If you're a restaurant or gastropub owner, chances are you’ve thought of temporary chefs as a last resort, often seen as expensive, inconsistent, and only for emergencies. But this couldn’t be further than the truth.
Today’s freelance chefs are highly skilled professionals who’ve chosen flexibility and variety over long-term employment. And thanks to platforms like Bookachef, it’s never been easier or more cost-effective to bring in quality chefs on your terms.
Here’s why hiring temp chefs may actually save you money, reduce risk, and improve your kitchen’s performance.
1. A booking fee that’s less than national insurance
Hiring a full-time chef means paying:
- Salary
- Employer’s National Insurance contributions
- Holiday pay
- Sick pay
- Pensions
- Plus, the admin time and cost that goes with it
With Bookachef, you pay a simple, transparent booking fee, often less than you’d pay in National Insurance alone for a permanent staff member and without the hidden extras. You only pay for the time you need. No long-term contracts. No overhead.
2. Try before you hire
Hiring the wrong chef can be a disaster, poor performance, attitude issues, or simply not the right fit. And once they’re on the payroll, getting rid of a bad hire can be a legal and emotional minefield.
With Bookachef, you can:
- Bring in chefs for a single shift, a week, or longer
- Assess their skills, attitude, and fit with your team
- Try before you buy and if you love them, talk to them about coming on board full-time
- No awkward probation periods. And for a one-off fee, you can turn the temporary role into a permanent hire.
3. Flexible cover for every situation
Whether it’s:
- Staff sickness
- Unexpected events
- Busy weekends
- Seasonal peaks
- Or bridging the gap while hiring
Bookachef gives you instant access to pre-vetted, experienced chefs who can hit the ground running even at short notice.
4. Modern kitchens need modern solutions
Let’s face it: the hospitality industry has changed. Flexibility, speed, and adaptability are essential. Traditional hiring can’t always keep up but temp chef platforms like Bookachef can.
You’re not compromising on quality; you’re adapting your business to be leaner, smarter, and more resilient.
Ready to rethink temp chefs?
Next time you’re short in the kitchen, don’t scramble. Log in to Bookachef and book a professional, pre-vetted chef in minutes.
- Try before you hire
- Pay less than National Insurance
- Fix staffing gaps without hiring risk
Join the growing number of restaurants and pubs using temp chefs as a smart first choice and not a last resort.