About Jacqueline & Our Private Chef Team
Hosting the best parties and eating well has always been a passion and joy for our founder and Head Chef Jacqueline, ever since she could remember. Bringing the people you love together, with great food, a great atmosphere and creating memories that last a lifetime, is always very special. At Jacqueline Wise Chefs, we believe food transends all boundries and is a powerful tool for connection.
Originally completing a History Degree and working in Publishing in London, Jacqueline's drive to work in the creative events industry and find a better work-life balance, inspired her to re-train as a Professional Chef in 2013. She completed The Cordon Bleu Diploma at Tante Marie Culinary Academy and the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts. She went on to work at The Ritz London, two Michelin Star restaurants, Buckingham Palace and other leading food businesses before launching 'Jacqueline Wise Chefs' offering luxury private chef services at home.
Her passion and creativity as seen her on both TV and BBC Radio, including winning the Channel 4 show 'Win it cook it' with Simon Rimmer. She has worked with notable chefs including Nigella Lawson, Anthony Boudain and Ludo Lefebvre, as well as many unsung heros of the hospitality world, crafting her menus and growing her knowledge. Her cooking style is modern European, with a lean towards traditional French cuisine. In her menu design and recipe development she specialises in seasonal ingredients, seafood, fire-cookery and game. Jacqueline also loves elevating classic recipes to their ultimate potential. Classics are classics for a reason!
Since 2013 we have grown to include a happy band of creative individuals who share our Founder's enthusiasm, high standards and exceptional attention to detail in all things food. Jacqueline has personally trained every chef and front of house team member in the specific recipes, cooking skills, plating techniques and level of service we offer and pride ourselves on. If you are a chef wanting a better work-life balance, or skilled home cook looking for new opportunties please get in touch, as Jacqueline is currently building a Private Chef Business Training Program.
"Jacqueline's unparalleled experience has enabled her to design the industry leading selection of menus and private chef services which ensure a fine-dining restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home"
As well as small, personal events, Jacqueline has many years of experience catering for larger events. From Weddings for 100, to canapes and bowl food for 300, bespoke BBQ buffets for a big Birthday bash, or funeral catering, we can serve delicious food, serve the drinks you supply, rent in any equipment needed, and help manage your special celebration in everyway.
Jacqueline sister companies include the exclusive Kelmsley Catering which caters soley for Weddings (launced 2015), and Positively Delicious (launced online originally to survive Covid), an education led food business offering cookery lessons, foraging and fire-cookery experiences.
When Jacqueline isn't planning parties, designing menus, recipe testing and training our growing team, you'll find her surfing, practicing yoga or foraging and gardening with her two little girls, husband Mike and golden retriever 'Dill' along the stunning coastal village of Pagham, near Chichester in West Sussex.
As a member of Pasture for Life and The Sussex Wildlife Trust, Jacqueline is an advocate of regenerative food and is passionate about building a likeminded community of nature-loving foodies who care about connecting with and supporting others, and caring for environment.
Private Chef Sam
Private Chef Cat
Cat is a highly motivated cookery teacher, food writer, and private chef with 5 years of experience in the food and drink events industry. She holds a CTH Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts from Leiths School of Food and Wine. Cat has excelled in roles such as Chef de Partie at Plateau, Sous Chef at The Gardener Cafe, and worked for Hunter Gather Cook.
Private Chef Izzy
With a wealth of experience as a private chef, working high end weddings and in top Chalets, Izzy's passion for good food and cookery never fails to inspire. She loves to cook vegetarian and vegan food especially, focusing on using the seasons as a guide. She is also a ceramic artist which helps to bring a creative energy to her work in interesting ways. Izzy has worked with Jacqueline for over 5 years, and particularly enjoys creative food presentation and pastry work.
Private Chef Karleen
Having worked with Jacqueline for nearly half a decade, there isn't a recipe of Jacqueline's chef Karleen doesn't know. A true foodie, her meticulous preparation for private dining, passion for good food and excellent sense of humour makes her a popular chef with our regular customers. From Australia originally but having travelled the world, she is particularly passionate about Mediterranean food, with her favourite dessert being the perfect panna cotta, yum!
Our Front of House Team
Including David, Lou, Bee, Sally, Nicky & Katie no name just a few, our front of team are a professional and friendly bunch who pride themselves on their personal service. They help our chefs to prep your food, as well as serving, clearing and washing up, all with a smile! We can offer a wine matching service and supply through our partners Grape Marketplace, and also a bar service for larger events, serving the drinks you supply.
Why Hire A Private Chef?
Spend your evening enjoying your guest's company, not washing up
Having a friendly and professional chef prepare your meal, serve, clear and wash up while you relax will mean you can enjoy your guests company, without the usual stress of entertaining. Just eat the food and drink the wine!
Everyone will be catered for, celiac, lactose free or vegan, no probem
Allergies and food intolerances can make eating out a nightmare, booking our service guarantees all your guests dietary requirements and tastes are catered for, with out any additional cost as we can prepare ahead with them in mind.
Create a 'sense of occasion' to be remembered
From Birthdays to Anniversaries and gatherings of family and friends, good food brings people together and makes them happy. Our chefs are specifically trained to make the host feel at ease that their event will be a success from the moment they arrive. Whether it be your first Private Dining Experience or one of many enjoyable times entertaining, we can bring the right level of engagement to the party and add that something extra - a truly personal service.
Private Dining is perfect for those with families or elderly guests
No need for a baby sitter when dining at home, we bring the restaurant to you. Elderly guests who may prefer the comfort of being at home, can also join in the fun too.
It can cost less than eating out
From parking and taxis, to baby sitters and expensive wine, eating out can be pricey. Spend your savings on fine wines instead!
Learn tips and tricks from your Chef
Watch as gorgeous dishes are plated up in front of your very eyes. Learn new skills and ideas and hear interesting chef stories from the other side of the pass, sure to please any fellow foodie!
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