East Sussex · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Chailey, East Sussex
From the first sizzle in the pan to the last crispy spoonful, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella makes the food a highlight of your event in Chailey.
- Engagement drinks
- Birthday drinks
- Sharing boards for evening guests
Tapas catering near Chailey
A closer look at the menu
Croquetas
Always among the first to go.
Tortilla española
A thick potato and egg omelette served in wedges or squares.
About our tapas catering in Chailey
Tapas and paella go hand in hand, as a starter while the rice cooks, but they work on their own too. Popular choices include croquetas, Serrano ham and padrón peppers, and typical bookings are for drinks reception canapés and office parties and launches.
For a country party near Chailey, tapas and sangria set the mood. You will know exactly what’s included before booking: menu, staff, crockery and anything else you choose, with no surprises on the day.
- Where
- Chailey (BN8)
- Area hub
- East Sussex
- Dietary options
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Add-ons
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Price
- Ask us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
Planning a tapas spread in Chailey
Chailey is about 5 miles south-east of Haywards Heath, in East Sussex. We cook at events in homes, gardens and venues in Chailey. Chailey is one of 289 towns and villages in East Sussex where we cook. You can also see our page for Brighton, about 10 miles away.
Guests travelling by rail: Plumpton station is about 3.1 miles away. Chailey is within about 6 miles of the South Downs National Park, ideal for an outdoor reception.
For tapas catering in BN8, we plan around your venue. If your venue is just outside Chailey, we also cover North Chailey (1 mile north), South Street (1 mile south-west), Newick (1 mile north-east), Founthill (1 mile east) and South Chailey (2 miles south-west). Within a short drive, we also cover Seaford (14 miles south), Lewes (6 miles south), Hailsham (13 miles south-east), Crowborough (10 miles north-east), Uckfield (5 miles east) and Newhaven (12 miles south).
Other landmarks nearby include Princess Royal Hospital (4.1 miles north-west). Green spaces nearby include Blackcap and Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve.
- Local schools include Chailey Heritage School (1.2 miles north-west) and Chailey School (1.6 miles south-west)
- Nearby, you will find The Five Bells Inn (0.5 miles south-west)
Occasions we cook for in Chailey
They cover lots of tastes and diets in one spread.
We can help if you are planning any of the following:
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Welcome-drink canapés
- Tapas and paella menus
- Work receptions
After a ceremony at a church such as The Parish Church of St Peter, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Questions to ask before you book
- The deadline for final numbers
- Whether VAT is included
- The deposit and payment dates
- What the caterer needs from your venue
Nearby places to Chailey
Other catering in Chailey
What affects the price in Chailey
These are the factors that matter most:
- Distance and access to the venue
- The length of service
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- How many staff you need
The price depends on your guest numbers, the menu and how many courses you choose, plus any staff, crockery and travel. We quote for each event individually.
What we need to know
You do not need every detail fixed to get a quote, but it helps to know:
- A picture of the cooking space, if it is a garden or field
- Roughly how many adults and children
- The venue or postcode
- The date and time of the event
A detailed enquiry gets a more accurate quote: venue, timings, courses and extras. To send your details, send us your details through our quote form.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Hiring a pan and burner is one option, but you will still need to source ingredients, prep and cook for hours. We take care of all of it.
DIY catering keeps costs down, but the host spends the party cooking. With live paella catering, you get the theatre without the work.
FAQs for Chailey
Can you cook at venues in the South Downs National Park?
Yes, though some venues in protected landscapes have extra rules; ask your venue. We will work to whatever the site needs.
We’re having a ceremony at The Parish Church of St Peter: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking typically happens at the reception venue, not the church. Send us the reception address.
How much space do you need?
Less than you might think: a flat spot away from anything flammable, with space to serve. Send us a picture if you are not sure.
Can you serve drinks?
We can make sangria, and provide bar staff to serve drinks you supply.
How much does tapas catering cost in Chailey?
The price depends on numbers, menu, courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
How many different paellas?
Typically two or three, so every guest has a choice. We will recommend a mix based on diets.
Do you do desserts?
Yes. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana.
Can you supply plates?
Yes, if you need them. Tell us what your venue provides and we’ll include the rest in the quote.
Dietary needs and planning tips
Every guest is catered for, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal included. To get it right:
- Check diets in advance
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Include staff for canapés
- Let us know if tapas are a starter or the main event
Hot tapas are finished on site and served right away.
Churros or crema catalana to finish.
Working with your venue
If you’re booking for a business, tell us how you’d like to handle the booking and payment, and we’ll talk you through the process. We’re happy to liaise with facilities on access and timings.
Events in public spaces, like parks, usually need permission. We can send whatever the landowner or council needs from us.
What we need at the venue
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but there are a few things to check:
- Unloading access
- Space on each table
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
If you’re unsure, send a photo of the space and we’ll say what we think before you book.
On the menu in Chailey
- Gambas al ajillo
- Padrón peppers
- Olives & bread
- Manchego & membrillo
- Albóndigas
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo in red wine
- Croquetas
- Tortilla española
- Patatas bravas
What happens on the day
Here’s how the day generally runs: we set up the pans and start the sofrito, the rice cooks in front of your guests, and it’s served hot from the pan when you’re ready to eat. Evening receptions in Chailey stay light until about 8:50pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- We check your date.
- You pick the style.
- We arrive and set up our station.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Getting ready for the day
- Leave space around the cooking area
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
- Get the venue’s permission for cooking
How to get a price
We quote for each event separately, so the price fits what you actually want. To ask for one, use our quote form.
Related guides
- 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