Hampshire · England
Tapas Catering in Dibden
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Dibden: paella cooked from scratch in giant pans, right in front of your guests.
- Engagement celebrations
- Evening grazing
- Sharing tapas starters
Tapas catering in Dibden
Tapas for events in Dibden
Dibden is about 1 mile west of Hythe, in Hampshire. Give us the address of your event in Dibden, and we’ll plan the journey and set-up. We cater in all 683 towns and villages in Hampshire, from the larger towns to small villages.
Historic buildings near Dibden frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue. Historic houses near Dibden include Medieval Merchant's House (2.5 miles north) and Southampton Tudor House and Garden (2.5 miles north). Where a historic venue does not allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. Dibden is within about 4 miles of the New Forest National Park, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors. The coast is within about 3 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
Tapas catering in SO45 is planned around your venue and your guests. Streets in the area include Cavalier Close, Cathay Gardens and Canterbury Drive, and we can cook for an event on any of them. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Dibden Purlieu (1 mile south-east), Hythe (1 mile east), Marchwood (2 miles north-west), Beaulieu (3 miles south) and The Hummicks (4 miles south). Further out, we also cater in Winchester (14 miles north), Gosport (13 miles east), Eastleigh (8 miles north-east), Fareham (10 miles east), Totton (5 miles north-west) and Chandler's Ford (8 miles north).
Nearby you’ll also find Royal South Hants Hospital (3.5 miles north) and Westquay (2.8 miles north).
- Local schools include Testwood School (less than half a mile south-west) and Orchard Junior School (0.6 miles south-east)
About our tapas catering in Dibden
Hot tapas are finished on site, so they arrive hot. For tapas starters and tapas and paella menus, we can cook croquetas, gambas al ajillo and Serrano ham.
In Dibden, tapas work at home or in a local hall. We plan the timings around your day, whether that is speeches, a lunch break or a festival schedule.
About the dishes
Tortilla española
Potato omelette cut into bites.
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
What we need at the venue
We cook in large pans over gas burners, so we need a suitable spot. Here’s what we look for:
- A spot for our serving station
- Permission from the venue
- Parking near the venue
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we’ll tell you honestly.
Popular choices
- Patatas bravas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Olives & bread
- Serrano ham
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Tortilla española
- Croquetas
Paella compared with other options
Nibbles fill a gap. Tapas make a proper course. Larger events typically cost less per head, because the cooking set-up is similar for different sizes of event. Tell us your numbers for an accurate price.
Why us?
- Food that becomes part of the entertainment
- Starters and desserts to complete the menu
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- No hidden extras in your quote
What happens on the day
A typical event goes like this: we set up the pans and start the sofrito, your guests watch the rice cook, and we serve straight from the pan when you are ready to eat. At midsummer, it’s light in Dibden until about 9:25pm, ideal for tapas in the garden. In late September, sunset is about 7:10pm; winter receptions, dark by 4:00pm, 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.
- On the day, we set up and prepare the hot tapas there.
- Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
- We pack down when service ends.
Before we arrive
- Make sure we can park close by to unload
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Name one person we can ask on the day
How to get a price
Every quote is put together for your event. Tell us your date and guest numbers, and we’ll check availability at the same time.
Related guides
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 will do the cooking.
Cooking it yourself? Test your pan and burner first, keep the stock hot, and do not stir once the rice goes in. And keep children and pets well away from the burner.
What tapas catering costs
Live paella pricing is straightforward once we know the basics:
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Waiting and bar staff
- Your choice of paellas
- How many guests are eating
If you have a budget in mind, tell us, and we’ll suggest a menu to match. Even a simple menu can be a feast.
Details that help
We can quote more accurately with a few details. Here’s what’s useful:
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Which courses you have in mind
- What the venue already provides
- Diets and allergies you know about
It’s easy to get a price: share your date, venue, numbers and diets. We’ll come back with a clear quote.
Occasions we cook for in Dibden
One spread covers many tastes and diets.
Almost any gathering can work with live paella. In Dibden, people book us for occasions like:
- Evening grazing
- Cocktail parties
- Tapas starters
- Launches and office parties
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like Church of All Saints.
Comparing caterers
- The deadline for final numbers
- Whether VAT is included
- How bad weather is handled
- The venue requirements
Nearby places to Dibden
More for events in Dibden
Diets, allergies and planning
Dietary needs are easy to plan for with a little notice. We suggest:
- Label seafood clearly
- Include staff for canapés
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Collect dietary needs
Canapés go round with the drinks as guests arrive.
Serving boards and crockery.
FAQs for Dibden
What about events near the coast?
Yes, as long as we can shelter from the wind. Wind is the main issue on the coast, so we plan shelter.
We are 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 usually elsewhere. Send us the reception address.
Do you come to Dibden?
Yes. We cater across London and the South East, and Dibden is within our area and the rest of Hampshire. For a quote, fill in our quote form.
Which areas do you serve?
We cater across London and the South East, Hampshire included. See all areas.
Can you cook halal paella?
Yes. Halal paella is cooked with halal chicken and no pork or alcohol, in its own pan.
Do you have vegetarian tapas?
Plenty are vegetarian, like tortilla and padrón peppers. We label each dish.
Can you serve tapas as well?
Yes, it’s the classic pairing. Tapas go out first, then the paella.
Will there be enough food?
We size the pans for your numbers and the rest of the menu. Let us know about any other food. See how much paella per person.
- 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