Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Chillenden, Kent
Hot, generous and cooked in front of everyone: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella for events in Chillenden and across Kent.
- Engagement drinks
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Drinks reception canapés
Tapas catering in Chillenden
Events we cater in Chillenden
Easy to eat with a glass in hand.
Whatever you are celebrating in Chillenden, live paella can be the centrepiece. We often cook for:
- Engagement celebrations
- Evening sharing boards
- Drinks reception canapés
- Tapas and paella menus
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like Church of All Saints.
Questions to ask before you book
- The venue requirements
- How bad weather is handled
- Whether VAT is included
- A clear list of what’s included
How our tapas catering works in Chillenden
Plenty of tapas are vegetarian, like tortilla and padrón peppers, and several can be made gluten-free. On the menu are patatas bravas, Manchego with membrillo and gambas al ajillo, and we’re frequently booked for tapas before paella and welcome-drink canapés.
For a country party near Chillenden, tapas and sangria set the mood. The paella is served straight from the pan, so it’s hot and generous, and a queue moves quickly.
Should I cook it myself?
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. 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.
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. Ask us for a quote and compare.
The process
From set-up to serving, we look after the food, so you can enjoy your event. If you’ve chosen tapas or canapés, they go out first as the rice is cooking. A summer drinks reception in Chillenden has daylight until about 9:15pm at midsummer, perfect for canapés outdoors. In late September, sunset is about 7:00pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:50pm, are better indoors.
- It starts with your date, venue, numbers and how you want the tapas served.
- We suggest a selection and confirm a quote.
- We arrive, set up and finish hot dishes on site.
- Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
- Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.
Preparing for the day
- Make sure we can park close by to unload
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
How to get a price
Thinking about tapas catering for your event in Chillenden? Send us the details and we’ll come back with ideas and a quote. To contact us, use our quote form.
Planning help
Nearby places to Chillenden
Also in Chillenden
Chillenden: venues and local tips
Chillenden is about 6 miles west of Deal, in Kent. Wherever your event is in the CT3 area, we can bring the pans to you. Chillenden is one of 922 towns and villages in Kent where we cook. You can also see our page for Canterbury, about 8 miles away.
Historic houses near Chillenden include Goodnestone Park (1.2 miles north-west). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed. Guests travelling by rail: Aylesham station is about 1.9 miles away.
Anywhere in CT3, we can bring tapas catering to you, from busy streets to quiet lanes. Other places close to Chillenden for tapas catering include Goodnestone (1 mile north-west), Nonington (1 mile south-west), Heronden (2 miles east), Barnsole (2 miles north) and Hammill Park (2 miles north-east). Further out, we also cater in Canterbury (8 miles west), Margate (11 miles north-east), Dover (7 miles south), Folkestone (11 miles south), Ramsgate (10 miles north-east) and Broadstairs (12 miles north-east).
Not far away are Monk's Wall nature reserve.
Planners, venues and businesses
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we’ll keep everyone informed on the day.
For larger events, we plan the number of pans and serving points around your timings, so everyone eats promptly. Tell us how long you have for food.
Before you choose a spot
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but a few things matter:
- Venue approval for outside catering
- Parking near the venue
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and we’ll say what we think before you book.
Popular choices
- Chorizo in red wine
- Gambas al ajillo
- Tortilla española
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- Croquetas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Serrano ham
- Albóndigas
- Olives & bread
Diets, allergies and planning
We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests. To get it right:
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Match tapas with Spanish drinks
- Tell us what role tapas play
- Ask for labels on each dish
Tapas go out to the tables at the start of the meal.
Churros or crema catalana to finish.
Why live cooking beats a buffet
A plated starter needs a kitchen and staff. Table tapas are relaxed and sociable. When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, sides, travel and VAT. We itemise ours.
What you get with us
- A clear, itemised quote
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
- Fast service from the pan
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
Take a look at Our prices page Or Our guide to catering costs.
What affects the price in Chillenden
Your quote will be clear and itemised. The main things that affect it are:
- The length of service
- Chicken, vegetable or premium seafood
- How many courses
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
The price depends on your guest numbers, the menu and how many courses you choose, along with staff, extras and travel. We quote for each event individually.
What to tell us
We can quote more accurately with a few details. Here’s what’s useful:
- Anything your venue supplies
- Whether you want canapés, tapas or desserts
- The date and time of the event
- A photo of the cooking space, if it’s a garden or field
Not sure what you need yet? No problem: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we’ll make suggestions. Start when you’re ready: fill in our quote form.
Your questions about tapas catering in Chillenden
We’re having a ceremony at Church of All Saints: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is generally elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Is Chillenden too small for live paella?
Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Let us know about access and parking.
What do you need at the venue?
Less than you might think: a flat spot away from anything flammable, with space to serve. If in doubt, send a picture.
Do you do tapas on their own?
Yes, tapas work on their own.
Do you provide drinks?
Yes, sangria. For other drinks, we can provide bar staff to serve what you buy.
Do you have vegetarian tapas?
Many tapas are naturally vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers. We label each dish.
How soon do we need to book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Ask about your date even if it is soon.
How long does the paella take?
We arrive well before serving to set up and start the stock. The rice itself takes about 20 minutes, and we time it to your schedule.
- 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