Many people ask if I will ‘spill the beans’ on clients I have worked for. It is the most common request when the media want an interview or a radio station requires a talk show guest. I can understand the desire to know the ins and outs of the rich and famous but the thing I can never understand is, how long do these people think I would be working for top establishments if I did any such thing?


I have been a chef for many many years the past 14 of them in a private ‘in-house’ environment where discretion is as important as skill. I mean would you employ a plumber who told a local newspaper the state of your bathroom a second time…even if it were pristine and perfect…you would be mortified at the cheek of it!


One thing I will say is that anyone who requires this type of work must be deeply humble until the position where trust in your reliability and discretion has been earned.
All Royal and high earning A list clients have other staff employed and most will be nervous of an outsider. Especially a chef who is somewhat higher up the ladder in respect and seniority. If you don’t get the attitude right with the staff you will be tripped up constantly and out on your ear if you react and upset the equilibrium.

It can be very very hard work. Dedication and a little humility will go extremely far in getting you complete devotion and help from the other staff members. If you look after their eating needs as well as your employers you will not fail.
In Royal households it is customary for the staff to eat from the remains of the Royal Table….don’t ask me why but it happens and it happens a lot with the Middle Eastern families..it is a sort of tradition, a generosity from the family…one has to get used to and respect some very odd customs !


It is a wonderful feeling as a Personal Chef to be asked back every time the family make a visit to the country. These are the cream of your clients….however when you are able to treat all of your clients, from whatever walk of life, with the same esteem and respect…you have learned a great deal.