Oxfordshire · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Ardington, Oxfordshire
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Ardington: paella cooked from scratch in giant pans, right in front of your guests, with tapas, desserts and drinks if you want them.
- Office parties and launches
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Engagement celebrations
Tapas catering for Ardington events
Tapas catering in Ardington, cooked live
Hot tapas are finished on site, so they’re served at their best. Typical bookings include evening sharing boards and engagement parties, serving Manchego with membrillo, croquetas and tortilla española.
Near Ardington, tapas suit gardens, barns and marquees. We serve straight from the pan, so it’s hot and generous, and a queue moves quickly.
- Location
- Ardington (OX12)
- Region
- Oxfordshire
- Special diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Extras
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Quotes
- Ask us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
The process
We arrive in good time before you want to eat, set up the cooking area and get the stock going. Your guests are welcome to watch while it cooks. Evening receptions in Ardington stay light until about 9:00pm in late May and 9:25pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- First, we check availability.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We arrive and set up our station.
- Hot and cold tapas are served.
- Afterwards, we clear up.
Preparing for the day
- Give us a contact for the day
- Let us know the timings for the day
- Send us final numbers and dietary needs in good time
Get a quote
Most quotes start with a few simple details: the date, where the event is, how many guests and any dietary needs. To send them, fill in our quote form.
Planning help
Nearby places to Ardington
Also in Ardington
About the dishes
Croquetas
Always among the first to go.
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Planning a tapas spread in Ardington
Ardington is about 2 miles east of Wantage, in Oxfordshire. From the centre of Ardington to the outskirts, tapas catering works the same way: paella cooked live, every diet catered for and a clear quote. Ardington is one of 443 places in Oxfordshire we cover. We cook right across the region, from Ardington to Oxford (13 miles away).
Historic buildings near Ardington often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue.
Wherever your event is in OX12, we can bring tapas catering to you. We can cater an event on streets such as High Street, Church Street and Well Street or the roads around them. Nearby, we also cater events in East Lockinge (1 mile south), West Hendred (1 mile east), East Hendred (2 miles east), Rowstock (3 miles east) and Farnborough (4 miles south). Within a short drive, we also cover Oxford (13 miles north-east), Didcot (6 miles east), Abingdon-on-Thames (7 miles north-east), Witney (14 miles north), Carterton (15 miles north-west) and Faringdon (10 miles north-west).
Well-known places in the area include Williams F1 Grand Prix Collection (2.3 miles north-west). The countryside around Ardington includes Letcombe Valley and Chain Hill.
- Schools near Ardington include King Alfred's (2.2 miles west)
- Local pubs include The Boar's Head pub (within half a mile east)
Planning the cooking area
The right spot keeps things safe and helps the paella cook evenly. We need:
- Venue approval for outside catering
- Unloading access
- Space to finish hot dishes
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise before booking.
Menu ideas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- Gambas al ajillo
- Croquetas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Tortilla española
- Olives & bread
- Albóndigas
- Serrano ham
Planning for every diet
Most events have a mix of diets. To plan for them:
- Book staff to carry canapés round
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Match tapas with Spanish drinks
- Tell us what role tapas play
Table tapas are set down to share.
Spanish desserts to finish.
Events we cater in Ardington
They work for any size of event.
In Ardington and nearby, we cater all sorts of events. Popular bookings include:
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Table tapas as a starter
- Office parties and launches
- Anniversary parties
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of the Holy Trinity, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Comparing caterers
- Payment terms and deposit
- If the price includes VAT
- What happens if it rains
- The venue requirements
Why live cooking beats a buffet
A plated starter needs a kitchen and staff. Table tapas are shared and relaxed. Extras such as tapas, desserts, sangria, staff and crockery are priced separately, so you only pay for what you want.
Why us?
- Fast service from the pan
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
See How we price And The cost guide.
Working with your venue
If you run the same event each year, tell us your dates early, so we can hold the date.
Events in public spaces, like parks, typically need permission. We will provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
What tapas catering costs
Two events with the same number of guests can cost different amounts, because of:
- Travel, parking and access
- Your choice of paellas
- The length of service
- The number of people
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, bread and salads, travel and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
What we need to know
These details help us quote quickly:
- A photo of the space, if you can
- The date and rough timings
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
- Roughly how many adults and children
Still deciding on the menu? That’s fine: give us the basics about your event, and we will suggest a menu. Start when you’re ready: fill in our quote form.
FAQs for Ardington
Is Ardington close to London?
About 56 miles from central London, and we cover it as standard.
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of the Holy Trinity?
Yes, at a nearby garden, marquee or hall where we can cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is usually elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Is it really cooked live?
Yes, always. We cook from scratch in large pans at your venue, where your guests can watch.
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.
Are there vegetarian tapas?
Lots. Tortilla, bravas and Manchego are popular vegetarian choices.
Do you cater for young children?
Yes. A simple chicken paella is typically popular with children. Tell us how many are coming.
Do you cater for coeliacs?
A gluten-free pan is no problem. Tell us about any coeliac guests when you book so we can plan it carefully.
Do you cover Ardington?
Yes. We cater across London and the South East, including Ardington and the rest of Oxfordshire. For a quote, use our quote form.
- 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