Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Bonnington, Kent
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Bonnington: paella cooked from scratch in huge pans, right in front of your guests.
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Engagement celebrations
Book tapas catering in Bonnington
How our tapas catering works in Bonnington
Tapas pair naturally with a live paella, as a starter while the rice cooks, but they’re great on their own. Typical bookings include tapas and paella menus and evening grazing, serving tortilla española, gambas al ajillo and Serrano ham.
In a rural spot like Bonnington, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. You’ll know exactly what’s included before booking: menu, staff, crockery and anything else you choose.
Tapas for events in Bonnington
Bonnington is about 5 miles south-east of Ashford, in Kent. Whether your event is in the middle of Bonnington or on the outskirts, we offer the same service: paella cooked live, every diet catered for and a clear quote. We cover 922 places in Kent. You can also see our page for Canterbury, about 15 miles away.
Historic buildings near Bonnington frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue. Nearby historic houses include Westenhanger Castle (4.4 miles east). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking is not allowed. Bonnington is within about 7 miles of the Kent Downs National Landscape, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
Anywhere in TN25, we can bring tapas catering to you. We can cater an event on streets such as Cherry Orchard Lane and Bourne Road or the roads around them. Other places close to Bonnington for tapas catering include Aldington (1 mile north-east), Clap Hill (1 mile north-east), Aldington Frith (1 mile north-west), Stonestreet Green (1 mile north-east) and Postling Green (1 mile east). Within a short drive, we also cover Ashford (5 miles north-west), Canterbury (15 miles north-east), Folkestone (10 miles east), Hythe (7 miles east), Hawkinge (10 miles east) and Wincheap (14 miles north-east).
Well-known places in the area include William Harvey Hospital (3.8 miles north) and Lympne Castle (4.2 miles east). Green spaces nearby include Hatch Park.
- Local pubs include Walnut Tree Inn (0.7 miles north-east)
Nearby places to Bonnington
What else we do in Bonnington
FAQs for Bonnington
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of St Rumwold?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking normally happens at the reception venue, not the church. Tell us where the reception will be.
Do you come out to small places like Bonnington?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
Is the paella gluten-free?
We can cook a gluten-free paella in its own pan. Let us know about coeliac guests in advance so we take the right care.
Do you provide plates and cutlery?
Yes, if you need them. Let us know what you have, and we will quote for the rest.
Do you supply canapé staff?
Yes, if you want them. Canapés need staff to serve.
Can we add tapas or canapés?
Yes, it’s the classic pairing. Tapas go out first, then the paella.
Are the tapas served hot?
Yes, hot dishes are finished at the venue so they’re served at their best.
Do you do desserts?
We can add a dessert. Tell us what you have in mind when you ask for a quote.
Why choose live paella in Bonnington?
A plated starter needs a kitchen and staff. Table tapas are relaxed and sociable. Got a budget? Let us know, and we will put together a menu that fits. Even a simple menu can be a feast.
What you get with us
- Tapas, canapés and desserts if you want them
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
Take a look at How we price Or What paella catering costs.
The process
Expect a friendly, organised team. Arrival and serving times are agreed beforehand, set up the pans and burners, and cook and serve without fuss. At midsummer, it is light in Bonnington until about 9:15pm, ideal for tapas in the garden. In late September, sunset is about 7:00pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:50pm, are better indoors.
- Send 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
- Confirm the venue is happy with live cooking
- Arrange a covered spot for wet weather
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
How to get a price
We need only a few details to quote: date, location, guest numbers and diets. You can fill in our quote form.
Read more
Planning the cooking area
No two venues are the same, so we’ll ask about yours before we confirm. Generally, we look for:
- A spot for our serving station
- An area to prepare hot tapas
- Permission from the venue
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise before you book.
What we offer
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Croquetas
- Albóndigas
- Tortilla española
- Manchego & membrillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Patatas bravas
- Olives & bread
A closer look at the menu
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Tortilla española
Tortilla is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
You can cook paella for a crowd yourself, but it takes practice. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.
For a small group, cooking yourself can work well. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and handles separate pans for each diet.
Organising for someone else?
For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can plan ahead.
Events in public spaces, like parks, typically need permission. We’ll provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
Events we cater in Bonnington
Tapas get people talking.
Whatever you’re celebrating in Bonnington, paella can be the star of the food. We regularly cater:
- Anniversary parties
- Launches and office parties
- Engagement parties
- Tapas and paella menus
For guests coming by train, the nearest station is Ham Street station, about 3.6 miles west.
What to look for in a quote
- Who provides the crockery
- If the price includes VAT
- What the price includes, item by item
- Payment terms and deposit
What tapas catering costs
Live paella pricing is straightforward once we know the basics:
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
- How many guests are eating
- Starters, canapés and desserts
- Whether you need crockery
Access and travel can make a difference to the cost, so it helps to tell us about your venue. The full price is confirmed before you book.
Details that help
To check availability and price, we need:
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- A picture of the cooking space, if it’s a garden or field
- Which courses you have in mind
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
A detailed enquiry gets a more accurate quote: the venue, the timings, the courses you’d like and any extras. To send your details, fill in 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