West Sussex · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Compton, West 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 Compton.
- Table tapas as a starter
- Birthday and anniversary parties
- Engagement celebrations
Live tapas catering in Compton
How our tapas catering works in Compton
Receptions, parties, office events and weddings all suit tapas. On the menu are Manchego with membrillo, gambas al ajillo and albóndigas, and we are regularly asked to cater sharing boards for evening guests and engagement drinks.
For a country party near Compton, 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.
- Location
- Compton (PO18)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Also available
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Quotes
- Contact us for a quote
- Updated
- 23 October 2026

Your questions about tapas catering in Compton
Which station should guests use for Compton?
The closest is Rowlands Castle station, roughly 3.6 miles away.
Is Compton too small for live paella?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
How many tapas per person?
Quantities depend on timing and courses. Tell us more and we’ll advise.
Which areas do you serve?
We cover London and the South East, West Sussex included. Find your area.
How much does tapas catering cost in Compton?
We quote for each event, so you only pay for what you need. Give us your date, numbers and menu ideas for a clear quote.
Do you serve drinks with tapas?
Yes. Sangria can be added, and bar staff if you’re providing the drinks.
How much paella per person?
We size the pans for your numbers and the rest of the menu. Tell us what else is being served. Our guide to portions explains more.
Do you do desserts?
Yes. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana.
How it works
A typical event goes like this: we set up the pans and start the sofrito, the rice cooks in front of your guests, and we serve straight from the pan at the agreed time. Evening receptions in Compton stay light until about 8:55pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- Send us the date, venue, numbers and serving style.
- We put together a tapas selection and a quote.
- We arrive, set up and finish hot dishes on site.
- We serve canapés with drinks or set table tapas down to share.
- Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.
Getting ready for the day
- Ensure we can park close by to unload
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Let us know who to talk to on the day
How to get a price
Getting a quote is simple: tell us the date, place, numbers and any dietary needs. We’ll send a clear, itemised quote and a suggested menu.
Related guides
Planning a tapas spread in Compton
Compton is about 5 miles east of Horndean, in West Sussex. We cook at events in gardens, halls and venues around Compton. We cater in all 371 towns and villages across West Sussex. You can also see our page for Southampton, about 22 miles away.
Nearby historic houses include Uppark (1.8 miles north). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed. Historic buildings near Compton frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue. The South Downs National Park is within about 4 miles of Compton, ideal for an outdoor reception.
Anywhere in PO18, we can bring tapas catering to you. Whether your event is on Church Lane and School Lane or anywhere nearby, we’ll bring the pans to you. We also cook at events in East Marden (2 miles east), South Harting (3 miles north), East Harting (3 miles north-east), Chilgrove (4 miles east) and Elsted (4 miles north-east). Larger places within reach include Bognor Regis (13 miles south-east), Chichester (8 miles south-east), Selsey (14 miles south), Emsworth (6 miles south), Portfield (9 miles south-east) and Yapton (15 miles south-east).
A little further out are Petersfield Community Hospital (5.7 miles north) and Clanfield Earthwork (4 miles west). Green spaces nearby include Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve and Compton Down.
- Local pubs include The Coach And Horses Public House (within half a mile south-west)
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Cooking it yourself? Test your pan and burner first, keep the stock hot, and don’t stir once the rice goes in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
Some hosts like to cook themselves. Common mistakes are mismatched pans and burners, overfilling and stirring. If you’d rather be with your guests, we’ll do the cooking.
Diets, allergies and planning
Every guest is catered for, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal included. To get it right:
- Let us know if tapas are a starter or the main event
- Include staff for canapés
- Widen the selection for a tapas-only menu
- Label vegetarian and allergen-free dishes
Table tapas are set down to share.
Churros or crema catalana to finish.
Planning the cooking area
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:
- Permission from the venue
- Space on each table
- A spot for our serving station
If you are unsure, send a picture of the space and we’ll say what we think before booking.
Popular choices
- Manchego & membrillo
- Tortilla española
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo in red wine
- Albóndigas
- Croquetas
- Olives & bread
Towns and villages near Compton
More for events in Compton
Why choose tapas catering in Compton?
One spread covers many tastes and diets.
Here are some of the events we cook for:
- Tapas starters
- Launches and office parties
- Evening grazing
- Drinks reception canapés
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like The Parish Church of St Mary.
Comparing caterers
- Allergen information for each dish
- Whether travel is included
- When payment is due
- How late numbers can change
What tapas catering costs
There’s nothing hidden: the price is based on:
- Starters, canapés and desserts
- The length of service
- The number of people
- Whether you need crockery
Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, as there’s no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. Ask us for a quote.
What we need to know
To check availability and price, we need:
- A photo of the cooking space, if it is a garden or field
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- The venue or postcode
- Roughly how many adults and children
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: venue, timings, courses and extras. To send your details, send us your details through our quote form.
What’s in the pans
Patatas bravas
Always popular.
Tortilla española
A vegetarian favourite when made carefully.
Live paella or other catering?
Sandwich buffets are forgettable. Tapas feel special. If you have a budget in mind, tell us, and we’ll put together a menu that fits. Even a simple menu can be a feast.
Why us?
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
- A quote that spells everything out
Read Our prices page 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