England
Paella Catering in Reading
From the largest town to the smallest village in Reading, we can bring paella catering to your event. Contact us for a quote.
Paella Catering across Reading
Where we cater in Reading
Live paella catering, cooked fresh in giant pans at your event. Choose your town from the list to see local details, or ask us for a quote.
Main towns
Our paella catering in Reading
Watching it cook is part of the experience. Guests gather round as the sofrito sizzles and the saffron colours the rice, and the smell does the rest. We are frequently asked to cater retirement and leaving parties and christenings and family gatherings, serving vegan paella, mixed paella and paella Valenciana.
Once the rice is in, we don’t stir it. That is how the grains cook evenly and the toasted base, the socarrat, forms. Your guests will smell it before they see it.
- Start with the date, the place and the numbers.
- Expect a menu idea and a clear, itemised price.
- Closer to the day, we confirm timings and the cooking spot.
- We set up, cook from scratch and keep an eye on your timings.
- We serve, then leave our area tidy.
Pricing in Reading
Access and travel can make a difference to the cost, so tell us about the venue when you ask for a quote. Everything is confirmed in writing.
Why hosts in Reading choose us
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
- Options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests, each in its own pan
Ask for a quote
To get a price, send us your details through our quote form. Give us the details of your event, and we will suggest paellas and extras to suit.
Landmarks near Caversham
Around Caversham, we cater at gardens, homes and venues near Eldon Square, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre and Chiltern Nursery Nurse Training School. You will also find 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 nearest railway station is Reading station, roughly 1.3 miles south of the centre. A little further out are Royal Berkshire Hospital (1.9 miles south) and Broad Street Mall (1.6 miles south). The countryside around Caversham includes South Lake and Sonning Hill.
Planning live paella in Reading
There are 3 towns and 18 villages and hamlets in Reading, so the setting can be anything from Caversham, Norcot and West Reading to a quiet hamlet: a level, ventilated spot and a clear plan.
Caversham: Nearby historic houses include Mapledurham House (3 miles west) and Greys Court (4.7 miles north). Historic venues frequently limit cooking, so ask early if you’re booking one. Parks such as Eldon Square typically need the owner’s permission for cooking, so ask before you plan a party there. Planning an evening event in Caversham? Sunset is around 8:55pm in late May, 9:25pm at midsummer and 7:05pm in late September; after dark, the cooking and serving areas need good lighting.
Paella compared with other options
Barbecues cook in batches, so food comes off in waves. Paella is ready all at once, so everyone eats together.
Comparing caterers
- What happens if it rains
- When final numbers are due
- How each diet is kept separate
- Payment terms and deposit
What we need at the venue
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:
- Parking close enough to carry equipment
- A level, firm spot for the burners and pans
- Outdoor space or a ventilated gazebo
For planners, venues and organisers
Hosting a party at home? Send us a picture of the garden and tell us about access, and we’ll let you know if live paella is a good fit.
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we will keep you updated on timings and set-up.
Dietary needs and planning tips
Nearly every event has some special diets. To plan for them:
- Tell us what else is being served
- Pick a mix of paellas to cover every diet
- Put allergy details in writing
- Tell us how many children are coming
A short rest after cooking helps, which is when we generally call guests over.
Sangria and bar staff can be added to serve drinks you provide.
Events we cater in Reading
Outdoor events and live paella go together: cooked outside, served hot and shared.
Here are some of the events we cook for in Reading and Reading:
- Naming days and family parties
- Garden get-togethers
- Engagement and anniversary parties
- Retirement and leaving parties
Reading: your questions answered
Do we need to provide equipment?
We bring the pans, burners and ingredients. You provide a suitable spot and access.
What does paella catering cost?
It depends on guest numbers, the menu, the courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
Which paella is most popular?
That depends on who’s coming. Chicken and mixed paellas tend to go first, with seafood and vegetable pans alongside.
What about pudding?
Yes. Churros, crema catalana and tarta de Santiago are popular choices.
How long do you need on site?
It depends on the menu and numbers. We will agree arrival, cooking and serving times with you so the paella is ready when you want it.
Do you cook it at the event?
Yes. We cook from scratch in large pans at your venue, where your guests can watch.
Do you offer halal options?
Yes. Halal paella is cooked with halal chicken and no pork or alcohol, in a separate pan.
All places in Reading
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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