Mark Farmer
Author · TV Chef
Skydiver · Private Chef · Founder

Built a life on doing things properly, at altitude and at speed.

Professional skydiver, private chef to high-tier clients, and founder of Caos Life, Limechilli, and Resilient Elite. This is the personal home for all of it — the bio, the resume, and what's coming next.

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Highlight Reel

From the pass to 13,500 feet — and back down again.

About

Fiercely talented, self-taught, and never quite able to sit still.

Mark Farmer is a fiercely talented, self-taught chef from Cape Town, South Africa, who is as passionate about discovering unique gastronomic indulgences as he is about seeking new adventures and seeing the world from every angle.

From the silver spoons of mega yachts in the Mediterranean, to the wooden spoons of South African townships, to quaint villages in Spain, Thailand, New Zealand, and Norway, Mark has amassed a smorgasbord of experience. As a private chef to the wealthy, he exhilarates clients with audacious cooking and a playful spirit — dishes that, however extravagant or everyday, land with one word: "WOW."

His earliest food memories are the Sunday roasts his father cooked in Hout Bay, Cape Town — rare, in an era when men didn't spend time in the kitchen. That early spark led to a job at Mariners Wharf during school holidays, before he was drafted into the South African Medical Service, wounded, and redirected — mess hall cook or veterinarian. The choice was clear.

From there: London's Chop House and Babylon at the Roof Gardens, private estates for London's wealthy, in-flight chef for Bahrain's Gulf Air, yachts for princes and princesses across Dubai, Oman, and Russia, galas in the hills of Cannes, the Grand Prix, private game lodges in Botswana, and private islands in the Seychelles.

He possesses the soul of a true adventurer — eschewing the fussy dining room and the Michelin chase in favour of freelancing toward proximity to excitement. Slicing and dicing for royalty one moment, BASE jumping off a waterfall the next. The fervour he puts into cooking is ignited by the same spirit that completes the rest of his life: extreme sport.

SkydivingPrivate ChefEstates & YachtsExtreme SportsFounder
What Clients & Captains Say

Two decades of galleys, estates, and yachts — in their own words.

"You are truly a gifted chef, and have left a lasting impression on my guests and me. Your superior skill, presentation, and attention to detail made each occasion memorable."

LT Mark A. Steliga — United States Navy

"He really is truly gifted, and it is a true delight to work with him. Mark brings a professional and creative flair that they don't teach in books — a magic to his work and environment that one cannot buy."

Capt. Andrew Cerff — Master, Superyacht

"An excellent chef on yachts, cooking for all sorts of people. Very attentive, with an exceptional eye for detail, and always there when you need him. I would not hesitate to recommend him for a chef position on any boat."

Shaun Byers — Superyacht Industry, 15+ Years

"A talented and international yacht chef who has freelanced all over the world on yachts of various sizes. Based on the reference checks I've carried out, I would have no hesitation recommending Mark for employment on the superyachts I work with."

Erica Lay — Director, EL Crew Co

"A very experienced and capable chef — the day-to-day running of the galley is second nature to him. His presentation of guest food is impressive, speedily prepared and cooked to the exacting requirements of the owner. A dedicated chef who I would welcome back on board without hesitation."

Captain William F. Bayley — M/Y Dardanella

"Mark performed very well on an 8-day guest charter and was more than happy helping wherever he could. We considered him a valuable crew member on board, and I recommend him to any yacht considering hiring him as chef."

Capt. Stephan Du Plessis — M/Y Sin or Swim

"A passion-driven, talented chef with the most amazing lifestyle — his life is filled with amazing people, locations, and extreme sports."

Private Yacht Captain
For Agents & Principals

Full CV — available by direct link.

The complete CV isn't listed publicly on this page. If you're an agent, principal, or estate representative, request the link directly via the contact details below and it will be sent to you.

The Companies

Three brands, one standard.

Caos Life

The only UK supplier of Gemsbok biltong — South African game, cured properly, for people who don't do soft snacks.

Visit caoslife.com →

Limechilli

Verified private estate and yacht staffing for London residences and vessels that can't afford a mistake.

Visit limechilli.com →

Resilient Elite

Private, discreet recovery through food and nutrition, for elites who have everything but nowhere to fall apart.

Visit resilientelite.co →
Contact

Get in touch directly.

Email: mark@mark-farmer.com
Phone: +44 7348 065 115

Coming Soon

What's next — books, clothing, and cookware.

In Progress

Books

Future Direction

Clothing & Cookware