It’s 6pm.
Service starts in two hours.
Your sous chef has just called in sick.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone.
Every week, hundreds of UK kitchens face the same last-minute scramble for cover — and the first question is always the same:
“How much is this going to cost me?”
Whether you’re running a boutique hotel, managing a care home kitchen, or preparing for a major event, understanding temp chef rates in the UK helps you budget properly and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here’s what you actually need to know — from a real chef staffing agency placing chefs every week.
What Are the Average Temp Chef Rates in the UK?
Temp chef costs vary depending on experience, location, and notice period. Based on current 2025 market rates across hundreds of placements, here’s a realistic guide to what operators typically see across the UK:
- Commis Chef (Entry Level): £12 – £15 per hour
- Chef de Partie (Section Chef): £14 – £18 per hour
- Sous Chef (Second in Command): £16 – £22 per hour
- Head Chef / Executive Chef: £20 – £30+ per hour
These figures usually include:
- Agency fees
- Employer national insurance
- Holiday pay accrual
In short: what you see is what you pay — no hidden extras appearing weeks later.
Average Market Rates vs Premium Agency Rates: What’s the Difference?
The rates above reflect average market pricing — what many operators see when comparing agencies or shopping around.
However, it’s important to understand that not all temp chef cover is priced (or delivered) the same way.
As a premium chef staffing agency, our billable rates typically sit above the market average — by design.
Why?
Because the real cost of temp cover isn’t the hourly rate.
It’s the risk you remove.
What You’re Actually Paying For With a Premium Agency
When you book through a premium staffing partner, your hourly rate includes far more than “a chef turning up”:
- Fully vetted professionals (right-to-work, references, experience verified)
- PAYE, NI, and holiday pay handled correctly
- Full compliance and liability cover
- Guaranteed cover — if a chef cancels, we replace them
- 24/7 support, including evenings and weekends
- Role-specific matching (not random CVs)
- Speed under pressure — same-day cover without panic sourcing
That infrastructure costs money to run properly — and it saves operators far more than it costs.
Typical Premium Temp Chef Rates (Guide)
As a premium agency, our client billable rates typically fall within the following ranges, depending on role, notice period, and location:
- Commis Chef: from £18 – £22 per hour
- Chef de Partie: from £22 – £28 per hour
- Sous Chef: from £26 – £32 per hour
- Head / Executive Chef: from £30 – £40+ per hour
Emergency cover, weekends, bank holidays, and specialist skills may attract uplifts — always agreed upfront.
What you won’t see:
- Hidden charges
- Surprise invoices
- Last-minute “they didn’t turn up” messages
What Affects Temp Chef Pricing?
Several factors can push rates up or down:
Notice Period
Same-day or short-notice cover typically carries a 15–25% premium.
Even 24–48 hours’ notice often reduces emergency pricing.
Shift Timing
Weekend, evening, and bank holiday shifts attract higher rates.
Early breakfast starts or late finishes may also carry uplifts.
Location
London rates are generally 10–20% higher than regional areas.
Rural locations may see increases due to travel and availability.
Specialist Skills
Pastry chefs, sushi specialists, or chefs with dietary expertise (allergens, halal, kosher) often command higher rates due to limited supply.
Shift Length
Minimum booking periods usually apply.
Longer shifts often deliver better value per hour.
The Hidden Cost of Not Using a Temp Chef
Here’s what many operators don’t calculate properly: the cost of running short-staffed.
When you don’t bring in cover:
- Service quality drops — slower tickets, inconsistent plating, complaints
- Your team burns out — leading to sickness and staff turnover
- Your reputation suffers — one bad review lasts far longer than one shift
- You work doubles — instead of running the business
A temp chef at £18/hour for an 8-hour shift costs £144.
Compare that to:
- Refunded meals
- Lost covers
- A 1-star review
- Losing a regular customer
The maths speaks for itself.
Agency vs Direct Hire: Which Really Costs Less?
Some operators try to save money by sourcing temp chefs directly through social media or word of mouth.
Sometimes it works — but consider what you’re taking on:
- Vetting credentials and references yourself
- Managing PAYE, NI, and payroll
- Carrying liability if something goes wrong
- Having no backup if your chef doesn’t show
With a reputable temp chef agency, you pay a slightly higher hourly rate — but you gain peace of mind.
If something changes, we handle it — not you at 6pm on a Saturday.
How to Get the Best Value From Temp Chef Cover
The most successful operators treat temp staffing as a strategic tool, not just emergency cover:
- Build a relationship with one trusted agency — consistency leads to priority service
- Book ahead when possible — even short notice reduces premiums
- Be specific about the role — booking a CDP when you need a commis wastes money
- Brief properly — chefs perform better when they know your setup and menu
Need a Temp Chef Today?
We supply vetted, professional temp chefs across London and the South East — from same-day emergency cover to planned holiday relief and long-term placements.
Our chefs slot into your kitchen, hit the ground running, and keep service flowing — so you don’t have to choose between standards and survival.
Need cover fast?
Get in touch and we’ll take it from here.
Need Reliable Cover — Without the Stress?
If you’re reading this because:
- Someone’s just called in sick
- You’re planning ahead for holidays or events
- Or you’re tired of scrambling at the last minute
You don’t need another quote list.
You need cover you can trust.
Why Operators Choose Us
✔ Fully vetted, experienced chefs
✔ Same-day and short-notice cover available
✔ Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
✔ Guaranteed replacements if plans change
✔ 24/7 support when service is on the line
Whether it’s tonight, next week, or next season, we’ll match the right chef to your kitchen — fast.
👉 Get Cover Now
No pressure. No obligation.
Just calm, professional support when you need it most.
Because service doesn’t wait — and neither should you.
