Live paella catering, cooked fresh at your event · London and the South East
A spread of tapas on wooden boards with glasses of red wine

East Sussex · England

Tapas Catering for Ashton Green events

Bring the theatre of live paella to your event in Ashton Green. We cook from scratch on site, and serve it straight from the pan.

  • Work receptions
  • Canapés with welcome drinks
  • Anniversary parties

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Tapas catering for Ashton Green events

Why choose tapas catering in Ashton Green?

They suit standing receptions where a full meal does not fit.

These are some of the occasions we cater:

  • Sharing boards for evening guests
  • Birthday drinks
  • Engagement celebrations
  • Drinks parties and receptions

Historic buildings near Ashton Green frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue.

What your quote should include

  • Exactly what’s included in the price
  • Space, access and power needs
  • What happens if it rains
  • Staff numbers and hours

How to compare caterers

How our tapas catering works in Ashton Green

Tapas pair naturally with a live paella, served while the paella cooks, but they work on their own too. Whether it’s cocktail parties and sharing tapas starters, we can cook tortilla española, padrón peppers and Manchego with membrillo and more.

In a rural spot like Ashton Green, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We serve straight from the pan, so it’s hot and generous, and a queue moves quickly.

Where
Ashton Green (BN8)
County
East Sussex
Dietary options
Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
Extras
Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
Quotes
Ask us for a quote
Last updated
23 October 2026
A board of bite-sized canapés ready to serve

Catering for every guest

Good planning keeps every guest safe and happy. Try these:

  • Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
  • Book staff to carry canapés round
  • Label seafood clearly
  • Ask guests about diets and allergies

Canapés go round with the drinks as guests arrive.

Serving boards and crockery.

Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?

For a small group, cooking yourself can work well. For big numbers or lots of diets, a caterer makes life easier, and handles separate pans for each diet.

If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, keep the stock hot, and do not stir once the rice goes in. And keep children and pets well away from the burner.

How the day works

A typical event goes like this: we set up the pans and start the sofrito, the rice cooks in front of your guests, and we serve straight from the pan when you’re ready to eat. A summer drinks reception in Ashton Green has daylight until about 9:15pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. By late September it’s dark around 7:05pm, and in December by about 3:55pm.

  1. It starts with your date, venue, numbers and how you want the tapas served.
  2. We suggest a selection and confirm a quote.
  3. On the day, we set up and prepare the hot tapas there.
  4. Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
  5. We clear away our equipment when service is finished.

Preparing for the day

  • Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
  • Confirm the venue is happy with live cooking
  • Plan cover in case of rain

How to get a price

Planning tapas catering in Ashton Green? Send us the details and we’ll come back with ideas and a quote. To contact us, use our quote form.

Get a quote

Planning help

Space, weather and the venue

Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:

  • Unloading access
  • Room for a tapas table
  • Space to finish hot dishes

If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise.

Menu ideas

  • Gambas al ajillo
  • Chorizo in red wine
  • Albóndigas
  • Padrón peppers
  • Olives & bread
  • Croquetas
  • Serrano ham
  • Tortilla española
  • Patatas bravas
  • Manchego & membrillo

Browse the menu

Ashton Green questions

Is Ashton Green too small for live paella?

Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Tell us about lanes, gates and parking.

How far is Ashton Green from London?

Roughly 43 miles from the centre of London.

Is tapas catering available separately?

Yes, tapas work on their own.

How long do you need on site?

It depends on the menu and numbers. We agree the timings in advance so the paella is ready when you want it.

Is it really cooked live?

Yes. We bring the pans, burners and fresh ingredients and cook on the day, serving it hot from the pan.

How many tapas per person?

Quantities depend on timing and courses. Give us the details for a suggestion.

Do you clear up afterwards?

We pack down our cooking area after service. Waiting staff can clear tables if you book them.

Will there be enough food?

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.

How we price tapas catering

Here’s what makes the biggest difference to the price:

  • Starters, canapés and desserts
  • How long we are needed on site
  • Distance and access to the venue
  • Crockery and cutlery, or disposables

The cost per head usually falls as numbers rise, since the set-up is much the same either way. Tell us your numbers for an accurate price.

What to tell us

To check availability and price, we need:

  • A picture of the space, if you can
  • The date and rough timings
  • Approximate guest numbers, including children
  • What the venue already provides

Each quote is tailored to your event. Give us your date and numbers, and we’ll check availability at the same time.

For planners, venues and organisers

For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can hold the date.

Many venues have rules for outside caterers: where cooking is allowed, access times and the paperwork they need. Tell us what your venue needs and we’ll work to it.

Tapas for events in Ashton Green

Ashton Green is about 3 miles east of Lewes, in East Sussex. For tapas catering in Ashton Green, we can cook in gardens, marquees, barns, courtyards and offices in and around Ashton Green. We cook in 289 places in East Sussex. Our nearest city page is Brighton, about 10 miles away.

Historic houses near Ashton Green include Glyndebourne (1 mile south-west) and Glynde Place (1.7 miles south). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed. After a ceremony at a church such as The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. Ashton Green is within about 4 miles of the South Downs National Park, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.

Tapas catering in BN8 is planned around your venue and your guests. Whether your event is on Neaves Lane and Potato Lane or anywhere nearby, we will bring the pans to you. Close by, we cover events in Ringmer (1 mile west), Glyndebourne (1 mile south-west), Glynde (2 miles south), Cliffe (3 miles south-west) and Firle (3 miles south). Within a short drive, we also cover Eastbourne (12 miles south-east), Seaford (8 miles south), Lewes (3 miles west), Hailsham (8 miles east), Crowborough (12 miles north) and Uckfield (6 miles north).

Well-known places in the area include Lewes Victoria Hospital (3.8 miles west) and South Malling Without (2 miles south-west). The countryside around Ashton Green includes Malling Down and Cliffe Hill.

  • Schools near Ashton Green include Ringmer Community College and Sixth Form (0.6 miles north-west)
  • Pubs nearby include The Green Man pub (0.6 miles north-west)
Map of Ashton Green © OpenStreetMap contributors

What’s in the pans

Gambas al ajillo

Garlic prawns.

Patatas bravas

Always popular and normally vegetarian.

  • 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

See the menu · How it works · Get a quote