West Sussex · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Abingworth, West Sussex
Something for every guest: separate pans for meat, seafood and vegetarian or vegan guests. Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Abingworth.
- Cocktail parties
- Launches and office parties
- Drinks reception canapés
Tapas catering in Abingworth
How our tapas catering works in Abingworth
We finish hot tapas on site, so they’re served at their best. Typical bookings include drinks parties and receptions and engagement celebrations, with tortilla española, Manchego with membrillo and Serrano ham.
For a country party near Abingworth, tapas and sangria set the mood. Your quote spells out exactly what’s included: the menu, the staff and any extras.
- Location
- Abingworth (RH20)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Diets
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal
- Add-ons
- Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
- Price
- Quoted for your event
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
Abingworth: venues and local tips
Abingworth is about 8 miles north of Worthing, in West Sussex. We bring tapas catering to homes, gardens and venues in Abingworth. Abingworth is one of 371 towns and villages in West Sussex we cover. You can also see our page for Brighton, about 15 miles away.
If you’re looking at a historic venue around Abingworth, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. After a ceremony at a church such as The Parish Church of St Mary, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. Abingworth is within about 6 miles of the South Downs National Park, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
Wherever your event is in RH20, we can cook for your guests, from busy streets to quiet lanes. Local streets include Abingworth Crescent, Chestnut Drive and Shelley Place; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Thakeham (1 mile north-east), Warminghurst (1 mile east), Heath Common (1 mile south-east), West Chiltington Common (1 mile west) and West Chiltington (1 mile north-west). Within a short drive, we also cover Horsham (10 miles north-east), Worthing (8 miles south), Bognor Regis (15 miles south-west), Haywards Heath (15 miles east), Burgess Hill (13 miles east) and Littlehampton (10 miles south-west).
Nearby you will also find The Storrington And District Museum (1.6 miles south-west). The countryside around Abingworth includes Amberley Wildbrooks RSPB Reserve and Chanctonbury Hill.
- Schools near Abingworth include Rydon Community College (1.1 miles south)
Step by step
The cooking is part of the entertainment. Onion, garlic, peppers and tomato go in first, then the stock and saffron, then the rice, which cooks without stirring while your guests chat. Evening receptions in Abingworth stay light until about 8:50pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- First, we check availability.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Preparing for the day
- Tell us where to park and unload
- Give us your final numbers and diets
- Choose a level spot for the cooking area
Get a quote
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: the venue, the timings, the courses you’d like and any extras. When you’re ready, send us your details through our quote form.
Related guides
Occasions we cook for in Abingworth
They’re the classic starter before paella.
Whatever the occasion, live paella can be the centrepiece. We regularly cater:
- Tapas starters
- Work receptions
- Cocktail parties
- Birthday drinks
Nearby historic houses include Parham House (3.1 miles south-west) and Old Place Manor (3.8 miles north-west). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed.
Questions to ask before booking
- Whether travel is included
- How long the team stays
- A clear list of what’s included
- How each diet is kept separate
What affects the price in Abingworth
Two events with the same number of guests can cost different amounts, because of:
- Waiting and bar staff
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- The length of service
- How many guests are eating
Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, because it needs no kitchen and fewer staff. Ask us for a quote.
Getting an accurate quote
To check availability and price, we need:
- A picture of the cooking space, if it is a garden or field
- Where the event is
- What the venue already provides
- The courses you’d like
Most quotes start with a few simple details: date, location, guest numbers and diets. You can send us your details through our quote form.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. We are happy to give you a quote to compare.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, keep the stock hot, and leave the rice alone once it’s in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
Planning the cooking area
No two venues are the same, so we’ll ask about yours before we confirm. Generally, we look for:
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
- Permission from the venue
- Parking near the venue
If you’re unsure, send a picture of the space and we will say what we think.
Menu ideas
- Olives & bread
- Padrón peppers
- Croquetas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Albóndigas
- Serrano ham
- Gambas al ajillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Tortilla española
- Patatas bravas
Abingworth questions
We’re having a ceremony at The Parish Church of St Mary: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is typically elsewhere. Send us the reception address.
Can you cook at venues in the South Downs National Park?
Yes. Some venues there have rules about vehicles, ground and cooking, so check with yours. We will follow the site rules.
What if the weather’s bad?
We need a covered spot, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We’ll agree a wet-weather plan with you.
Do we need staff for canapés?
We can provide staff. Canapés need staff to serve.
Are the tapas served hot?
We finish hot dishes on site; cold ones go out as guests arrive.
Do you come to Abingworth?
We do. We cook at events in Abingworth and across West Sussex. Tell us your date and we will check availability.
Do you do tapas on their own?
Absolutely.
How much paella per person?
We size the pans for your numbers and the rest of the menu. Tell us what else is being served. Our guide to portions explains more.
Paella compared with other options
A sandwich buffet is easy but forgettable. Tapas feel special. Cost depends on guest numbers, the menu and the courses, along with staff, extras and travel. We quote for each event individually.
Why us?
- Food that becomes part of the entertainment
- Starters and desserts to complete the menu
- Fast service from the pan
- A quote that spells everything out
Take a look at How we price And The cost guide.
Working with your venue
If you’re booking for a business, tell us how you’d like to handle the booking and payment, and we will explain how it works. We can work with your facilities team on access and timings.
Events in public spaces, like parks, typically need permission. We will provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
The menu, dish by dish
Patatas bravas
A tapas classic.
Gambas al ajillo
Popular with prawn fans.
Places near Abingworth
Other catering in Abingworth
- 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