The Private Chef Experience

There is something inherently relaxing about Northumberland. Once you venture up the A1, guests seem to take an audible sign of relief and let the Northumberland landscape and rolling surf wash away their worries. Its time to switch off and enjoy the slower pace of life up here, leaving the daily grind and exploring all the treasures that our little corner of the UK has to offer.

We are awash with incredible and inspiring restaurants in Northumberland but appreciate that sometimes a supper or lunch prepared in your own holiday cottage is just as special. We can arrange for one of our carefully selected private chefs to come to you and create a completely bespoke dining experience. Our chefs can bring waitresses or even a sommelier if you wish. No washing up, no fights over the role of designated driver and no need for a babysitter.

Today we introduce you to one of the fantastic chefs we work with, Emily Botham. Having begun her culinary journey reaching the final of Junior Master Chef, Emily has over 15 years’ experience and describes her cooking style as traditional with a contemporary twist. We are very proud to recommend her unique and bespoke catering service to enhance your stay with us. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you can find Emily serving sweetcorn and crab chowder, langoustines, kippers and fresh coffee from her beach hut at Bamburgh or making her much loved chocolate brownies at the local market. Emily has written us a recipe for a delicious summer starter for you to recreate at home, using the finest Northumberland scallops.

Summer scallops with fresh pesto
By Emily Botham
* Season the scallops and cook on a BBQ for a couple of minutes each side.
* Pesto… in the food processor blitz all the ingredients…. a bunch of basil, handful of pine nuts, good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, half a clove of garlic, good chunk of parmesan, tbsp of red wine vinegar, tsp of sugar and seasoning.
* Serve with a good crusty bread and of course a light Sauvignon Blanc.

If you would like to include a private chef as part of your next holiday, fill in the enquiry form on our website or contact us at stay@lemmingtoncottages.com