East Sussex · England
Paella Catering in Southover
Treat your guests to live paella at your event in Southover. We cook from scratch on site, then served hot from the pan.
- Christenings and family gatherings
- Company summer parties
- Garden get-togethers
Planning an event in Southover?
Paella catering in Southover, cooked live
We cook every paella from scratch on the day, starting with a slow sofrito of onion, garlic, peppers and tomato, then the stock, saffron and rice. We are often asked to cater christenings and family gatherings and anniversary celebrations, serving black rice, vegan paella and paella Valenciana.
For a place the size of Southover, your own garden is often the best venue: no hire fees, and live paella feeds everyone without anyone stuck in the kitchen. Tell us about access down the lane or drive. You will know exactly what’s included before booking: menu, staff, crockery and anything else you choose.
- Where
- Southover (BN7, BN8)
- Area hub
- East Sussex
- Diets
- Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
- Add-ons
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Quote
- Ask us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
Planning live paella in Southover
Southover is about 1 mile south-east of Lewes, in East Sussex. For paella catering in Southover, we plan around your venue and timings: a quote, a plan and live cooking on the day. Southover is one of 289 places in East Sussex we cover. Our events stretch from Southover to Brighton (7 miles away).
School fairs and fundraisers, for a school such as Western Road Community Primary School, can book us as a food stall. Nearby historic houses include Anne of Cleves House (less than half a mile south-west) and Monk's House (2.2 miles south). If your event is at a historic house or estate, check its rules on caterers and cooking early. The South Downs National Park is within about a mile of Southover. Some venues in protected landscapes have rules about vehicles and cooking, so check with yours.
Here we cover the BN7 and BN8 postcode area. That could mean an event in a garden on Ham Lane, New Road and Bell Lane or the roads around them. Main roads around Southover include the A277 and A2029, so getting the burners and pans to your event is simple. If your venue is just outside Southover, we also cover Cliffe (1 mile north-east), Lewes (1 mile north-west), South Malling (1 mile north), Iford (2 miles south-west) and Offham (2 miles north-west). Larger places within reach include Eastbourne (13 miles south-east), Seaford (8 miles south-east), Hailsham (11 miles east), Crowborough (14 miles north-east), Uckfield (8 miles north-east) and Newhaven (6 miles south).
A little further out are Museum of Agricultural Bygones (3.9 miles north-east) and Lewes Castle (less than half a mile north-west). Open spaces near Southover include Cliffe Hill and Southerham Farm.
- Nearby schools include Lewes Old Grammar School (within half a mile north-west) and Priory School (under half a mile east)
- Pubs nearby include Kings Head pub (within half a mile south-west)
- Other local spots include St Michael (less than half a mile north-west)
What affects the price in Southover
Your quote will be clear and itemised. What affects it most:
- How many staff you need
- How many guests are eating
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Parking and unloading
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, bread and salads, travel and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
What to tell us
These details help us quote quickly:
- A photo of the space, if you can
- Diets and allergies you know about
- The venue or postcode
- What the venue already provides
We need only a few details to quote: date, location, guest numbers and diets. You can send us your details through our quote form.
Nearby places to Southover
More for events in Southover
DIY paella versus live catering
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, have hot stock ready, and leave the rice alone once it is in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
You can cook paella for a crowd yourself, but it takes practice. Large pans need the right burners, and getting the rice right at scale is tricky. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.
Dietary needs and planning tips
Good planning keeps every guest safe and happy. Try these:
- Ensure each pan is labelled
- Confirm allergies by email
- Give us separate numbers for children
- Tell us about coeliac guests specifically
Let the paella rest for a few minutes before serving, and that is when we invite guests up.
Crockery, cutlery and waiting staff are available if your venue doesn’t provide them.
Before you choose a spot
Safety and good cooking both depend on the spot we use. We look for:
- Level ground for the pans and burners
- Access for unloading near the cooking spot
- Open air or a well-ventilated covered spot
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we’ll tell you honestly.
Popular choices
- Vegetable paella
- Paella Valenciana
- Seafood paella
- Mixed paella
- Black rice (arroz negro)
- Vegan paella
- Chicken & chorizo paella
FAQs for Southover
We’re having a ceremony at Church of St Michael: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a nearby garden, marquee or hall where we can cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is usually elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Could we have live paella in Railway Land?
Only if the landowner, typically the council, allows it. Ask them first, and we’ll send any information they need.
How many paellas should we have?
Most events have two or three: a meat or mixed paella, a seafood paella and a vegetable or vegan one. We’ll help you decide the split.
Are premium seafood options available?
We’ll suggest seafood to suit your menu and budget. Premium shellfish can be added.
Do you cater in Southover?
Yes, we do. We cook at events in Southover and across East Sussex. Tell us your date and we’ll check availability.
Can you cater for children?
Children are welcome. Let us know numbers and ages, and we will plan a pan with them in mind.
What about pudding?
Yes. Churros, crema catalana and tarta de Santiago are popular choices, or you can serve your own cake.
Can you cater for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, and meat eaters frequently go back for seconds. They have their own pans, stock and spoons.
What happens on the day
We take care of the food from set-up to service, so you are free to enjoy your event. Any tapas or canapés are served first as the rice is cooking. Planning an evening event in Southover? Sunset is around 8:50pm in late May, 9:15pm at midsummer and 7:05pm in late September; after dark, the cooking and serving areas need good lighting.
- We start with a few details about your event.
- We suggest paellas and extras and send a clear quote.
- Timings, access and the cooking area are agreed in advance.
- On the day, we set up and cook in front of your guests.
- We serve from the pan, then pack down.
Before we arrive
- Check the venue allows live cooking
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
- Arrange parking near the cooking spot
How to get a price
Send us the date, your venue or BN7 postcode and guest numbers, along with any dietary needs, and you’ll get a menu idea and a price. To get started, send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
Organising for someone else?
Many venues have rules for outside caterers: where cooking is allowed, access times and the paperwork they need. Send us your venue’s requirements and we’ll follow them.
Planners and coordinators can contact us directly, and we’ll keep you updated on timings and set-up.
Dishes our guests love
Vegetable and vegan paella
Seasonal vegetables on a rich sofrito base make a paella that stands on its own. Vegan versions use plant-based stock.
Black rice
Arroz negro is coloured and flavoured with squid ink, and is typically served with alioli. It makes a dramatic second seafood pan.
Live paella or other catering?
Compared with a hog roast or barbecue, live paella is easier for vegetarian, vegan and halal guests, thanks to separate pans. It’s served quickly from the pan, so queues move. 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 us?
- Starters and desserts to complete the menu
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- Catering across East Sussex, including Southover
- Waiting staff and crockery on request
See Our pricing And The cost guide.
- 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