Support & Help Centre

Everything you need to know about using DineDirect. Find answers, stay safe, and get in touch.

Help Centre

How Can We Help?

Whether you are a customer planning a special event or a chef looking to grow your business, we have you covered.

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For Customers

DineDirect connects you with talented private chefs in your area. Browse chef profiles, view menus, read reviews, and book a bespoke dining experience for any occasion -- from intimate dinners to large celebrations. Your chef handles everything: ingredients, cooking, serving, and tidying up.

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For Chefs

Join the UK's fastest-growing private chef platform. Sign up on our app when we launch in April 2026. Create your profile with menus and photos, and get approved by our team. Once listed, you will receive booking requests from customers in your area. Set your own prices, manage your availability, and grow your culinary career on your terms.

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In-App Communication

Use our built-in chat to discuss menus, dietary requirements, and event details directly with your chef or customer. All communication stays on-platform for your security, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience from booking to plate.

Your Safety Matters

Safety & Standards

We hold every chef to the highest standards so you can enjoy your experience with complete peace of mind.

Chef Vetting Process

Every chef on DineDirect goes through a rigorous approval process before they can accept bookings. We verify qualifications, review experience, and check references to ensure only the best professionals join our platform.

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    Professional Verification

    We verify culinary qualifications, food hygiene certificates (Level 2 minimum), and professional experience for every chef.

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    Food Safety Compliance

    All chefs must comply with UK Food Standards Agency regulations, including allergen awareness training and safe food handling practices.

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    Public Liability Insurance

    Every chef is required to hold valid public liability insurance, protecting both you and the chef during every event.

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    Ongoing Quality Reviews

    We continuously monitor chef ratings and customer feedback. Chefs who fall below our standards are reviewed and may be suspended.

Professional chef preparing food safely
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Fully Vetted Every chef verified
Get in Touch

Contact Us

Have a question or need assistance? Our support team is here to help.

We'd Love to Hear From You

Whether you have a question about bookings, need help with your account, or want to provide feedback, our team is ready to assist you.

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    Email Support

    support@dinedirect.org

    We aim to respond within 24 hours.

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    Registered Address

    DineDirect Ltd
    20 Wenlock Road
    London, N1 7GU
    United Kingdom

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    In-App Support

    For the fastest response, use the help section within the DineDirect app to reach our support team directly.

Support Hours

Our team is available during the following hours to help with any queries.

  • Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT
  • Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM GMT
  • Sunday Closed
  • Bank Holidays Closed
Email Support
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions about DineDirect.

When we launch in April 2026, create a free account on DineDirect. Browse available chefs in your area, or create a booking request describing your event (date, number of guests, cuisine preferences, and any dietary requirements). Interested chefs will send you personalised quotes. Compare quotes, chat with chefs, and book the one that best fits your vision. It is that simple.
Chefs set their own prices based on the menu, number of guests, and complexity of the event. The price you see in a quote is the total price you pay -- there are no hidden fees. A 20% platform fee is already included in the quoted price, which covers payment processing, platform support, and insurance verification. This means chefs receive 80% of every booking.
Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both customers and chefs. If you cancel more than 7 days before your event, you receive a 100% refund. Cancellations between 3 and 7 days before the event receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 3 days before the event are non-refundable, as the chef will have already purchased ingredients and prepared for your event.
We are currently launching across the UK, starting with Edinburgh and London. Our goal is to expand UK-wide in the near future, bringing private chef experiences to cities and towns across the country. If you are outside our current coverage area, sign up to be notified when we launch in your region.
Joining is straightforward. When we launch, open the DineDirect app, select "Join as a Chef", and complete your profile with your culinary background, specialities, sample menus, and photos of your dishes. Our team will review your application, verify your qualifications and insurance, and approve your profile. Once approved, you will start receiving booking requests from customers in your area.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a leading global payment provider. When you book a chef, your payment is held in escrow -- meaning the funds are secured but not released to the chef until your event is successfully completed. This protects both parties and ensures a trustworthy experience. We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Absolutely accommodated. When creating your booking, you can specify any dietary requirements, allergies, or preferences. You can also discuss these directly with your chef via our in-app chat. Our chefs are experienced in catering to a wide range of needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and allergen-specific menus. All chefs hold allergen awareness training.
Yes. All chefs on DineDirect are required to hold valid public liability insurance before they can accept bookings. We verify this during the onboarding process and periodically check that coverage remains current. This protects you in the unlikely event of any damage or incidents during your private dining experience. If a chef's insurance lapses, their profile is automatically suspended until it is renewed.