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

Greater London · England

Paella catering in NW3

Planning an event in NW3? We cook in Hampstead, West Hampstead and Greenhill and every street in between, with live paella cooked at your venue.

Book live paella in NW3

Our paella catering in NW3

The cooking is half the fun. Guests gather round as the sofrito sizzles and the saffron colours the rice, and the aroma does the rest. We are often asked to cater fairs, fêtes and festivals and big birthdays, with mixed paella, black rice and vegetable paella.

We get there well before serving, unload, set up the burners and prepare the stock. Guests usually gather round to watch while it cooks.

  1. First, you send us your date, venue, numbers and diets.
  2. You get a suggested menu and an itemised quote.
  3. On the day, we set up the burners and pans and get the stock going.
  4. The paella cooks in front of your guests, with tapas first if you’ve chosen them.
  5. It is served straight from the pan, and we pack down afterwards.

Prices in NW3

Got a budget? Let us know, and we will suggest a menu to match. Even a simple menu can be a feast.

Why book with us

  • Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
  • Everything cooked fresh at your event
  • Events in NW3 and across Greater London
  • Served hot, straight from the pan

Getting a price

We quote for each event separately, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, fill in our quote form.

Around Hampstead

Locally, our events take us close to Fitzjohn's Primary School, St John-at-Hampstead church and South Hampstead High School. You will also find Kilburn Grange Park (1 mile south-west), St Anthony's Preparatory School (under half a mile east), Cecil Sharp House (1.7 miles south-east) and King William IV Public House (less than half a mile north-east). Hampstead has its own railway station: Finchley Road & Frognal station, handy for guests travelling by train. Well-known places in the area include New End Hospital (under half a mile north) and O2 Centre (less than half a mile south). Not far away are Belsize Wood and The Long Water.

  • Parks and local facilities nearby include Frognal and Fitzjohns (within half a mile north-west)

Catering events across NW3

NW3 covers everything from Hampstead, West Hampstead and Kentish Town to 1 small villages and hamlets, and live paella works in all of them. In towns, plan parking and access; in villages, tell us about lanes and ground.

Hampstead: For a christening or wedding at a church such as St John-at-Hampstead church, a paella lunch or reception nearby is an easy way to feed everyone. For guests coming by train, Hampstead has its own station, Finchley Road & Frognal station. Around midsummer it stays light in Hampstead until about 9:20pm; by late September sunset is nearer 7:05pm, so summer evening events are normally served in daylight. In December it is dark by about 3:55pm, so winter events need lighting where we cook.

Planning for every diet

A little planning makes sure everyone can eat. Try these:

  • Ensure most guests can sit to eat
  • Ask about diets and allergies on your invitation or RSVP
  • Count adults and children separately
  • Flag any coeliac guests, not just gluten-free preferences

Paella is at its best straight from the pan, so we serve when guests are ready.

Sangria and bar staff can be added to serve drinks you provide.

Should I cook it myself?

Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.

Not sure whether to cook yourself or book a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. Ask us for a quote and compare.

Prices and what affects them

Your quote will be clear and itemised. What affects it most:

  • How many courses
  • How many guests are eating
  • How many staff you need
  • Timings and hours

Access and travel can make a difference to the cost, so tell us about the venue when you ask for a quote. The full price is confirmed before you book.

Getting an accurate quote

A few details help us give you an accurate quote. Here’s what to include:

  • Expected numbers
  • Where the event is
  • Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
  • A picture of the cooking space, if it is a garden or field

Each quote is tailored to your event. Give us your date and numbers, and we’ll check availability at the same time.

Is live paella right for you?

For something a little different, live paella brings colour, aroma and a touch of Spain to your event in NW3.

Questions to ask before you book

  • How long the team stays
  • The deadline for final numbers
  • Whether VAT is included
  • Whether travel is included

What’s in the pans

Paella Valenciana

Paella Valenciana is the original: chicken, beans and saffron, not seafood. It is frequently the most popular pan at an event.

Black rice

Black rice gets its colour from squid ink, traditionally with alioli. It’s a striking addition to a seafood menu.

Common questions in NW3

What if the weather’s bad?

Rain doesn’t stop us, as long as there is a ventilated cover. We will make a plan B with you.

Do you do starters?

Yes, it’s the classic pairing. Tapas first, paella to follow.

What areas do you cover?

We cater across London and the South East, including Greater London. See all areas.

How long do you need on site?

We arrive well before serving to set up and start the stock. The rice itself takes about 20 minutes, and we time it to your schedule.

What do you need at the venue?

A level space for the pans, burners and a serving table, outdoors or in a marquee or well-ventilated area, plus the venue’s agreement to cooking.

Who clears up?

We pack down our cooking area after service. Clearing guests’ plates and tables can be added with waiting staff.

Can you provide dessert?

We can add a dessert. Tell us what you have in mind when you ask for a quote.

  • 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