Oxfordshire · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Ashampstead, Oxfordshire
Hot, generous and cooked in front of everyone: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella for events in Ashampstead and across Oxfordshire.
- Table tapas as a starter
- Engagement drinks
- Receptions and drinks parties
Tapas catering for Ashampstead events
Receptions and parties in Ashampstead
Ashampstead is about 7 miles north-east of Thatcham, in Oxfordshire. Tell us where your event in Ashampstead will be, and we will plan the journey and set-up before the day. Ashampstead is one of 443 places in Oxfordshire we cover. We cook right across the region, from Ashampstead to Reading (10 miles away).
Historic buildings near Ashampstead frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue. Guests travelling by rail: the nearest station is Goring & Streatley station, about 3.2 miles north-east. The North Wessex Downs National Landscape is within about 3 miles of Ashampstead, ideal for an outdoor reception.
Here we cover the RG8 postcode area. We can cater an event on streets such as Chapel Lane, Noakes Hill and Church Lane. For events just outside Ashampstead, we cover Ashampstead Green (1 mile north), Stubbles (1 mile south-east), Burnt Hill (2 miles south), Upper Basildon (2 miles east) and New Town (3 miles east). Within a short drive, we also cover Didcot (9 miles north), Abingdon-on-Thames (14 miles north), Wantage (12 miles north-west), Henley-on-Thames (12 miles east), Grove (13 miles north-west) and Benson (10 miles north).
A little further out are Yattendon Castle (1.7 miles south-west). Open spaces near Ashampstead include Hartslock.
Tapas catering in Ashampstead, cooked live
Sangria and bar staff can be added, for a complete drinks and tapas package. Typical bookings include evening sharing boards and sharing tapas starters, serving padrón peppers, croquetas and Serrano ham.
Near Ashampstead, tapas and sangria suit a garden or field party. You’ll know exactly what’s included before booking: the menu, the staff and any extras, with no surprises on the day.
- Location
- Ashampstead (RG8)
- Region
- Oxfordshire
- Dietary options
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Also available
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Quote
- Quoted for your event
- Page updated
- 23 October 2026
How it works
We get there well before serving, set up the cooking area and get the stock going. Your guests are welcome to watch while it cooks. A summer drinks reception in Ashampstead has daylight until about 9:25pm at midsummer, perfect for canapés outdoors. By late September it is dark around 7:10pm, and in December by about 4:00pm.
- Send us the date, venue, numbers and serving style.
- You get a suggested selection and a price.
- On the day we arrive, set up and finish the hot tapas on site.
- Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
- We clear away our equipment when service is finished.
Before we arrive
- Let us know who to talk to on the day
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Arrange parking near the cooking spot
Get a quote
Thinking about tapas catering for your event in Ashampstead? Send us the details and we’ll come back with ideas and a quote. To get in touch, send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
Places near Ashampstead
Also in Ashampstead
Who books tapas catering in Ashampstead?
They make a perfect starter before paella.
If you are planning any of these, we can help:
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Launches and office parties
- Tapas starters
- Engagement parties
Nearby historic houses include Basildon Park (2.9 miles east). Where a historic venue does not allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue.
Questions to ask before you book
- Exactly what’s included in the price
- When payment is due
- What happens if it rains
- VAT, if it applies
What’s in the pans
Gambas al ajillo
Popular with prawn fans.
Croquetas
Creamy croquettes with a crisp coat, frequently with ham or mushroom.
How we price tapas catering
Two events with the same number of guests can cost different amounts, depending on:
- How many guests are eating
- Crockery and cutlery, or disposables
- How long we are needed on site
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
Got a budget? Let us know, and we will put together a menu that fits. A simple menu can still feel generous.
Details that help
When you get in touch, it helps to tell us:
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- A picture of the space, if you can
- Diets and allergies you know about
- Whether you want canapés, tapas or desserts
Still deciding on the menu? That’s fine: give us the basics about your event, and we will make suggestions. Start when you’re ready: use our quote form.
Ashampstead: your questions answered
Which station should guests use for Ashampstead?
Goring & Streatley station, about 3.2 miles north-east of the centre.
How far is Ashampstead from London?
About 47 miles from central London.
How long does the paella take?
It depends on the menu and numbers. We agree the timings in advance so the paella is ready when you want it.
How do you work out quantities?
It depends on whether they’re a starter, canapés or the whole meal. Tell us about the event and we’ll suggest quantities.
Can the paella be cooked in a hall?
Typically we cook outdoors or under a ventilated cover, since the burners are gas. We’ll check whether your venue has a suitable space.
When should we book?
As soon as you have a date. Peak dates go quickly, so it pays to ask early.
Can you serve drinks?
Yes, sangria. For other drinks, we can provide bar staff to serve what you buy.
How many different paellas?
Two or three covers most guests. We will recommend a mix based on diets.
Diets, allergies and planning
Most events have a mix of diets. To cater well for them:
- Check diets in advance
- Canapés need staff to serve
- Match tapas with Spanish drinks
- Make sure dishes are labelled
Staff keep the canapés coming.
Waiting staff for canapés.
Why choose live paella in Ashampstead?
Tapas can be a starter, a reception or the whole meal, so they fit most plans. There is no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. We itemise everything in your quote.
Why us?
- Options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests, each in its own pan
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
- Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
Take a look at Our prices page And The cost guide.
Planners, venues and businesses
If your event is in a public space, such as a park, check what permission you need first. We’ll provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we’ll keep you updated on timings and set-up.
Planning the cooking area
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:
- Room for a tapas table
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
- Venue approval for outside catering
If you are unsure, send a picture of the space and we’ll say what we think.
Popular choices
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- Olives & bread
- Tortilla española
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- 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