UK-wide chef services · Personal agency support

Relief chefs.
Nationwide cover.

Temporary, emergency and permanent chefs for UK pubs, hotels, restaurants, holiday parks and private homes. Book Christmas and New Year’s Eve cover with our team.

Speak to our team or book through our app. Chef-led since 2013.

Short of a chef today? Call 07761 504333. Our emergency line is open 24/7; cover is subject to availability.
Christmas & New Year 2026

Keep your festive service covered.

Christmas parties, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Chef cover for hospitality venues and private celebrations, nationwide.

Plan your festive chef cover

Fully vetted & insured chefs

Every chef supplied by Relief Chefs UK is professionally vetted and must hold valid public liability insurance with cover of up to £10 million before attending any client assignment.

Book with confidence, knowing our chefs meet our strict onboarding and insurance requirements.

How it works

Tell us your dates. We check availability.

We also offer permanent chef recruitment across the UK, and temp-to-perm if a chef turns out to be the one. Permanent recruitment

  1. Tell us what you need

    Fill in the short form below or call us, and we come back to you.

  2. We call you

    We talk through your requirements and match you with the right chef.

  3. Meet your chef

    Your chef arrives ready to perform from day one.

A chef working over a flaming pan on a busy range
Emergency cover, 24/7

When the rota falls apart, call us.

If someone calls in sick, doesn't turn up, or you get a sudden rush of bookings, our team is available day or night to help find emergency cover anywhere in the UK, subject to availability.

Who we look after

Our trusted partners

Some of the hotels, restaurants, pubs, schools and organisations we support with chef and catering staff across the UK.

  • The Orchard Inn, Galhampton
    The Orchard Inn, Galhampton
  • Kaleidoscope Hotels
    Kaleidoscope Hotels
  • The Nobody Inn
    The Nobody Inn
  • Sherwell Valley Primary School
    Sherwell Valley Primary School
  • The Bay Tree Inn, Stillington
    The Bay Tree Inn, Stillington
  • TEAM Multi-Academy Trust
    TEAM Multi-Academy Trust
  • The Arborist Café
    The Arborist Café
  • The Five Dials Inn
    The Five Dials Inn
  • Tre, Pol & Pen
    Tre, Pol & Pen
  • The George Hotel, Easingwold
    The George Hotel, Easingwold
    Bossick Hotels Ltd
  • The Acorn, Gnosall
    The Acorn, Gnosall
  • Inspire Leisure
    Inspire Leisure
  • Alexandra Hotel
    Alexandra Hotel
  • Llys Meddyg Hotel
    Llys Meddyg Hotel
  • Coul House Hotel
    Coul House Hotel
  • Steam Packet Inn, Totnes
    Steam Packet Inn, Totnes
  • The Three Chimneys
    The Three Chimneys
  • Thurlestone Hotel
    Thurlestone Hotel
  • Cary Arms - crest
    Cary Arms & Spa
  • Black Swan - Ravenstonedale
    Black Swan - Ravenstonedale
  • Burnham Beeches Hotel
    Burnham Beeches Hotel
  • Waterside
    Waterside
  • St JOHN
    St JOHN
  • Marazion Hotel
    Marazion Hotel
  • Taste the World
    Taste the World
  • The Old Mill - Salisbury
    The Old Mill - Salisbury
  • Orbis - Stamford
    Orbis - Stamford
  • The Hunters - Romsey
    The Hunters - Romsey
  • Bills Bar - Oakham
    Bills Bar - Oakham
  • The Rising Sun - Colden Common
    The Rising Sun - Colden Common
  • The March Hare - Harestock
    The March Hare - Harestock
  • The Fox - Fair Oak
    The Fox - Fair Oak
  • The Woodfalls
    The Woodfalls
  • The Cloisters - Salisbury
    The Cloisters - Salisbury
  • Bills Bar - Salisbury
    Bills Bar - Salisbury
  • Twisted Barrel
    Twisted Barrel
  • The Bricklayers Arms - Newbury
    The Bricklayers Arms - Newbury
  • Tikila
    Tikila
  • Combe House Hotel
    Combe House Hotel
  • The Boatside Inn
    The Boatside Inn
  • The Stapleton Arms
    The Stapleton Arms
  • The Scotts Arms
    The Scotts Arms
  • The White Hart - Moretonhampstead
    The White Hart - Moretonhampstead
  • Hare and Hounds - Claygate
    Hare and Hounds - Claygate
    Hoppy Trails Ltd
  • The Cadeleigh Arms
    The Cadeleigh Arms

Swipe or scroll to explore our clients.

