boring bios
  • New chefs: setting up a professional profile

If you want to look sharp and book more work, this is your 60-character upgrade.

5. What You’ll Get (and What You Won’t)

You Get:

  • 3 AI-crafted chef bios: tailored to you
  • Instantly: ready to copy & paste
  • Free: no login required
  • Bonus tips: on profile highlights + link strategy

You Don’t Get:

  • Full profile audits: that’s a paid add-on
  • Overnight fame promises: This tool is about credibility and clarity.

6. How to Try It Free in Seconds

Step 1: Click the link and answer 3 questions
Step 2: Get your 3 bios instantly
Step 3: Pick your favourite and update your IG bio
That’s it. New vibe. More attention.

Conclusion

Your chef Instagram bio optimizer is your fastest upgrade. In one tap, you’ll go from generic to memorable. It’s free, built for chefs, and designed to help you stand out where it counts.

Dishoom Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo

Know Your Worth: Get Paid What You Deserve with Our Chef Rates Benchmark Report

Picture of WesleyPeterYates
Watch or listen to this article.

TLDR: Our chef Instagram bio optimizer is a free tool that rewrites your IG bio to help you land more gigs, grow your following, and look pro.

Introduction

Chefs today are brands. Your Instagram profile is your storefront—and your bio is the sign over the door. If it’s vague, cluttered, or just says “freelance chef,” you’re blending in. Our AI-powered tool rewrites your chef bio to match your vibe, highlight your niche, and position you for more bookings—all in under 60 characters. It’s free. It’s fast. It works.

Table of Contents

1. Why Your Instagram Bio Matters

Clients, agencies, and followers all scan bios before DMs. A weak or boring bio = lost opportunity.

  • Just list job titles
  • Say “freelance chef” with no context
  • Use outdated language or irrelevant links

Good bios:

  • Show what makes you different
  • Speak to a specific audience
  • Invite action (DM, link click, etc.)

2. What Makes a Great Chef Bio

The best chef bios are:

  • Clear: Who are you and what do you do?
  • Confident: What makes you stand out?
  • Concise: Under 60 characters that hook

Example:

Before: “Private Chef | London | Bookings Open”

After: “Seasonal fine-dining in-home chef | London-based | DM to book”

3. How the Bio Optimizer Works

You answer a few quick questions (style, role, goal)

Our AI rewrites your bio in seconds

You get 3 options: bold, clean, and playful

Pick one and update your Instagram

It’s built to sound human—not robotic. No templates. No fluff.

4. Who It’s Built For

Ideal for:

  • Freelance chefs trying to get noticed
  • Private chefs building their online brand
  • Chefs with outdated or boring bios
  • New chefs setting up a professional profile

If you want to look sharp and book more work, this is your 60-character upgrade.

5. What You’ll Get (and What You Won’t)

  • You Get:
    • 3 AI-crafted chef bios tailored to you
    • Instantly ready to copy & paste
    • Free, no login required
    • Bonus tips on profile highlights + link strategy
  • You Don’t Get:
    • Full profile audits (that’s a paid add-on)
    • Overnight fame promises
    • This tool is about credibility and clarity.

6. How to Try It Free in Seconds

  • Step 1: Click the link and answer 3 questions
  • Step 2: Get your 3 bios instantly
  • Step 3: Pick your favourite and update your IG bio

That’s it. New vibe. More attention.

Conclusion

Your chef Instagram bio optimizer is your fastest upgrade. In one tap, you’ll go from generic to memorable. It’s free, built for chefs, and designed to help you stand out where it counts.

Click to get your optimized chef bio in seconds—and turn your profile into your pitch.

Kerb Logo
We are recruiting
Was This Article Helpful?
YesNo