James Private Chef

James Palmer-Snellin is a Dorset chef whose approach to food is shaped by a lifelong connection to cooking and the countryside where he grew up. Inspired to pursue cooking at 15, he has built years of professional experience and a passion for seasonal ingredients, local produce and carefully considered menus. His cooking is designed to bring people together and create memorable meals.

Through James Private Chef, he has provided bespoke private dining for dinner parties, family celebrations, special occasions and corporate events. Menus are planned around each host, their guests and the style of the occasion, with options ranging from multi-course dining to a more relaxed experience. James sources locally wherever possible and focuses on flavour, seasonality and creative food.

For winter 2026/27, James is joining the team at Thirteen Restaurant in Poole, a new chapter that aligns with his interest in local ingredients and seasonal cooking. During this period, he is pausing private chef bookings and invites guests to discover the restaurant.