Project Dinner Party

Bringing restaurant-quality private dining into homes, holiday cottages, and hired venues across Bakewell and the wider UK, Project Dinner Party is a name trusted by hosts who demand exceptional food and seamless service. We are not a traditional restaurant; we are a fully mobile, 5-star-rated prep kitchen on wheels, led by owner and development chef George McKenzie and a dedicated in-house team. Every ingredient is locally sourced, every menu is bespoke, and every event—from a romantic dinner for two to a corporate celebration for dozens—is treated with the meticulous care it deserves. Whether you are staying in a Peak District cottage or hosting at a private manor, we arrive, cook, serve, and vanish, leaving behind only the memory of a brilliant meal.

Our guests consistently tell us that what sets Project Dinner Party apart is the combination of transparent pricing, flexible menu planning, and the reassuring presence of fully certified, insured, and genuinely happy staff. There is no outsourcing, no temporary strangers in your kitchen. The same chef who designs your menu will be the one cooking it on the night, using classic techniques and the latest culinary trends to turn your chosen space into the finest dining room for a few hours. We cater to all occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, Sunday lunches, and wedding receptions—and we are always happy to adapt menus for picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or simply to match a favourite dish you have in mind.

Services & Facilities

Our core offering revolves around private dining and corporate catering, but we have intentionally built a broad range of services so that every type of gathering can benefit from professional hospitality.

• Private Dining: A personal chef experience in your home, rented barn, or function room, designed entirely around your preferences.
• Corporate Catering & Events: From boardroom lunches to staff parties, we handle business gatherings with discreet, polished service.
• Wedding Catering: Bespoke wedding breakfasts, canapés, and evening receptions, all prepared on-site with the freshest ingredients.
• Holiday Cottage Dining: A signature service for guests staying in Peak District and Cotswold holiday lets—fine dining without leaving the cottage.
• Groups & Families: Menus for extended family get-togethers, milestone celebrations, and group holidays where nobody wants to cook.
• Private Staff Hire: Experienced waiting staff available to lay tables, pour wine, serve courses, and leave the kitchen spotless afterwards.
• Retail Therapy: Seasonal and speciality food products available to purchase directly from our kitchen.

What We Offer

Every Project Dinner Party experience is built around three simple but uncompromising pillars: food, event, and venue. We start by chatting with you about the menu—whether you want a comforting Sunday roast or an adventurous tasting menu, we source the finest organic and free-range ingredients from local suppliers we know and trust. Our pricing is structured on a clear per-head basis, with no hidden charges, and we openly acknowledge that an elaborate truffle menu will cost more than traditional fare, because transparency matters as much as flavour.

We then consider the event itself. Knowing whether it is a christening, a retirement party, or a casual gathering of old friends allows us to bring along those thoughtful extras that help an evening flow smoothly. Finally, we adapt to your venue. We carry as much or as little equipment as needed—so if your holiday cottage lacks a whisk, it is no problem. Our waitresses are available for a flat fee and will handle everything from table setting to the last of the washing up, allowing hosts to actually enjoy their own party.

Why Customers Choose Us

Real Restaurant Expertise in Your Space

Our chefs have trained in some of the country’s finest hotels and kitchens, and their work has earned Rosette-award recognition. They bring that same level of craft to your home, never compromising on technique or presentation just because the setting is unconventional. The 5-star rated prep kitchen and insistence on using only our own staff mean consistency you can rely on, event after event.

Locally Sourced, Seasonally Inspired

We have spent years building close relationships with Peak District and Derbyshire suppliers. This gives us access to superb meat, dairy, and produce, reduces food miles, and keeps the local economy thriving. Menus change with the seasons, so whether you are celebrating in spring with asparagus and lamb or gathering in autumn for game and root vegetables, the ingredients will always be at their peak.

Stress-Free Hosting from Start to Finish

Read through our reviews and one theme stands out: even first-time hosts who were initially nervous about hiring a private chef describe the experience as a pleasure. We handle all communication clearly, arrive punctually, set up discreetly, and leave without a trace. You get the credit for an incredible dinner party; we take care of the work behind the scenes.

Serving Bakewell & England

Our registered address is The Smithy, Monyash Road, Bakewell DE45 1FT, and we operate from a certified prep kitchen at 4, Deepdale Business Park, Ashford Road. While Bakewell and the wider Peak District are our home ground, Project Dinner Party caters for parties all over the UK. We regularly travel to the Cotswolds, the South West, and beyond, bringing the same high standards wherever we go. Our network of venue partners—including Peak Venues, Winnow Barns Cottages, Manor House Farm Cottages, Darley House, and the Whitworth Centre—means we already know the lay of the land at many popular event spaces. If you are travelling to the area or planning a destination celebration in England, our knowledge of local venues can help you choose the perfect backdrop.

Questions Visitors Ask

We know that hiring a private dining team raises sensible questions, and we are always happy to answer them by phone or email. Some of the most frequent topics we discuss with new clients are covered here.

How much does a private dinner party cost?

Cost depends entirely on guest numbers and the menu you choose. A substantial Sunday lunch will be priced differently from a multi-course tasting menu with luxury ingredients. We give you a fully transparent per-head quote before you commit, and there are no surprise charges afterwards. Extra waiting staff are available for £40 per event, covering all table service and clean-up.

Can you work in a small holiday cottage kitchen?

Absolutely. We bring our own equipment to fill any gaps, so whether your rental has a basic galley kitchen or a spacious farmhouse range, we adapt and produce the same quality. That is the beauty of being a mobile catering team—the kitchen comes with us.

Do you cater for dietary restrictions?

Yes, and we do it gladly. Many of our guests mention that we accommodated picky eaters or specific dietary requirements without any fuss. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free—whatever you need, we will design a menu that everyone can enjoy and nobody feels left out.

How far in advance should I book?

As far ahead as you can! Popular weekends and peak holiday seasons fill quickly. For weddings and larger corporate events, we recommend getting in touch at least a couple of months beforehand. Last-minute enquiries are always welcome, and we will do our very best to accommodate your date.

What area do you cover?

While we are based in Bakewell, we cater for parties across the UK. From the Peak District and Derbyshire to the Cotswolds, London, and beyond—distance is rarely a problem. Just tell us where your venue is, and we will make it work.

Will I have to do any washing up?

None at all. If you book our waiting staff, they will serve the meal, clear the table, and leave your kitchen exactly as they found it. Even without waiting staff, we leave the cooking area clean and tidy before departing.