Surrey · England
Tapas Catering in Ash Vale
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Ash Vale: paella made from scratch in big, shallow pans, in full view of your guests, with tapas, desserts and drinks if you want them.
- Office parties and launches
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Birthday drinks
Tapas catering for Ash Vale events
Tapas catering in Ash Vale, made fresh on the day
Tapas pair naturally with a live paella, served while the paella cooks, but they work on their own too. Typical bookings include receptions and drinks parties and work receptions, with albóndigas, patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo.
In Ash Vale, tapas work at home or in a local hall. Every pan is cooked in front of your guests, so it arrives hot and becomes part of the event.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
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.
Doing it yourself saves money, but the host ends up stuck at the stove. With live paella catering, you get the theatre without the work.
Receptions and parties in Ash Vale
Ash Vale is about 2 miles north-east of Aldershot, in Surrey. Tell us where your event in Ash Vale will be, and we’ll plan the journey and set-up. We cater in 395 places in Surrey. Our nearest city page is Guildford, about 7 miles away.
If you are looking at a historic venue around Ash Vale, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. After a ceremony at a church such as St Mary's Church, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Wherever your event is in GU12 and GU14, we can cook for your guests, from busy streets to quiet lanes. That could mean an event in a garden on Station Road East, Station Road West and Waverley Drive or the roads around them. Ash Vale is on the B3165 and B3166, so it’s easy for us to reach with the van and pans. For events just outside Ash Vale, we cover Ash (1 mile south), North Camp (1 mile north-west), Mytchett (2 miles north), Ash Green (2 miles south-east) and Aldershot (2 miles south-west). Within a short drive, we also cover Guildford (7 miles east), Woking (7 miles north-east), Camberley (5 miles north), Farnham (5 miles south-west), Egham (14 miles north-east) and Frimley (3 miles north).
Well-known places in the area include Frimley Park Hospital (3.8 miles north) and Farnham Castle (4.7 miles south-west). The countryside around Ash Vale includes Aunt's Pool and Ash Ranges.
- Nearby schools include The Wavell School (1.4 miles west)
- Pubs nearby include The Swan pub (within half a mile east)
- Local facilities include National Aerospace Library (2 miles north-west)
Why choose tapas catering in Ash Vale?
They’re ideal when a full meal does not fit.
Almost any gathering can work with live paella. In Ash Vale, people book us for events such as:
- Drinks reception canapés
- Engagement drinks
- Work receptions
- Drinks parties and receptions
A picnic in Ramillies Park? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is often easier for catering.
Questions to ask before you book
- How long the team stays
- Whether travel is included
- How dietary needs and allergies are handled
- What the caterer needs from your venue
Ash Vale questions
Can you cater a reception after a service at St Mary's Church?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking generally happens at the reception venue, not the church. Send us the reception address.
Is Ash Vale close to London?
Roughly 32 miles from the centre of London, and well within our area.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Even if it is short notice, it is worth asking.
Do you have vegetarian tapas?
Many tapas are naturally vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers. Each dish is labelled.
What does tapas catering cost?
Every event is quoted individually, based on what you actually want. Tell us your date and numbers for a clear quote.
Do you cater in Ash Vale?
Yes. We cover London and the South East, and Ash Vale is within our area. To check your date, use our quote form.
Can we add tapas or canapés?
Yes, and it’s a popular combination. Tapas first, paella to follow.
What happens if it rains?
We need a covered spot, like a gazebo or open-sided marquee. We plan for rain with you in advance.
Catering for every guest
Every guest is catered for, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal included. To make it work smoothly:
- Ensure dishes are labelled
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Tell us what role tapas play
Tapas go out to the tables at the start of the meal.
Bar staff and sangria.
Dishes our guests love
Croquetas
Crisp outside, creamy inside.
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
What happens on the day
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 Ash Vale is around 9:20pm in June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish the hot dishes.
- Canapés go round or tapas go to the tables.
- We pack down when service ends.
Getting ready for the day
- Let us know who to talk to on the day
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
Get a quote
Every quote is put together for your event. Tell us your date and guest numbers, and we will check availability at the same time.
Related guides
More for events in Ash Vale
Planning the cooking area
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but there are a few things to check:
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly before you book.
What we offer
- Serrano ham
- Gambas al ajillo
- Manchego & membrillo
- Patatas bravas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Croquetas
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Olives & bread
- Tortilla española
Organising for someone else?
Booking for a company? Tell us what your finance team needs, and we’ll talk you through the process. We are happy to liaise with facilities on access and timings.
Venues frequently have their own rules about outside caterers: where cooking is allowed, access times and the paperwork they need. Send us your venue’s requirements and we’ll follow them.
Live paella or other catering?
Standard canapés can feel samey. Tapas bring something different. Cost depends on guest numbers, the menu and the courses, plus any staff, crockery and travel. Every event gets its own quote.
Why choose Love Paella in Ash Vale
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
- Sangria and bar staff available
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
See Our prices page Or 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