Surrey · England
Tapas Catering for East Shalford events
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 East Shalford.
- Birthday and anniversary parties
- Engagement parties
- Tapas with a paella main course
Tapas catering near East Shalford
Tapas catering in East Shalford, cooked live
Tapas are sharing food, made for conversation. Canapés go round while guests mingle, or table tapas go out to share. We’re frequently asked to cater tapas with a paella main course and tapas starters, with tortilla española, albóndigas and patatas bravas.
For a country party near East Shalford, tapas and sangria set the mood. We bring everything we need to cook, and pack down our cooking area when service is finished.
Planning the cooking area
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- Space on each table
- An area to prepare hot tapas
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we will tell you honestly before you book.
Menu ideas
- Tortilla española
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Serrano ham
- Albóndigas
- Patatas bravas
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Croquetas
- Olives & bread
East Shalford questions
We’re having a ceremony at Church of St Thomas: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a nearby garden, marquee or hall where we can cook. Live cooking normally happens at the reception venue, not the church. Tell us where the reception will be.
Is East Shalford close to London?
Roughly 28 miles from the centre of London, and we cover it as standard.
What do you need at the venue?
Less than you might think: a flat spot away from anything flammable, with space to serve. Send us a picture if you are not sure.
Can you cook in the rain?
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.
How long does the paella take?
That depends on your menu and numbers. We’ll agree arrival, cooking and serving times with you.
Can you supply plates?
Yes, on request. Crockery, cutlery and napkins, or good-quality disposables can be added to your booking.
Do we need staff for canapés?
We can provide staff. Canapés need staff to carry them round.
How many tapas per person?
That depends on their role in the meal. We’ll suggest quantities for your event.
Live paella or other catering?
Standard canapés can feel samey. Spanish tapas bring colour and flavour. There is 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. We itemise everything in your quote.
What you get with us
- We cover East Shalford and the whole of Surrey
- A quote that spells everything out
- Real theatre, not just catering
- Every diet catered for, pan by pan
See Our pricing And The cost guide.
What affects the price in East Shalford
There is nothing hidden: the quote reflects:
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
- Distance and access to the venue
- How many courses
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
Premium seafood costs more than chicken or vegetables, so the menu you choose affects the price. Tell us your budget and we’ll suggest a menu.
Details that help
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but it helps to know:
- Roughly how many adults and children
- The date and rough timings
- The address or venue name
- What the venue already provides
Most quotes start with a few simple details: date, location, guest numbers and diets. You can fill in our quote form.
DIY paella versus live catering
For a small group, cooking yourself can work well. For big numbers or lots of diets, a caterer makes life easier, and handles separate pans for each diet.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, have hot stock ready, and don’t stir once the rice goes in. And keep children and pets well away from the burner.
Planning a tapas spread in East Shalford
East Shalford is about 2 miles south-east of Guildford, in Surrey. For an event in East Shalford, we can cook in gardens, marquees, barns, courtyards and offices. East Shalford is one of 395 towns and villages in Surrey where we cook.
Guests travelling by rail: Shalford station is about 0.7 miles away. Historic buildings near East Shalford frequently have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue. The Surrey Hills National Landscape is within about 4 miles of East Shalford, ideal for an outdoor reception.
Wherever your event is in GU4, we can bring tapas catering to you, from busy streets to quiet lanes. Nearby, we also cater events in Shalford (1 mile south-west), Chilworth (1 mile east), Broadford (1 mile south-west), Artington (1 mile west) and Peasmarsh (1 mile south-west). Larger places within reach include Woking (7 miles north), Camberley (11 miles north-west), Epsom (15 miles north-east), Farnham (11 miles west), Egham (15 miles north) and Reigate (15 miles east).
Other landmarks nearby include St. Luke’s Hospital (1.3 miles north) and Guildford Castle (1.4 miles north-west). Not far away are St Martha's Hill and Pewley Down.
- Schools near East Shalford include St Catherine's School (1.5 miles south) and Guildford High School (1.7 miles north)
- Pubs nearby include The Queen Victoria pub (0.7 miles west)
Organising for someone else?
If your event is in a public space, such as a park, check what permission you need first. We can send whatever the landowner or council needs from us.
If you’re planning an event on someone’s behalf, whether you are a planner, an office manager or an event organiser, we are happy to deal with you and the venue directly. It saves passing messages back and forth.
Occasions we cook for in East Shalford
They work for any size of event.
Big or small, live paella works well. Common bookings include:
- Engagement drinks
- Anniversary parties
- Canapés with welcome drinks
- Receptions and drinks parties
A picnic in Shalford Mill? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is often easier for catering.
What your quote should include
- What happens if it rains
- When payment is due
- How long the team stays
- What the caterer needs from your venue
Towns and villages near East Shalford
Also in East Shalford
About the dishes
Tortilla española
A thick potato and egg omelette cut into bites.
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
The process
It is a relaxed, well-organised set-up. We agree arrival and serving times in advance, set up the pans and burners, and cook and serve without fuss. At midsummer, it is light in East Shalford until about 9:20pm, perfect for canapés outdoors. By late September it’s dark around 7:05pm, and in December by about 3:55pm.
- Send us the date, venue, numbers and serving style.
- We put together a tapas selection and a quote.
- On the day, we set up and prepare the hot tapas there.
- We serve canapés with drinks or set table tapas down to share.
- We pack down when service ends.
Preparing for the day
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
- Choose a level spot for the cooking area
- Let us know the timings for the day
How to get a price
Not sure what you need yet? That is fine: give us the basics about your event, and we’ll suggest a menu. Start when you are ready: send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
- 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