The head chef of Chelsea restaurant Papillion has put himself on auction website eBay, giving bidders the chance to win a traditional French-style Christmas dinner cooked in person.

When David Duverger realised work commitments would prevent him from returning home to Auvergne, France to spend Christmas with his own family, he decided to celebrate the day with someone else’s instead.

He will devise a menu for eight guests based around the winning host’s requirements, although foie gras terrine and truffle-stuffed Bresse chicken are two dishes he recommends, with all money raised going toward his chosen charity, Children with Leukaemia.

He said: "It's the best way I could think of to use the talents I have for a charity that's very important to me. Seven years ago I lost my three-year-old nephew to cancer. I hope to raise a lot of money."

Duverger put a £800 reserve on himself, and despite eight days of bidding still remaining, the price currently stands at £1,120. Meanwhile, an eBay listing for Lunch at Marcus Wareing’s table at his eponymous restaurant at the Berkeley, a prize worth £840, currently stands at just £500.

Duverger’s past experience includes stints at two French Michelin-starred restaurants, Pyramide de Fernande Point and Le Clos de la Voilette.

Duverger's eBay listing

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