Relief Chefs was established in 2013 to provide dependable chef cover and recruitment support to the hospitality and catering industries across Ireland. Today, we deliver a nationwide service, supplying temporary and contract chefs to businesses of all sizes—particularly within the hotel, industrial, and contract catering sectors.

Our approach is straightforward: chefs recruiting chefs. The team is led by Austin Lawrence, supported by recruitment specialists who understand kitchen life first-hand. With decades of combined industry experience—including time spent in senior kitchen roles—we know what makes a chef a good fit beyond what’s written on a CV. That insight helps us match the right people to the right kitchens quickly, and with less risk.

We’re well placed to support clients who need:

• Freelance and relief chef cover for sick leave, annual leave, seasonal peaks, and last-minute requirements
• Temporary and contract placements for short-term and ongoing assignments
• Full-time chef recruitment, from commis to senior kitchen leadership roles

In addition to recruitment, we also provide practical consultancy for businesses that want to strengthen kitchen operations—supporting areas such as kitchen management, rota planning, staffing structure, and workflow efficiency.

Whether you need urgent cover for tomorrow or you’re planning a longer-term hire, Relief Chefs offers a responsive, professional service—nationwide, and built around real kitchen expertise.