Hampshire · England
Paella party catering in Ibthorpe, Hampshire
Treat your guests to live paella at your party in Ibthorpe. Everything is cooked fresh on the day, and serve it straight from the pan.
- Summer garden parties
- Wakes and celebrations of life
- Baby celebrations
Live paella party catering in Ibthorpe
Paella party catering for your party in Ibthorpe
A paella party means no cooking for you, and no formal dinner either. We set up in a corner of the garden or venue and cook while your guests chat. For family get-togethers and baby celebrations, we will put together a menu of seafood paella, churros and tapas for your guests.
Near Ibthorpe, parties are often in gardens or fields. Tell us about lanes and parking, and we will handle the rest. Each paella is cooked from scratch on the day, never made in advance and reheated.
Should I cook it myself?
You can cook paella for a crowd yourself, but it takes practice. Large pans need the right burners, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and handles separate pans for each diet.
Events we cater in Ibthorpe
It is generous and sociable, ideal when people want to mingle.
Big or small, live paella works well. Typical bookings include:
- Big birthdays
- Wakes and memorial gatherings
- Baby celebrations
- Engagement and anniversary parties
Christenings and naming days often start at a local church such as Church of St Peter, with a paella lunch at home or in a hall afterwards.
What to look for in a quote
- What the caterer needs from your venue
- Whether crockery, cutlery and napkins are included
- Exactly what’s included in the price
- Payment terms and deposit
Ibthorpe questions
We’re having a ceremony at Church of St Peter: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking typically happens at the reception venue, not the church. Send us the reception address.
Is Ibthorpe too small for live paella?
Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Let us know about access and parking.
Do you do vegan paella?
Yes, and meat eaters often go back for seconds. Each is cooked separately, with its own stock and utensils.
Can you cater at a hired venue?
Usually, if there is outdoor space to cook. Check the venue allows live cooking.
Will it be noisy or smoky?
Gas cooking means steam and a good smell, not much smoke. Neighbours may well want an invitation.
How soon do we need to book?
The sooner the better. Peak dates go quickly, so get in touch early.
Can you cook in my back garden?
Usually, yes, if there is a flat, open spot away from fences and branches. Send a picture and we’ll check.
Can you cook halal paella?
Yes, we do. We use halal chicken and leave out pork and alcohol, in a separate pan.
Catering for every guest
Good planning keeps every guest safe and happy. Here’s how:
- Have cover ready for a shower
- Warn the neighbours
- Add a diet question to the invitation
- Make sure most people can sit to eat
The cooking area stays tidy and safe, with a clear space around the burners.
Add bread, salad and lemon.
Planning a party in Ibthorpe
Ibthorpe is about 5 miles north of Andover, in Hampshire. From the centre of Ibthorpe to the outskirts, we offer the same service: paella cooked live, every diet catered for and a clear quote. We cook in all 683 towns and villages across Hampshire, from the larger towns to small villages. Our events stretch from Ibthorpe to Reading (about 24 miles away).
Historic houses near Ibthorpe include Stargroves (4.9 miles north-east). If you are hiring a historic venue for a big birthday, check its rules on outside caterers first.
Anywhere in SP11, we can cook for your guests. Nearby, we also cater parties in Hurstbourne Tarrant (1 mile south-east), Stoke (2 miles south-east), Upper Enham (2 miles south), Wildhern (2 miles south-west) and Little London (2 miles south). Larger places within reach include Basingstoke (15 miles east), Andover (5 miles south), Tadley (15 miles east), Tidworth (9 miles west), Kempshott (14 miles east) and Ludgershall (7 miles west).
Well-known places in the area include Andover War Memorial Hospital (4.9 miles south). Not far away are Anton Lakes and Pilot Hill.
- Local pubs include George And Dragon Public House (0.5 miles south-east)
Prices and what affects them
Each event is quoted on its own, based on a few main things:
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
- Distance and access to the venue
- The length of service
- How many guests are eating
Live paella frequently compares well with a sit-down meal, because it needs no kitchen and fewer staff. Ask us for a quote.
What we need to know
A few details help us give you an accurate quote. Here’s what’s useful:
- A picture of where we’d cook
- Expected numbers
- Which courses you have in mind
- Your date and when you want to eat
The quickest way to a quote is to use our quote form. Tell us about your party in Ibthorpe, and we’ll put together a menu and price.
Working with your venue
Planners and coordinators can contact us directly, and we’ll keep everyone informed on the day.
If you’re organising for someone else, whether you’re a planner, an office manager or an event organiser, we’ll work directly with you and the venue. It saves passing messages back and forth.
Towns and villages near Ibthorpe
Also in Ibthorpe
Space, weather and the venue
We will agree the cooking spot with you before the day. It needs to meet a few simple requirements:
- Level ground for the pans and burners
- The venue’s permission for live cooking
- Clearance from fences, hedges, branches and anything flammable
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise before booking.
Popular choices
- Chicken & chorizo paella
- Churros
- Seafood paella
- Mixed paella
- Tapas
- Paella Valenciana
- Vegetable paella
A closer look at the menu
Churros
Churros are a treat for all ages.
Tapas
Patatas bravas, tortilla, croquetas and olives while the paella cooks.
How it works
We take care of the food from set-up to service, so you’re free to enjoy your party. If you’ve chosen tapas or canapés, they go out first as the rice is cooking. At midsummer, it’s light in Ibthorpe until about 9:25pm, 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.
- We check your date and the space.
- You choose your paellas and any extras.
- The burners go on and the sofrito starts.
- The rice goes in and your guests gather round.
- It’s served hot, and we clear away afterwards.
Before we arrive
- Tell us when you want to eat
- Send us final numbers and dietary needs in good time
- Let us know who to talk to on the day
How to get a price
Tell us your date, venue or postcode and roughly how many guests, along with any dietary needs, and we will reply with a menu suggestion and a quote. To get started, send us your details through our quote form.
Read more
- 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