Getting Started

What is ChefMatch?

ChefMatch is a UK marketplace that connects professional chefs with restaurants, hotels, schools, care homes, caterers, and events for short-term and flexible work. We are not an agency: we provide the platform so that businesses can post jobs and chefs can apply directly. You choose who you work with; we handle matching, invoicing, and secure payments.

Pricing is transparent. Restaurants pay a 2% platform fee on completed bookings; chefs pay a 3% platform fee on completed work. Fees are shown before you confirm and are deducted automatically. There are no hidden fees.

Creating your profile

A complete profile helps you get selected (as a chef) or helps chefs apply to your jobs (as a business). Fill in the required fields and add as much relevant detail as you can: experience, skills, and any documents or portfolio that support your profile.

Required fields depend on whether you sign up as a chef or a business. You will be guided through the steps. Keep your contact details and availability up to date so that bookings and messages reach you.

Visibility rules: chefs can browse jobs without revealing their full identity until a restaurant selects them. Businesses see chef profiles and applications but not full contact details until they accept an application. This protects privacy and reduces unsolicited contact.

Setting your availability

As a chef, you can set when you are available for work. This helps restaurants see who can do which dates and reduces mismatches. Update your availability whenever it changes so that job listings and applications stay accurate.

As a business, you set the dates and times when you need cover when you post a job. You can post a single shift or several, and request one or multiple chefs per job.

Completing verification

We may ask you to verify your identity or your business details. This helps keep the platform safe and builds trust. Follow the instructions in your account or in the emails we send. Verification can include document checks or company details (e.g. VAT where applicable).

Until verification is complete, some features may be limited. If you have trouble with a step, contact support and we will help.

Understanding how ChefMatch works

As a chef: you browse jobs (with limited venue details for privacy), apply for the ones you want, and get full details only when a business selects you. You then accept or decline, complete the shift, submit your invoice, and get paid. A 3% platform fee applies on completed work and is shown before you commit.

As a business: you create a profile, post a job (including how many chefs you need), review applications, and select the chefs you want. They receive the full job details and can confirm. After the shift, you pay the invoice through the platform. A 2% platform fee applies on completed bookings and is shown before you confirm.

For a full step-by-step, see How it Works.