Hampshire · England
Paella Party Catering in Forton
Paella for every guest: separate pans for meat, seafood and vegetarian or vegan guests. Paella catering for birthday parties, garden parties and private events in Forton.
- Anniversary celebrations
- Neighbourhood celebrations
- Celebrations of life
Paella party catering for Forton events
How our paella party catering works in Forton
Live paella suits birthdays, anniversaries, christenings and summer parties. The cooking is the centrepiece, and the food is served hot and generous. We cook mixed paella, churros and seafood paella, and we are frequently booked for retirement and leaving parties and street parties and neighbourhood get-togethers.
Parties around Forton are frequently relaxed, garden-and-gazebo affairs. Live paella fits right in. We cook every pan in full view of your guests, so the food is hot, fresh and part of the occasion.
Prices and what affects them
The price comes down to a few factors:
- Distance and access to the venue
- The number of people
- The paellas you choose
- Starters, canapés and desserts
Compared with a plated meal, live paella is frequently good value, as there’s no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. We will send you a quote.
What to tell us
You do not need everything decided to ask for a quote, but these help:
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- Where the event is
Planning paella party catering in Forton? Send us the details and we will reply with a menu and a clear price. Just send us your details through our quote form.
Party venues around Forton
Forton is about 1 mile south-east of Gosport, in Hampshire. For a party in Forton, we cater in back gardens, halls with outdoor space, barns, marquees and offices in and around Forton. Forton is one of 683 towns and villages in Hampshire where we cook. You can also see our page for Southampton, about 14 miles away.
Christenings and naming days often start at a local church such as St John the Evangelist, with a paella lunch at home or in a hall afterwards. If guests are coming by rail, Portsmouth Harbour station is about 1.5 miles away. Near the coast, within about 3 miles, seafood paella is a natural choice, with shelter from the breeze planned in.
For paella party catering in PO12 and PO13, we plan around your venue and your guests. Local streets include Lee Road, Ford Road and Lees Lane; a party at home on any of them works well with live paella. For parties just outside Forton, we cover Gosport (1 mile north-west), Priddy's Hard (1 mile north-east), Elson (1 mile north), Bridgemary (2 miles north-west) and Rowner (2 miles north-west). Further out, we also cater in Havant (8 miles north-east), Eastleigh (15 miles north-west), Fareham (4 miles north-west), Horndean (9 miles north-east), Hedge End (11 miles north-west) and Waterlooville (7 miles north-east).
Well-known places in the area include Portchester Castle (2.8 miles north-east) and Search (0.8 miles south-east). Open spaces near Forton include West of the River Alver and Portsdown Hill.
- Schools near Forton include St Vincent College (less than half a mile east) and Brune Park Community School (0.9 miles north-west)
- Pubs nearby include The Trafalgar pub (within half a mile south-east)
- Local facilities include Southsea (2.5 miles south-east)
The process
We get there well before serving, unload, set up the burners and prepare the stock. Your guests are welcome to watch as the paella takes shape. A summer party in Forton stays light until about 9:20pm at midsummer, so a garden party can run well into the evening. By late September sunset is around 7:10pm, so plan festoon lights for later parties.
- You tell us the date, address, guest numbers and any dietary needs.
- You get a menu suggestion and a clear price.
- On the day we arrive, set up our cooking area and start cooking.
- The paella cooks while your guests chat, with any tapas served first.
- We serve it hot from the pan, then pack down.
How to prepare
- Check the venue allows live cooking
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Choose a level spot for the cooking area
Get a quote
Every event is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, use our quote form.
Planning help
Planning the cooking area
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but there are a few things to check:
- A photo of the garden helps us check the space
- Somewhere close to park and unload
- Good ventilation: outdoors, or an open-sided cover
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we’ll tell you honestly before booking.
Popular choices
- Chicken & chorizo paella
- Paella Valenciana
- Churros
- Seafood paella
- Tapas
- Mixed paella
- Vegetable paella
DIY paella versus live catering
Plenty of people try cooking paella for their own party. The usual problems are a pan too big for the burner, too much rice and stirring once the rice is in. If you’d rather enjoy the party, let us cook.
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. We’re happy to give you a quote to compare.
About the dishes
Vegetable paella
Vegetable paella in its own right, with peppers, beans and artichokes.
Chicken & chorizo paella
Chicken and chorizo is a crowd-pleaser, though it isn’t traditional in Valencia.
For planners, venues and organisers
If your event is in a public space, such as a park, check what permission you need first. We’ll provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
Many venues have rules for outside caterers: cooking areas, access times and documents. Send us your venue’s requirements and we will follow them.
FAQs for Forton
Which station should guests use for Forton?
The closest is Portsmouth Harbour station, roughly 1.5 miles away.
What about events near the coast?
Yes, as long as we can shelter from the wind. Wind is the main issue on the coast, so we plan shelter.
Do you do desserts?
We do. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana, or you can serve your own cake.
How soon do we need to book?
As soon as you have a date. Peak dates go quickly, so get in touch early.
How do you work out quantities?
Pans are sized to your numbers and other courses. Let us know about any other food. Our guide to portions explains more.
Can the paella be cooked in a hall?
Mostly outside or under an open cover, since the burners are gas. Some venues have suitable spaces; we’ll check with you and the venue.
Is my garden big enough?
Many gardens work. We need level ground, clearance and access. A photo helps.
How early should we book?
Early is best, but ask even if it is soon. Send your date and we’ll check.
Dietary needs and planning tips
A little planning makes sure everyone can eat. Try these:
- Plan a covered spot for wet weather
- Give the neighbours a heads-up
- Put out bins for general waste and recycling
- Plan seats for most guests
Booked staff help serve and clear.
We can bring plates, cutlery and staff.
Occasions we cook for in Forton
It suits mixed ages and mixed diets, from toddlers to grandparents.
Here are some of the events we cook for:
- Baby celebrations
- Engagement and anniversary parties
- Celebrations of life
- Big family gatherings
If your garden is too small, local venues and clubs near Forton can be an alternative, as long as there is outdoor space to cook.
Comparing caterers
- The deposit and payment dates
- Space, access and power needs
- Plates, cutlery and napkins, or disposables
- Whether VAT is included
Nearby places to Forton
Other catering in Forton
- 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