Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Acton, Kent
Treat your guests to live paella at your event in Acton. We cook from scratch on site, then served hot from the pan.
- Evening sharing boards
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Work receptions
Tapas catering in Acton
Tapas catering in Acton, made fresh on the day
Hot tapas are finished on site, so they’re served at their best. We are frequently asked to cater anniversary parties and evening sharing boards, with albóndigas, gambas al ajillo and croquetas.
In a rural spot like Acton, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We serve straight from the pan, so every plate is hot, and service is quick once it is ready.
Planning a tapas spread in Acton
Acton is about 10 miles south-west of Ashford, in Kent. From the centre of Acton to the outskirts, tapas catering works the same way: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. We cook in all 922 towns and villages across Kent. We cook right across the region, from Acton to Canterbury (about 24 miles away).
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like Parish Church of St John the Baptist. Historic houses near Acton include Smallhythe Place (1.5 miles north-west) and Lamb House (4.9 miles south). Where a historic venue does not allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. The coast is within about 5 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
We cater events across the TN30 postcode area and the streets around it. Close by, we cover events in The Stocks (1 mile south), Stone Corner (1 mile north-east), Wittersham (1 mile south-west), Reading Street (2 miles north-east) and Stone in Oxney (2 miles east). We also cook in nearby towns such as Ashford (10 miles north-east), Tenterden (4 miles north), Kennington (12 miles north-east), New Romney (10 miles east), Staplehurst (12 miles north-west) and Stanhope (10 miles north-east).
Well-known places in the area include Smallhythe Place (1.5 miles north-west) and Ypres Tower (4.9 miles south). Green spaces nearby include Flatropers Wood.
- Local pubs include The Ewe And Lamb Inn (0.6 miles south-west)
Also in Acton
Diets, allergies and planning
We take diets and allergies seriously. Here’s how you can help:
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Book staff to carry canapés round
- Label seafood clearly
- Collect dietary needs
Tapas go out to the tables.
Bar staff and sangria.
What affects the price in Acton
There are no hidden charges: the quote reflects:
- The number of people
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- How many staff you need
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
Seafood and premium ingredients cost more than chicken or vegetable paellas, so your choice of paellas affects the total. Tell us your budget and we’ll suggest a menu.
What we need to know
To speed things up, tell us:
- The venue or postcode
- The date and rough timings
- Expected numbers
- Whether you want canapés, tapas or desserts
Still deciding on the menu? That’s fine: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we’ll suggest a menu. To start, send us your details through our quote form.
Live paella or other catering?
A sandwich buffet is easy but forgettable. Tapas feel like a treat. Extras such as tapas, desserts, sangria, staff and crockery are priced separately, so you only pay for what you want.
Why choose Love Paella in Acton
- A quote that spells everything out
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
- Paella cooked from scratch on site
Read Our pricing And Our guide to catering costs.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
For a small group, cooking yourself can work well. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and keeps vegetarian and allergy-safe pans separate.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, have hot stock ready, and leave the rice alone once it’s in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
About the dishes
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
Croquetas
Always among the first to go.
Before you choose a spot
Safety and good cooking both depend on the spot we use. We need:
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
- Room for a tapas table
- Parking near the venue
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and we will say what we think.
Popular choices
- Chorizo in red wine
- Croquetas
- Gambas al ajillo
- Olives & bread
- Manchego & membrillo
- Albóndigas
- Patatas bravas
- Serrano ham
- Padrón peppers
- Tortilla española
Who books tapas catering in Acton?
Big or small, tapas work.
We can help if you are planning any of the following:
- Welcome-drink canapés
- Table tapas as a starter
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Sharing boards for evening guests
Guests travelling by rail: Appledore (Kent) station is about 4.4 miles away.
Before you book anyone
- How late numbers can change
- If the price includes VAT
- How long the team stays
- How bad weather is handled
How it works
Once the rice is in, we do not stir it. That is what gives paella its separate grains and crispy base. The smell usually draws people over. Sunset in Acton is around 9:15pm in June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- Send us the date, venue and numbers.
- You get a selection and a price.
- We set up and finish hot tapas on site.
- Canapés go round or tapas go to the tables.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
Getting ready for the day
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Confirm the venue is happy with live cooking
Ask for a quote
It is easy to get a price: tell us the date, place, numbers and any dietary needs. We’ll send a clear, itemised quote.
Related guides
Common questions in Acton
Which station should guests use for Acton?
Appledore (Kent) station, about 4.4 miles east of the centre.
Can you cook near the sea around Acton?
Yes, as long as we can shelter from the wind. Sea breezes cool the pan, so a windbreak, building or gazebo helps.
Do you come to Acton?
Yes. We cater across London and the South East, and Acton is within our area. For a quote, use our quote form.
What about pudding?
We do. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana.
What does tapas catering cost?
We quote for each event, so you only pay for what you need. Give us your date, numbers and menu ideas and we’ll reply with a price.
Is the paella cooked on site?
Yes. We cook from scratch in large pans at your venue, in front of your guests.
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, and the venue’s permission for live cooking.
When should we book?
The sooner the better. Peak dates go quickly, so it pays to ask early.
- 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