Terms and Conditions

Private Chef Services – The Niseach Chef
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before confirming your booking.
1. Bookings & Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of £25 per person is required at the time of booking to secure your event. A booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received. Provisional bookings will be held for a period of 14 days from the initial enquiry date. If no confirmation or deposit is received within this time, the date will be released.
2. Final Numbers
Final guest numbers must be confirmed no later than 72 hours before the event. If numbers drop less than 72 hours before the event, the original quoted number will be charged. If guest numbers are significantly reduced within 7 days of the event, the original quoted number of guests may still be charged in full at the chef's discretion.
3. Payment Terms
The remaining balance, including ingredient costs, will be invoiced following the event. All invoices must be paid within 15 days of the invoice date.
4. Cancellations & Amendments
Event cancellations made within 72 hours of the event will incur the full event charge, as preparation and supplier orders will already be in place. Deposits are non-refundable. However, where possible, deposits may be transferred to a new date (subject to availability), provided that the menu and guest numbers remain unchanged. This is not guaranteed. All rescheduled events must take place within 12 months of the original enquiry date; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited.
5. Buffets & Collection
Buffet orders must be collected from our kitchen in Cross Ness at the agreed time. Once the buffet has been collected by the customer, responsibility for food safety passes to the customer. For best practice, cold buffet items should be kept refrigerated until service and should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in warm conditions). Any food left beyond this time should be discarded. We cannot accept liability for food safety once the buffet has left our premises.
6. Dietary Requirements & Allergies
All dietary requirements and allergies must be communicated at the time of booking. While every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs, The Niseach Chef cannot be held responsible for any undisclosed allergies or intolerances. While every reasonable precaution is taken to prevent cross-contamination, please be aware that our food is prepared in a kitchen environment that handles all 14 major allergens. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any dish is completely free from traces of these allergens.
7. Alcohol Policy
Due to licensing regulations, The Niseach Chef does not supply alcohol. All beverages must be provided and arranged by the host.
8. Location & Access
Due to the nature of island addresses, clients must provide clear and detailed directions to the event location. A photo of the property is highly recommended. Additional mileage may be added based on your location.
9. Equipment & Event Setup
All crockery, cutlery, glassware, linens, tableware, and (where applicable) fresh flowers are provided in good faith as part of the service. Tables and chairs must be supplied by the host. For events exceeding 20 guests, a hire and laundering fee of £10 per person may be applied to cover additional equipment usage and potential damages. Clients may opt to provide their own tableware, in which case setup and styling can be arranged upon request.
10. Damage & Breakages
The Niseach Chef reserves the right to charge for any excessive damages or breakages to equipment.
11. Force Majeure
The Niseach Chef reserves the right to cancel or reschedule bookings due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to illness, extreme weather, or family emergencies. Where possible, events will be rescheduled. If rescheduling is not possible, any deposit paid will be refunded.