Oxfordshire · England
Tapas Catering in Emmington
We cook Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Emmington and nearby, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options.
- Tapas and paella menus
- Drinks reception canapés
- Tapas starters
Book tapas catering in Emmington
For planners, venues and organisers
Planners and coordinators can contact us directly, and we’ll keep everyone informed on the day.
Hosting a party at home? Send a photo of the space and tell us about parking, and we will tell you honestly whether live paella will work.
Tapas catering in Emmington, cooked live
Many classic tapas are naturally vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers, and some can be gluten-free. On the menu are albóndigas, padrón peppers and tortilla española, and we are regularly asked to cater welcome-drink canapés and tapas with a paella main course.
For a country party near Emmington, tapas and sangria set the mood. You will know exactly what’s included before you book: the menu, the staff and any extras, with no surprises on the day.
- Where
- Emmington (OX39)
- Region
- Oxfordshire
- Dietary options
- Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
- Also available
- Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
- Quote
- Quoted for your event
- Page updated
- 23 October 2026
Emmington: venues and local tips
Emmington is about 3 miles south-east of Thame, in Oxfordshire. Anywhere in OX39, we can cook for your guests. We cater in all 443 towns and villages across Oxfordshire. We cook right across the region, from Emmington to Oxford (13 miles away).
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Nicholas, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. Historic houses near Emmington include Adwell House (3 miles south-west). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking is not allowed. The Chilterns National Landscape is within about 5 miles of Emmington, ideal for an outdoor reception.
Here we cover the OX39 postcode area, so your event can be anywhere in it. For events just outside Emmington, we cover Sydenham (1 mile south-west), Kingston Stert (1 mile south-west), Chinnor (1 mile south-east), Towersey (2 miles north) and Thame (3 miles north-west). Further out, we also cater in Oxford (13 miles west), Didcot (15 miles south-west), Abingdon-on-Thames (15 miles west), Henley-on-Thames (13 miles south), Benson (10 miles south-west) and Headington Quarry (12 miles west).
Other landmarks nearby include Thame Museum (3.1 miles north-west) and Thame Community Hospital (2.6 miles north-west). Not far away are Bald Hill and Oakley Hill nature reserve.
- Pubs nearby include The Inn at Emmington (less than half a mile south-east)
Your questions about tapas catering in Emmington
How far is Emmington from London?
About 39 miles from central London.
Do you cater in the Chilterns National Landscape?
Yes, though some venues in protected landscapes have extra rules; ask your venue. We will work to whatever the site needs.
How much space do you need?
Not a lot: a level spot clear of fences, hedges and branches, with room for a serving table. If in doubt, send a photo.
Are there vegetarian tapas?
Plenty are vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers. We label each dish.
Which areas do you serve?
London and the South East: Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight, including Emmington.
Do you cook inside?
Indoors only where ventilation and the venue allow it. Most events have us cooking outside or in a doorway or courtyard.
Should we have more than one paella?
Usually two or three, so every guest has a choice. Tell us about your guests’ diets and we will suggest the mix.
Do you supply canapé staff?
We can provide staff. Canapés need staff to carry them round.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Doing it yourself saves money, but the host ends up stuck at the stove. With live paella catering, you get the theatre without the work.
You can cook paella for a crowd yourself, but it takes practice. Large pans need the right burners, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.
Other catering in Emmington
Why choose tapas catering in Emmington?
They make a perfect starter before paella.
Big or small, live paella works well. Common bookings include:
- Welcome-drink canapés
- Tapas before paella
- Birthday drinks
- Office parties and launches
Historic buildings near Emmington often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue.
Before you book anyone
- Payment terms and deposit
- Whether VAT is included
- Allergen information for each dish
- The venue requirements
Dishes our guests love
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Patatas bravas
Crisp potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce, often with alioli.
Is live paella right for your event?
Sandwich buffets are forgettable. Tapas feel like a treat. Cost depends on guest numbers, the menu and the courses, plus any staff, crockery and travel. We quote for each event individually.
Why choose Love Paella in Emmington
- We cover Emmington and the whole of Oxfordshire
- Fast service from the pan
- Food that becomes part of the entertainment
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
What affects the price in Emmington
Every event is priced individually, based on a few main things:
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
- Starters, canapés and desserts
- Timings and hours
- The paellas you choose
There is no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. Your quote spells it all out.
Getting an accurate quote
You don’t need everything decided to ask for a quote, but it helps to know:
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Anything your venue supplies
- Which courses you have in mind
- Any dietary needs and allergies
A detailed enquiry gets a more accurate quote: the venue, the timings, the courses you’d like and any extras. To send your details, fill in our quote form.
Before you choose a spot
Safety and good cooking both depend on the spot we use. We need:
- Venue approval for outside catering
- Room for a tapas table
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we’ll tell you honestly before booking.
On the menu in Emmington
- Albóndigas
- Croquetas
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Manchego & membrillo
- Olives & bread
- Chorizo in red wine
- Tortilla española
- Patatas bravas
- Serrano ham
Step by step
The paella is cooked in huge, shallow pans over gas burners. It needs a level spot with some shelter and good ventilation, and we agree where that is before the day. A summer drinks reception in Emmington has daylight until about 9:25pm at midsummer, perfect for canapés outdoors. In late September, sunset is about 7:05pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:55pm, are better indoors.
- You tell us the date, venue, numbers and how you’d like the tapas served.
- We suggest a selection and confirm a quote.
- On the day we arrive, set up and finish the hot tapas on site.
- Canapés go round with the drinks, or table tapas go out to share.
- Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.
Getting ready for the day
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Tell us where to park and unload
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
How to get a price
Every quote is put together for your event. Tell us your date and guest numbers, and we’ll confirm whether we are available that day.
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