Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Church Whitfield, Kent
From the first sizzle in the pan to the last crispy spoonful, Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella turns food into part of your event in Church Whitfield.
- Sharing tapas starters
- Launches and office parties
- Evening sharing boards
Tapas catering near Church Whitfield
About our tapas catering in Church Whitfield
We can add sangria and bar staff, so drinks and nibbles come from one booking. Popular choices include Serrano ham, patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo, and we’re frequently booked for evening sharing boards and anniversary parties.
In a rural spot like Church Whitfield, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We plan the timings around your day, so the paella is ready when you want to eat.
Tapas for events in Church Whitfield
Church Whitfield is about 2 miles north of Dover, in Kent. Give us the address of your event in Church Whitfield, and we will plan access and set-up before the day. We cover all 922 towns and villages across Kent. We cook right across the region, from Church Whitfield to Canterbury (about 12 miles away).
If you’re looking at a historic venue around Church Whitfield, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Peter, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. The coast is within about 3 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
This part of Kent takes in CT16, and we can cater your event anywhere in it. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Guston (1 mile south-east), West Langdon (1 mile north-east), East Langdon (1 mile east), Ashley (2 miles north) and Martin (2 miles east). Within a short drive, we also cover Canterbury (12 miles north-west), Margate (15 miles north), Folkestone (8 miles south-west), Ramsgate (13 miles north), Broadstairs (15 miles north) and Deal (5 miles north-east).
A little further out are Buckland Hospital (2.3 miles south) and Dover Transport Museum (1.2 miles south-west). The countryside around Church Whitfield includes Dover Western Heights.
- Nearby schools include Duke of York's Royal Military School (1.8 miles south-east)
Also near Church Whitfield
What else we do in Church Whitfield
Space, weather and the venue
No two venues are the same, so we’ll ask about yours when you contact us. Generally, we look for:
- Access to unload near the serving area
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
- A spot for our serving station
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise.
Menu ideas
- Olives & bread
- Gambas al ajillo
- Padrón peppers
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- Patatas bravas
- Albóndigas
- Tortilla española
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. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. Ask us for a quote and compare.
Common questions in Church Whitfield
Can you cook near the sea around Church Whitfield?
Yes, as long as we can shelter from the wind. Sea breezes cool the pan, so a windbreak, building or gazebo helps.
Do you come out to small places like Church Whitfield?
Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Tell us about lanes, gates and parking.
Can you cook halal paella?
We can. Let us know your halal numbers, and we will cook a separate pan.
Can you bring crockery?
We can. Tell us what your venue provides and we will include the rest in the quote.
How long does the paella take?
It depends on the menu and numbers. We agree the timings in advance so the paella is ready when you want it.
Can you serve drinks?
Yes, sangria. For other drinks, we can provide bar staff to serve what you buy.
Which areas do you serve?
London and South East England: Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.
Can you cook indoors?
Only in a suitable, well-ventilated area with the venue’s permission. Most events have us cooking outside or in a doorway or courtyard.
Dietary needs and planning tips
Nearly every event has some special diets. To plan for them:
- Ensure dishes are labelled
- Collect dietary needs
- Include staff for canapés
- Keep seafood and meat dishes clearly separate
Table tapas are set down to share at the start of the meal.
Sangria and bar staff.
Step by step
Once the rice is in, we do not stir it. That is what gives paella its separate grains and crispy base. Your guests will smell it before they see it. Sunset in Church Whitfield is around 9:15pm in June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- We check your date.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- Afterwards, we clear up.
Getting ready for the day
- Let us know who to talk to on the day
- Tell us when you want to eat
- Confirm the venue is happy with live cooking
Get a quote
Not sure what you need yet? No problem: give us the basics about your event, and we will make suggestions. Start when you’re ready: fill in our quote form.
Planning help
Organising for someone else?
If you’re planning an event on someone’s behalf, whether you’re a planner, an office manager or an event organiser, we’re happy to deal with you and the venue directly. It keeps things simple.
Venues often have their own rules about outside caterers: cooking areas, access times and documents. Tell us what your venue needs and we will work to it.
Perfect for your event in Church Whitfield
They’re ideal when a full meal does not fit.
Almost any gathering can work with live paella. People in Church Whitfield book us for events such as:
- Evening grazing
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Canapés with welcome drinks
- Birthday and anniversary parties
A picnic in Old Park Hill? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is frequently easier for catering.
What your quote should include
- Plates, cutlery and napkins, or disposables
- When payment is due
- Staff numbers and hours
- Space, access and power needs
Prices and what affects them
We’ll give you a clear, itemised quote. What affects it most:
- How many courses
- Timings and hours
- The paellas you choose
- Parking and unloading
The cost per head generally falls as numbers rise, because the cooking set-up is similar for different sizes of event. Give us your numbers and we’ll quote.
Details that help
You do not need everything decided to ask for a quote, but these help:
- Expected numbers
- What the venue already provides
- A picture of where we’d cook
- Any dietary needs and allergies
Most quotes start with a few simple details: the date, where the event is, how many guests and any dietary needs. You can fill in our quote form.
Why live cooking beats a buffet
A plated starter needs a kitchen and staff. Table tapas are relaxed and sociable. There’s no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. We itemise everything in your quote.
Why choose Love Paella in Church Whitfield
- Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
- Fast service from the pan
- Drinks service on request
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
Read How we price And Our guide to catering costs.
- 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