Commissions & correspondence
It begins with a conversation.
Perhaps a date exists already; perhaps only an idea does. Either is enough. Write with whatever you know — the occasion, the place, the people — and Samuel will reply personally with first thoughts and a proposal.
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm. Evenings and weekends are usually spent where they should be — at the stove.
Where
South West England, at work across the United Kingdom and worldwide — villas, chalets, yachts and residences wherever the table is set.
Practical matters
Asked, and answered plainly.
- How does a commission begin?
- With a conversation. Write or call with the date, the place and the occasion, and Samuel will come back to you personally with initial thoughts and a proposal. Nothing is templated; the first exchange shapes everything that follows.
- How far ahead should we speak?
- As soon as a date exists. Weekends and holidays are committed early, and the best commissions benefit from time. That said, if the diary allows, short-notice requests are warmly considered.
- Where does Samuel work?
- He is based in the South West of England and works throughout the UK and internationally. Villas, chalets, yachts and residencies — in Europe and further afield — are welcomed, with travel and logistics set out plainly in the proposal.
- Can the menu be shaped around our tastes and requirements?
- That is the entire point. Every menu is written for its table, and any dietary requirement — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, children’s plates — is composed for rather than worked around.
- Is everything cooked on site?
- Wherever possible, yes — dishes are finished fresh in your kitchen, with only what benefits from patience prepared ahead. A working kitchen, plates and glasses are all that is asked of the house; everything else travels with Samuel.
- Who serves?
- Samuel is always accompanied by dedicated front-of-house support, so hosts never leave their own party. Larger occasions are staffed accordingly, and always included in the proposal.
- What does an evening look like?
- Arrival two to three hours before service; a calm, unhurried dinner at the pace the table sets; and a kitchen left exactly as it was found — often cleaner.
- How is a commission priced?
- Each proposal is priced individually, reflecting the menu, the sourcing, the party and the travel involved. The figure is set out clearly and completely in advance — there are no surprises after the fact.
- How is a booking confirmed?
- A deposit confirms the date, with the balance settled shortly before the occasion. Terms are set out plainly in every proposal, including what happens should plans change.
- Can wine be arranged?
- Samuel does not sell alcohol, but pairs happily with your own cellar and will recommend for each course — or arrange thoughtful non-alcoholic accompaniment.