England
Paella catering in Reading
We cook live paella at weddings, parties, corporate events and festivals in 34 towns and villages across Reading.
Live paella across Reading
Catering in Reading
Each service has its own list of towns in Reading. Choose one, or find your town further down.
Paella catering across Reading
One cooking area feeds plenty of people, very little goes to waste, and the food arrives hot. It is why live paella suits so many kinds of event. We cook paella Valenciana, black rice and vegan paella, and we are often booked for retirement celebrations and birthday celebrations.
We cook over gas burners in wide, shallow pans. It needs a level spot with some shelter and good ventilation, and we agree where that is before the day.
- Send us your date, numbers and venue.
- We plan a menu that covers every diet.
- We arrive early to set up the burners and pans.
- The sofrito, stock and rice go in, and guests gather to watch.
- We serve hot from the pan and clear our cooking area.
Cost
Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff and crockery are optional extras, so you can choose exactly what you need.
Why choose Love Paella
- Paella cooked from scratch on site
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
- Starters and desserts to complete the menu
- No hidden extras in your quote
How to get a price
Still deciding on the menu? That’s fine: give us the basics about your event, and we’ll make suggestions. Start when you are ready: fill in our quote form.
Landmarks near Caversham
Events here are often close to Eldon Square, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre and Chiltern Nursery Nurse Training School. Other local landmarks include The Hill Primary School (less than half a mile north-east), Grace Church (less than half a mile east) and The White Horse pub (less than half a mile north). The closest station to Caversham is Reading station, roughly 1.3 miles south. Other landmarks nearby include Royal Berkshire Hospital (1.9 miles south) and Broad Street Mall (1.6 miles south). For a walk before or after the party, there’s South Lake and Sonning Hill.
Live paella across Reading: what to know
From Caversham, Norcot and West Reading to 18 villages and hamlets, events across Reading range from town-centre venues to gardens and fields, and live paella works in all of them. Town events mean planning parking; village events mean planning access.
Caversham: For guests coming by train, the nearest station is Reading station, about 1.3 miles south. Nearby historic houses include Mapledurham House (3 miles west) and Greys Court (4.7 miles north). If your event is at a historic house or estate, check its rules on caterers and cooking early. Around midsummer it stays light in Caversham until about 9:25pm; by late September sunset is nearer 7:05pm, so summer evening service is normally in daylight. For winter events, when it’s dark by about 3:55pm, we need lighting at the cooking spot.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. Ask us for a quote and compare.
Why live cooking beats a buffet
Plated meals need a kitchen and a bigger team. Live paella needs a level, ventilated spot and the venue’s permission to cook, and it is entertaining too.
Questions to ask before you book
- The deadline for final numbers
- How dietary needs and allergies are handled
- The wet-weather plan
- The deposit and payment dates
Before you choose a spot
We cook in large pans over gas burners, so the cooking area needs a little planning. These are the things we check:
- Parking close enough to carry equipment
- Agreement from the venue or landowner to cook on site
- A level, firm spot for the burners and pans
Diets, allergies and planning
A little planning makes sure everyone can eat. Try these:
- Count adults and children separately
- Choose two or three paellas so every guest has a choice
- Flag any coeliac guests, not just gluten-free preferences
- Let us know about other food at the event
Paella is at its best straight from the pan, so we serve when guests are ready.
Need plates or staff? We can provide them.
Dishes our guests love
Paella Valenciana
Valencians take their paella seriously. The traditional pan has chicken, flat green beans and butter beans, and it is a crowd-pleaser.
Black rice
Arroz negro is coloured and flavoured with squid ink, traditionally with alioli. It’s a striking addition to a seafood menu.
Reading: your questions answered
What happens with live paella?
We arrive with pans, burners and ingredients, cook while everyone watches, and serve at the time you want.
Is paella a full meal?
It can be. Paella with bread and salad makes a full main course, and tapas or dessert can be added.
Which areas do you serve?
We cater across London and the South East, including Reading. Find your area.
Do you clear up afterwards?
We clear our cooking area away when service is finished. Waiting staff can clear tables if you book them.
Which paella is most popular?
Most events choose two or three: chicken or mixed, seafood, and vegetable or vegan. See the sample menu.
How long does the paella take?
We get there in good time to set up. The rice itself takes about 20 minutes, timed around your event.
Can you serve tapas as well?
Yes, it is the classic pairing. Tapas go out first, then the paella.
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- Cooked live in giant pans at your event
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options
- Paella, tapas, canapés and desserts
- Sangria, bar staff, crockery and waiting staff