What is a relief chef and why would I need one?

A relief chef is a temporary professional who fills in for staff absences due to sickness, holidays or during busy periods. They provide a flexible solution to prevent service disruption and maintain kitchen standards without the commitment of hiring a permanent employee.

How quickly can you provide a relief chef?

We specialise in rapid response. In many cases, we can provide a fully vetted and briefed chef for same day cover. We are available 24/7 to respond to urgent staffing needs.

Are your relief chefs fully vetted?

Yes. All of our chefs undergo a rigorous vetting process, including reference checks, DBS checks and an evaluation of their experience and skills. We ensure they have the necessary qualifications, certifications and proven experience to meet your standards.

How long can I book a relief chef for?

You can book a relief chef for as long as you need them. Whether it is a single shift, a week or a longer term period while you recruit for a permanent position, we offer flexible solutions to fit your schedule.

What is the cost of hiring a relief chef?

Our pricing is transparent and competitive. The cost is based on an hourly rate, with no hidden fees. We can provide a clear quote once we understand your specific requirements, including the location, duration and level of chef needed.

Relief Chef - 5 Star Chefs

DBS Checked Chefs

5 Star Food Hygiene

Short Notice Cover

Available 7 Days

Fully Insured

Trusted by Leading Brands Across the UK

RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL, EXPERIENCED

Fill Your Position For as Long as Needed

Let us know the date you need a chef, how many chefs you require, and the type of business you operate. Whether you run a high-end restaurant, are looking for catering solutions for a special event, or need relief chefs for emergency cover today, we’re here to help with our temporary relief chef services.

GET A QUOTE TODAY

PROCESS

How Does It Work?

Tell us your requirements

Call or complete our quick enquiry form

We match the perfect chef

We find the right chef for you kitchen and needs

Confirm availability

We confirm the details and chef availability

Chef arrives ready for work

Your chef arrives ready to hit the ground running

Tell Us About Your Relief Chef Requirements

Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Address

Message

WHY CHOOSE US

Why Businesses Across Liverpool Choose Us

We’re more than just a chef agency. We’re a local partner you can rely on, delivering skilled chefs and exceptional service when it matters most.

Local Chefs

We're based in the North West with a strong network of talented chefs across Liverpool and Merseyside.

Fast Response

Need a chef quickly? Our local team can often supply an experienced professional within hours.

DBS Checked

All our chefs are DBS checked for your peace of mind, ideal for schools, care homes and sensitive environments.

Highly Experienced

Our chefs have years of experience across Michelin-star restaurants, hotels, events and more.

Available 7 Days

Day or night, weekday or weekend, our team is available 7 days a week to support your kitchen.

Fair, Transparent Pricing

Competitive rates with no hidden fees. We believe in clear, upfront pricing you can trust.

We can often arrange experienced chefs at short notice across the North West.

CHEF TYPES AVAILABLE

Professional Chefs for Every Kitchen

We supply experienced chefs across all levels and specialities, tailored to your kitchen, menu and service needs.

Head Chef

Experienced leaders to run your kitchen with skill and creativity.

Sous Chef

Reliable right-hand chefs to support your kitchen operations.

Chef de Partie

Skilled section chefs across all areas of the kitchen.

Breakfast Chef

Specialist in breakfast service to start the day off right.

Pastry Chef

Creative pastry chefs for dessert, patisserie and bakery.

Commis Chef

Hard-working and enthusiastic support where you need it.

SUPPORTING EVERY TYPE OF KITCHEN

Industries We Support

From independent restaurants to large hotels and high-profile events, we provide experienced chefs who understand your environment, adapt to your team, and deliver consistently high standards every time.

Let us know the date you need a chef, how many chefs you require, and the type of hotel you operate.

We can help your restaurant or gastropub maintain a high standard of service and quality during busy periods with our catering solutions.

Compassionate, experienced chefs who understand the unique needs of care home residents and can provide a great standard of meals.

Professional catering for cast and crew, on location or in studio, anytime, anywhere.

From working lunches to boardroom events, we provide chefs who represent your business

Weddings, parties and special occasions - our chefs make your event exceptional. We can often provide temporary chef services on the same day as your enquiry.

HERE WHEN YOU NEED US

Common Reasons Businesses Call Us

Every kitchen faces challenges. We’re here to provide experienced chefs exactly when and where you need them most.

Unexpected absences can throw everything of balance. We provide qualified chefs at short notice.

Keep you kitchen smoothly while your team enjoys their well-earned time off.

From weekends to seasonal peaks, we provide extra kitchen support when demand is at it’s highest.

Struggling to fill a role permanently? We bridge the gap with reliable, experienced chefs.

Launching a new restaurant, hotel or venue? We’ll help you build the right kitchen team from day one.

Weddings, private parties or corporate functions – we supply skilled chefs to make your event a success.

We can often arrange experienced chefs at short notice across the North West.

OUR PROUD ACHIEVEMENTS

Featured Project

5 Star Chefs Secured the BBC Eurovision Catering Contract

We were honoured to be chosen by the BBC to supply chefs for the Eurovision Song Contest Liverpool 2023. Our team delivered exceptional catering for the production crew, artists and guests, showcasing the best of the local talent on an international stage.

LIVERPOOL EUROVISION 2023
BBC PRODUCTION CONTRACT
INTERNATIONAL LIVE EVENT
LOCAL CHEF RECRUITMENT

READ THE FULL STORY

5

Professional Chefs Supplied

1500+

Meals Served Across the Event

7 Days

Of Live Production Catering

250+

Crew, Artists, and Guests Catered For

24/7

Support Throughout the Event

LOCATIONS

Our Regional Hubs

Nationwide coverage, local expertise. Staff deployed from our regional hubs.

Liverpool

5 Star Chefs is a trusted Chef Agency in Liverpool, providing dependable emergency and temp chefs for restaurants, hotels, pubs, and events across Merseyside.

Manchester

5 Star Chefs are the leading chef recruitment agency in Manchester. We specialise in providing reliable, experienced emergency and temporary chefs to restaurants, hotels, pubs, and private events throughout the region.

Chester

5 Star Chefs is a trusted chef recruitment agency in Chester, connecting hospitality venues with reliable, highly skilled chefs at short notice.

North Wales

We are the leading chef agency in North Wales, providing reliable, short-notice and long-term kitchen cover for hospitality venues across the region.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional food and service. Don’t just take our word for it – see what our clients have to say.

    
 
 
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   Libby Cashman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. the buffet i got from this company was outstanding, everybody enjoyed very happy
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   kim murray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing food amazing service will be returning again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Murray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a great service and amazing food catered for my nans funeral everyone was blown away with the food would highly recommend to anyone and great prices
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicky McNevin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended company for chefs for quick cover, very friendly and great service. I have been using this company for a year and they have always been there for every need. All the chefs they have sent to us, have been friendly, hardworking and have fitted in perfectly with my own team of chefs. Nothing is too much trouble, Colin is professional, loyal, helpful and always on the other end of the phone to solve any staffing issues we have within our kitchen.
If you need chef cover i highly recommend 5*
Thanks to Colin and his team.
Nicky (catering manager Merseyside Fire & Rescue)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   GARY BOND 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have used these guys many times. Always on the ball and have been a god send for clients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kenno 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used this service for a private function , couldn't be happier with the service , very professional and food was excellent . i would definitely use this service again and would highly recommend .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ian Kennedy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant service all round . Used for a private function . Would use again . Highly recommend.

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