“Brilliant service. Used them for two years now and have never been let down. Even when I’ve called for a chef on the day, Relief Chefs have always delivered.”
Grant Holloway, client
Why Relief Chefs UK

Run by chefs, not recruiters.

Relief Chefs UK was established in 2013 by executive chef Walter Weissabel. The team has more than 60 years in hospitality between them, so we understand the pressure of service and the standards it takes.

  • Trusted by more than 400 venues
  • Every chef ID-checked, right-to-work checked and referenced
  • Emergency cover 24/7
  • Temporary, seasonal and permanent chefs
  • Nationwide coverage, from our head office in Exeter
  • Established 2013
Google reviews

Good people. Great service.

Hear from the chefs and hospitality businesses who work with Relief Chefs UK.

Read all reviews on Google
Posted on Google Google
Patrik Raven profile picture
Patrik Raven
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
am writing to provide a review of my recent placement experience as a relief chef through your agency, and to share my reflections on the high standards of professionalism and operational culture I encountered. Throughout the assignment, I was consistently impressed by the exceptional level of professionalism and decency demonstrated by your team and the client. Communication was clear, respectful, and efficient from onboarding through to completion. All logistical arrangements were handled seamlessly, which allowed me to focus entirely on delivering quality in the kitchen. The working environment was outstanding. I was provided with a well-organised, fully-equipped, and clean section, which is a testament to the site’s management and your agency's partnership with quality-focused establishments. It was evident that both your agency and the client prioritise a safe, structured, and supportive kitchen culture. Most notably, I appreciated the genuine approach to chef needs. From clear briefings and achievable expectations to respectful shift patterns and consideration for workflow, it was clear that the well-being and professional efficacy of the chef are valued. This is not always the case in relief work, and it significantly contributes to performance and job satisfaction. In summary, this placement reinforced why I choose to work with your agency. You consistently match chefs with environments that value skill, uphold professionalism, and treat staff with respect. I look forward to future assignments and commend you for maintaining such high standards. Thank you for your continued support.
Posted on Google Google
louise dinnes profile picture
louise dinnes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Walter and his Team worked so hard to find us the right people to join our Team. My experience has been very positive both regarding costs and quality and delivered on his promises ! We have even been given robust guarantees I would highly recommend using ReliefChefs for temporary and permanent staff Louise Dinnes
Posted on Google Google
Darren Cooper profile picture
Darren Cooper
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent company to be part of as a consultant Chef. And a great company to use when you’re in need of temporary or full time staffing. Friendly and professional service
Posted on Google Google
Thomas Rose profile picture
Thomas Rose
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posted on Google Google
tudor dobra profile picture
tudor dobra
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posted on Google Google
Chef Chitz R. Daffon profile picture
Chef Chitz R. Daffon
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Relief Chef uk is one of the best agency ive worked with..job is always there if you needed it..thanks to Walter..
Posted on Google Google
Grant Holloway profile picture
Grant Holloway
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brilliant service, used them for two years now and have never been let down. Even when I’ve called for a chef on the day relief chefs have always delivered.
Posted on Google Google
karen kitshoff profile picture
karen kitshoff
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brillant Service ! Walter is very passionate about his business and always puts in 100%. Always a pleasure working with you.
Posted on Google Google
Alex Steptoe profile picture
Alex Steptoe
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Walters honest and always tells me the information I need to. Makes sure I'm paid on time. No complaints. A decent agency
Posted on Google Google
Miroslav profile picture
Miroslav
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The best agency I've tried, quick access and fast completion of work.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on Relief chefs uk's Google Business Profile. Learn more
Also from Relief Chefs UK

Prefer to book it yourself?

Our new app is a separate, self-service marketplace: kitchens post shifts, chefs apply, and the details are agreed in the app. It runs alongside our recruitment agency, not instead of it.

The Find Shifts screen in the Relief Chefs UK app
Request a chef

Need a chef? Send your dates.

Tell us what you need and we’ll come back to you. Or call the office, or email info@reliefchefs.co.uk.

01392 715474

    Tell our team what you need. We arrange chef cover nationwide, including Christmas and New Year bookings. No app registration is needed to enquire.

    Our team will discuss suitable availability and pricing with you. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking.

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    Nationwide chef cover

    Your kitchen. Your postcode.
    Our UK-wide chef network.

    We arrange chef services across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, from city hotels and gastro pubs to rural venues, holiday parks and private homes. Tell us your location, dates and requirements so we can check suitable availability.

    Explore our local information for Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset and Surrey, or request a chef anywhere in the UK. Cover is subject to availability and booking confirmation.

    Find the right chef service

    Personal chef recruitment for hospitality businesses and private households.