Surrey · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Chiddingfold, Surrey
Planning tapas catering in Chiddingfold? We bring the pans, burners and fresh ingredients and cook in front of your guests.
- Birthday drinks
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Launches and office parties
Tapas catering in Chiddingfold
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Some hosts like to cook themselves. The usual problems are a pan too big for the burner, too much rice and stirring once the rice is in. If you’d rather be with your guests, we’ll do the cooking.
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 at scale is tricky. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.
About our tapas catering in Chiddingfold
We will suggest a selection to suit your timings and guests, whether tapas are a starter or the whole meal. Typical bookings include sharing tapas starters and tapas with a paella main course, serving tortilla española, Serrano ham and albóndigas.
For a country party near Chiddingfold, tapas and sangria set the mood. You can add tapas, desserts, sangria, bar staff and waiting staff, so one booking can cover the whole menu.
Drinks receptions around Chiddingfold
Chiddingfold is about 10 miles south of Guildford, in Surrey. We cater events at homes, gardens and venues in Chiddingfold and the surrounding area. We cover all 395 towns and villages in Surrey, from the larger towns to small villages. We cook right across the region, from Chiddingfold to Guildford (10 miles away).
For guests coming by train, the nearest station is Witley station, about 1.5 miles north. The Surrey Hills National Landscape is within about 5 miles of Chiddingfold, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
For tapas catering in GU8, we plan around your venue. Streets in the area include Pathfield, Roseneath Drive and Woodside Road, and we can cook for an event on any of them. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Hambledon (2 miles north), Highstreet Green (2 miles east), Wormley (2 miles north), Sandhills (2 miles north-west) and Brook (2 miles north-west). Further out, we also cater in Guildford (10 miles north), Woking (14 miles north), Farnham (10 miles north-west), Dorking (15 miles north-east), Frimley (14 miles north) and Haslemere (4 miles south-west).
Other landmarks nearby include Haslemere and District Hospital (3.6 miles south-west). Green spaces nearby include Upper Lake and Hydon's Ball.
- Nearby, you’ll find The Swan Inn (within half a mile south-east)
What’s in the pans
Croquetas
Croquetas disappear fast.
Gambas al ajillo
Popular with prawn fans.
Towns and villages near Chiddingfold
Other catering in Chiddingfold
How the day works
The paella is cooked in giant, shallow pans over gas burners. We need a level, ventilated spot, which we agree with you beforehand. A summer drinks reception in Chiddingfold has daylight until about 9:20pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. By late September it is dark around 7:05pm, and in December by about 3:55pm.
- We check your date.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Getting ready for the day
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
- Check the venue allows live cooking
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
Ask for a quote
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: venue, timings, courses and extras. To send your details, use our quote form.
Planning help
Diets, allergies and planning
A little planning makes sure everyone can eat. Try these:
- Label seafood clearly
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Label vegetarian and allergen-free dishes
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
Hot dishes are finished on site.
Churros or crema catalana to finish.
Planning the cooking area
We’ll be honest if a space will not work. The main points are:
- Parking near the venue
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
- A spot for our serving station
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly before booking.
What we offer
- Tortilla española
- Gambas al ajillo
- Croquetas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Patatas bravas
- Serrano ham
- Olives & bread
- Padrón peppers
- Albóndigas
- Manchego & membrillo
Common questions in Chiddingfold
Do you come out to small places like Chiddingfold?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
We’re having a ceremony at St Teresa of Avila Church: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking usually happens at the reception venue, not the church. Send us the reception address.
How many paellas should we have?
Two or three covers most guests. We’ll recommend a mix based on diets.
What about pudding?
We can add a dessert. Tell us what you have in mind when you ask for a quote.
What happens if it rains?
We need a covered spot, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We plan for rain with you in advance.
Can we add tapas or canapés?
Of course. Canapés with drinks or tapas for the tables, while the rice is cooking.
How much space do you need?
A level space for the pans, burners and a serving table, in the open air or a ventilated covered area, plus the venue’s agreement to cooking.
Can you serve drinks?
Sangria, yes. For other drinks, we can provide bar staff to serve what you buy.
Is live paella right for your event?
Generic canapés all look the same. Spanish tapas bring colour and flavour. There’s no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A simple paella lunch costs less than a wedding with canapés, three paellas and waiting staff. Your quote spells it all out.
Why Chiddingfold hosts choose us
- No hidden extras in your quote
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
- Sangria and bar staff available
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
Events we cater in Chiddingfold
Tapas are sociable food, because everyone shares.
In Chiddingfold and nearby, we cater all sorts of events. Some of the most common are:
- Engagement parties
- Canapés with welcome drinks
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Tapas and paella menus
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like St Teresa of Avila Church.
Before booking anyone
- How dietary needs and allergies are handled
- Whether travel is included
- When payment is due
- Who provides the crockery
For event organisers in Chiddingfold
For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can hold the date.
Organising a club, school or community event in Chiddingfold? Live paella feeds a crowd quickly and suits most diets. Tell us about the event and we will suggest a menu.
- 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