Live paella catering, cooked fresh at your event · London and the South East

Kent · England

Paella catering in DA1

We cook at events in every part of the DA1 postcode district, including Dartford, Temple Hill and Crayford. The paella is cooked fresh in front of your guests.

Planning an event in DA1?

Paella catering across DA1

Live paella works almost anywhere with a level, ventilated spot: gardens, marquees, barns, courtyards and festival fields in and around DA1. We cook chicken and chorizo paella, black rice and seafood paella, and typical bookings are for community events and fairs and weddings, from canapés to evening food.

We get there well before serving, set up the cooking area and get the stock going. Guests generally gather round to watch while it cooks.

  1. You share your date, numbers and venue.
  2. We plan a menu that covers every diet.
  3. We arrive early to set up the burners and pans.
  4. The sofrito, stock and rice go in, and guests gather to watch.
  5. We serve hot from the pan and clear our cooking area.

What it costs in DA1

Got a budget? Let us know, and we’ll put together a menu that fits. Even a simple menu can be a feast.

Why choose Love Paella

  • A clear, itemised quote
  • We cover DA1 and the whole of Kent
  • Every diet catered for, pan by pan
  • Real theatre, not just catering

Ask for a quote

We need only a few details to quote: the date, where the event is, how many guests and any dietary needs. To send them, use our quote form.

What’s near Dartford

Locally, our events take us close to The Rose pub, Central Park and Stone Lodge School and the streets around them. Nearby too are Leigh Academy (0.7 miles south-east), Dartford Primary Academy (less than half a mile south-east) and Church of the Holy Trinity (less than half a mile west). There’s a railway station in Dartford itself: Dartford station. Nearby you will also find West Hill Hospital (0.6 miles west) and Stone Castle (2.3 miles east). Open spaces near Dartford include Wansunt Pit and Sawyers Lake.

  • Parks and local facilities nearby include Colyers (2.9 miles north-west)

Live paella across DA1: what to know

Across DA1, we cook in 3 towns and 1 villages and hamlets, so whether your event is in Dartford, Bexley and Temple Hill or a quiet village, the approach is the same: a level, ventilated spot and a clear plan.

Dartford: School fairs and fundraisers, for a school such as Dartford Primary Academy, can book us as a food stall. For guests coming by train, Dartford station is in Dartford itself. Evenings in Dartford stay light until about 9:20pm in June, but by late September sunset is around 7:05pm; once it’s dark, we need light to cook and serve by.

Occasions we cook for in DA1

Outdoor events and live paella go together: it’s cooked in the open, served hot and eaten together.

Live paella suits almost any gathering. People in DA1 book us for events such as:

  • Fairs, fêtes and festivals
  • Big birthdays
  • Staff parties and work lunches
  • Engagement and anniversary parties

Should I cook it myself?

Not sure whether to cook yourself or book a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. We’re happy to give you a quote to compare.

You can hire equipment and do it yourself, but you’ll still need to source ingredients, prep and cook for hours. A caterer handles all of that.

Planners, venues and businesses

Planning an event for a club, school or charity in DA1? Paella is quick to serve to a crowd and suits most diets. Tell us about the event and we will suggest a menu.

Booking for a company? Tell us what your finance team needs, and we’ll talk you through the process. We’re happy to liaise with facilities on access and timings.

Space, weather and the venue

We cook in large pans over gas burners, so we need a suitable spot. Here’s what we look for:

  • Parking close enough to carry equipment
  • Flat, firm ground for the cooking area
  • The venue’s permission for live cooking

About the dishes

Black rice

Arroz negro is coloured and flavoured with squid ink, and is normally served with alioli. It’s a striking addition to a seafood menu.

Mixed paella

Chicken and seafood together, and a popular all-rounder.

Common questions in DA1

Which paella is most popular?

Two or three is usual: chicken or mixed, seafood, and vegetable or vegan. Our menu lists the options.

Can you cook indoors?

Indoors only where ventilation and the venue allow it. Most events have us cooking outside or in a doorway or courtyard.

What areas do you cover?

We cover London and the South East, including Kent. Find your area.

What is live paella catering?

We set up a cooking area at your venue, cook the paella from scratch in large pans while your guests watch, and serve it straight from the pan.

How soon do we need to book?

The sooner the better. Peak dates go quickly, so contact us early.

Can you provide dessert?

We do. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana.

Is the paella cooked on site?

It is. We bring the pans, burners and fresh ingredients and cook on the day, then serve straight from the pan.

  • 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

See the menu · How it works · Get a quote