On this month’s blog we introduce Liam Smith-Laing, a private chef based in Cornwall who offers various tailor-made culinary services that will make your life easier when holidaying in our beautiful county (or even if you’re a local wanting a special treat!). In today’s fast-moving world, hosting and cooking can be a tiring, stressful chore, so Liam’s here to make things easier… or tastier, should we say…
“I started Private Chef Cornwall after building myself a full professional kitchen in a shipping container during lockdown. The container is in my garden, right next to the vegetable patch, which was always a dream of mine.
When the environmental health officer came for my inspection, she was blown away and said it was way above and beyond what was required. And I achieved a 5-star hygiene rating!
My day to day sees me consulting for leading international luxury hotels, to devise menus, train staff and launch new projects, however this summer I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to collaborate with Fendi to launched a pop up in Spain, as well as cooking for the actor Robert De Niro during a European visit.
I cook for private guests in Cornwall for holidays, special occasions and small events. Weekly rates are available as well as one off quotes. I always like to chat with clients first to talk through any particular requirements, likes and dislikes before putting together menus so that I can offer something to suit.
I tend to lean towards sharing menus with a variety of dishes being served as and when ready, to make it as interesting as possible.
I work with some brilliant suppliers and have access to some fantastic produce, so it’s great when people want to try new ingredients and flavours, as well as some of the classic dishes.
Most of my repeat clients now leave it to me to decide a menu based around any dietary requirements they may have and the best produce that I can find for the day.
In my spare time, I am a Dad first and foremost but love walking my two rescue greyhounds Treacle and Milkshake. My favourite local beach for a stroll has to be Hawker’s Cove near Padstow – if you’ve never been, you should most definitely go! I also like to forage locally, be in the garden, make furniture and work on old cars. Basically anything that involves a bit of tinkering.
I eat out as often as possible and recently had a fantastic meal at North Street Kitchen in Fowey which I would thoroughly recommend!”
If you’d like to experience Liam’s offerings, from private chefing, to private events and weddings, ready meals and dinner party kits, or even have him consult for your hotel, check out Private Chef Cornwall.