Greater London · England
Tapas Catering in Arkley
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Arkley: paella cooked from scratch in giant pans, in full view of your guests, with tapas, desserts and drinks if you want them.
- Table tapas as a starter
- Engagement parties
- Tapas and paella menus
Tapas catering for Arkley events
Planning a tapas spread in Arkley
Arkley is about 2 miles west of Barnet, in Greater London. From the centre of Arkley to the outskirts, tapas catering works the same way: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. We cook in 764 places across Greater London. You can also see our page for London, about 12 miles away.
Historic buildings near Arkley frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue. Guests travelling by rail: Elstree & Borehamwood station is about 2.1 miles away.
For tapas catering in EN5 and NW7, we plan around your venue and your guests. From Well Road, Glebe Lane and Brett Road or a nearby road, we’ll bring the pans to you. You will find Arkley on the A411, so it’s easy for us to reach with the van and pans. Other places close to Arkley for tapas catering include Rowley Green (1 mile north-west), High Barnet (1 mile north-east), Hadley (1 mile north-east), Totteridge (2 miles south-east) and Mill Hill (2 miles south). Further out, we also cater in London (12 miles south-east), City of Westminster (10 miles south), Marylebone (10 miles south), Kensington (10 miles south), St Pancras (10 miles south-east) and Shoreditch (11 miles south-east).
Nearby you will also find Hertfordshire Scout Museum (1.9 miles north-west) and Barnet General Hospital (0.7 miles east). Green spaces nearby include Glebe Lane Pastures and Darland's Lake.
- Nearby schools include Queen Elizabeth's School (0.9 miles north-east) and Susi Earnshaw Theatre School (1.4 miles east)
- Pubs nearby include The Arkley pub (0.6 miles north-east)
- Other local spots include Barnet Urban District (1.3 miles east)
About our tapas catering in Arkley
Tapas suit drinks receptions, evening parties, office events and weddings in and around Arkley. Popular choices include gambas al ajillo, padrón peppers and albóndigas, and we’re often booked for tapas before paella and birthday drinks.
For a London drinks party in Arkley, canapé tapas are easy to serve in a small space. Tapas, canapés, desserts, sangria and staff can all be added, so one booking can cover the whole menu.

- Where
- Arkley (EN5, NW7)
- Area hub
- Greater London
- Special diets
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal
- Add-ons
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Quote
- Contact us for a quote
- Updated
- 23 October 2026
Should I cook it myself?
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For big numbers or lots of diets, a caterer makes life easier, and handles separate pans for each diet.
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. Large pans need the right burners, and getting the rice right at scale is tricky. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.
Common questions in Arkley
What about parking in Arkley?
London parking needs planning: let us know about permits or off-street space. We will work around it.
What’s the nearest station to Arkley for guests?
The closest is Elstree & Borehamwood station, roughly 2.1 miles away.
Can the paella be cooked in a hall?
Indoors only where ventilation and the venue allow it. Most events have us cooking outside or in a doorway or courtyard.
How soon do we need to book?
Early, particularly for summer Saturdays. Even if it’s short notice, it is worth asking.
Where do you cater?
London and South East England: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.
Do you have vegetarian tapas?
Lots. Tortilla, bravas and Manchego are popular vegetarian choices.
How much does tapas catering cost in Arkley?
We quote for each event, so you only pay for what you need. Tell us your date and numbers for a clear quote.
Can you provide dessert?
We can add a dessert. Tell us what you have in mind in your enquiry.
Places near Arkley
Other catering in Arkley
A closer look at the menu
Manchego & membrillo
Easy and classic.
Gambas al ajillo
Prawns sizzled in garlic and olive oil with a little chilli.
Planners, venues and businesses
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we will keep everyone informed on the day.
If you are planning an event on someone’s behalf, such as a wedding planner, an office manager or a festival organiser, we will work directly with you and the venue. It keeps things simple.
Who books tapas catering in Arkley?
They’re ideal when a full meal doesn’t fit.
Big or small, live paella works well. Typical bookings include:
- Table tapas as a starter
- Launches and office parties
- Evening grazing
- Canapés with welcome drinks
A picnic in Whitings Hill Open Space? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is frequently easier for catering.
Comparing caterers
- What the price includes, item by item
- When payment is due
- Whether travel is included
- How dietary needs and allergies are handled
How it works
From set-up to serving, we look after the food, so you can enjoy your event. Any tapas or canapés are served first while the paella cooks. Evening receptions in Arkley stay light until about 8:55pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish hot tapas on site.
- We serve canapés or table tapas.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
Preparing for the day
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
- Send us final numbers and dietary needs in good time
Ask for a quote
Send us the date, your venue or EN5 postcode and guest numbers, plus any dietary needs, and we will reply with a menu suggestion and a quote. Just send us your details through our quote form.
Related guides
Prices and what affects them
There is nothing hidden: the price is based on:
- Crockery and cutlery, or disposables
- The number of people
- Distance and access to the venue
- Your choice of paellas
Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, as there is no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. Ask us for a quote.
What we need to know
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but these help:
- Which courses you have in mind
- Diets and allergies you know about
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
Still deciding on the menu? That’s fine: give us the basics about your event, and we will suggest a menu. Start when you are ready: fill in our quote form.
Catering for every guest
Paella is one of the easiest dishes for mixed diets, because every paella has its own pan. A few tips:
- Pair tapas with sangria, cava or sherry
- Collect dietary needs
- Book staff to carry canapés round
- Ensure dishes are labelled
Staff keep the canapés coming.
Serving boards and crockery.
Why choose live paella in Arkley?
A sandwich buffet is easy but forgettable. Tapas feel special. Travel, parking and access can affect the price, so it helps to tell us about your venue. The full price is confirmed before you book.
What you get with us
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
- A quote that spells everything out
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
See How we price And The cost guide.
- 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