There’s nothing quite like returning back to your luxury holiday home after a day spent exploring all that Sussex has to offer, and being greeted by the aroma of a gourmet meal being prepared by your own personal chef. 

At The Butler Collection, we believe that exceptional holidays deserve exceptional moments – and with our concierge team on hand to provide you with those unforgettable finishing touches, arranging your own private chef during your getaway is easier than you think. 

The Butler Collection private chef concierge service

Our private chef concierge service is one of our most popular experiences amongst The Butler Collection guests. 

Private chef in Sussex. Image shows a private chef serving up a plate of food for guests

Since launching, dozens of luxury-seeking holidaymakers have enjoyed unforgettable dining experiences across our range of premium Sussex-based holiday homes – from elegant tasting menus, to laid-back garden dinners, from three course service, to eight-courses and a paired wine offering. 

Together, our expert selection of trained, passionate chefs work with our concierge team to create a menu that best suits you, your guests, and your occasion. 

Meet the chef: Michael Sargent

If you’ve booked a private chef experience with The Butler Collection, chances are you’ll already recognise one of our head chefs, Michael Sargent. 

Michael Sargant, The Butler Collection private chef, stands outside a luxury property

We recently sat down with Michael to find out more about his journey from kitchen porter to leading chef, and below, he’s sharing what guests can expect from a private chef experience with The Butler Collection, his favourite dishes, and The Butler Collection property that he considers ‘chef heaven’. 

Tell us a little about your background – where did your journey as a chef begin, and what inspired you to pursue this career?

My journey began in my grandad’s pub The Henty Arms. I started as a kitchen porter when I was 12, earning money to buy skins in video games but I very quickly fell in love with food and being able to take a handful of ingredients turning them into whatever I wanted to, no rule book, no being told I can’t do that and then seeing smiles I’d put on people’s faces. Eventually I made the decision to drop out of school and pursue cooking full time at the pub. My career really got pushed to the next level when I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work for Tom Kemble @ The Pass. He put me through college and taught me how to take a simple ingredient and turn it into something incredible.

You’ve cooked in some incredible places – how does the private chef experience differ from a traditional restaurant setting?

The private dining experience is unlike any other. It’s an incredibly intimate experience and I love it because from the get go I can build a rapport with the guest and fully tailor everything to their liking, creating a menu designed for them with all their favourite flavours and then putting my own twist on it. Picture going out to a restaurant where you’re the only table there, they’ve designed the menu just for you, the chef spends time at the table talking about the great quality produce in the dishes and not being in a rush to go and serve other people but then remember you’re doing that in the comfort of your own home. 

What can guests expect when they book a private dining experience through The Butler Collection?

It depends a lot on what the guest is looking for, it could be a BBQ for 20 people or a 7-course dinner for a family of four. Whatever the occasion, they can always expect a smooth booking process, a team of people that are happy to accommodate any requests and an overall incredible experience on the day. We will always go above and beyond to make our guests happy.

What’s your process for putting together a menu?

Firstly I look at the special requests and any dietary requirements, after this I’ll look at what produce I can get that’s in season and high quality, and then I’ll play around with flavours in my head and type up what works well together.

What are some of your favourite dishes to cook for guests staying in Butler Collection homes?

My go to menu would probably be the Buratta & Heritage tomato salad for starter. For main course it has to be a barbecued rib of beef, which personally I love with chimichurri, some chantenay carrots and a side of caesar salad. Then for dessert I love making my “Baileys Cold Chocolate” which is essentially a really boozy pannacotta with loads of chocolate.

How do you cater to specific dietary needs or preferences?

I take dietary requirements very seriously, even when buying the ingredients for an allergenic dish I’ll keep it separate from the rest, same in the processes of preparation, cooking, transport and serving. 

Kid-friendly meals very much depend on each child, so bookings are handled on a case-by-case basis to ensure everyone is happy – and well-fed!

You’ve cooked in a range of properties – do you have a favourite kitchen setup from The Butler Collection?

As much as I love the challenges of cooking beef wellingtons in the Aga at Marble Bridge Farm, my favourite has to be the Rook Retreat. The large island in the middle, kitchen open to the guests, two 4D Heat ovens and a beautiful induction stove top (it’s chef heaven) creates an even more intimate experience.

What do you enjoy most about working with Butler Collection guests?

I love the fact everybody I meet is different, I get to meet so many awesome people and show them what I love doing.

What’s your favourite thing about being a private chef?

Honestly.. I love everything about being a private chef. Working on a unique menu, then going to the house and meeting great people and giving them an incredible evening cooking some banging food. Like this isn’t a job, I don’t ever wake up thinking I’m going to work.. I just love it.

If someone’s never booked a private chef before, what would you say to tempt them to try it during their stay?

When you go out to a restaurant to celebrate something, you’re going to a place where you may not like the food, they may not cater for a certain allergy you have, you might have to get a babysitter and so much more.. If you book me, the event will be tailored around you. 

I can say hand on heart you’ll enjoy the food, there’s no waiting for someone to walk past so you can order a drink, the food comes to you in the comfort of your own home. When you take everything into account, private chefs are actually great value for money.

Booking a private chef with The Butler Collection

Booking a private chef with The Butler Collection couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve reserved your property, our concierge team will work with you to organise your experience:

  • Choose from a selection of menu options or request a bespoke creation
  • Highlight any dietary needs or preferences
  • Select a date and time that fits your plans
  • Let us handle the rest: your chef will arrive with everything they need ready for an experience to remember

Looking for optional add-ons, such as wine pairings, cocktail making masterclasses, or table styling? Our concierge team are on hand to make it happen. 

Private chef serving food for The Butler Collection guests.

What our guests say

Since launching our private chef experience to The Butler Collection guests, we’re delighted to have received glowing feedback – including the following: 

Fabulous weekend spent at The Rook Retreat. Such a perfect house for 11 of us to celebrate a special birthday. Thanks for the suggestion of the private chef also – he was great.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the concierge service that made our special day unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, the team went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. For a once-in-a-lifetime occasion like proposing, they arranged an intimate and beautifully curated dining experience with a private chef. The chef created a personalised menu that left us speechless—it was clear they paid attention to every detail, ensuring it was not only delicious but also visually stunning.

(Stayed at The Rook Retreat and enjoyed the private chef experience in March 2025).

Private chefs for hire: the luxury upgrade for your Sussex holiday

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, are planning on hosting a proposal dinner, are organising a family reunion or special group trip, or are looking to truly make the most of being in holiday mode, add a five-star touch to your next getaway with your own private chef. 

To enquire, email the concierge team on contact.us@butler-collection.com or visit here. To view our full range of concierge services, please click here.

It’s your getaway, made yours