West Berkshire · England
Tapas Catering in Great Lea Common
Something for every guest: meat, seafood, vegetarian and vegan pans side by side. Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella for events in Great Lea Common.
- Tapas starters
- Engagement drinks
- Receptions and drinks parties
Tapas catering near Great Lea Common
Tapas catering in Great Lea Common, made fresh on the day
Many classic tapas are naturally vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers, and some can be gluten-free. Whether it is work receptions and engagement drinks, we’ll put together a menu of tortilla española, Serrano ham and patatas bravas for your guests.
For a country party near Great Lea Common, tapas and sangria set the mood. Your quote spells out exactly what’s included: the menu, the staff and any extras.
- Location
- Great Lea Common (RG7)
- Region
- West Berkshire
- Dietary options
- Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
- Also available
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Price
- Quoted for your event
- Page updated
- 23 October 2026
About the dishes
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
Patatas bravas
A tapas classic and normally vegetarian.
Great Lea Common: venues and local tips
Great Lea Common is about 3 miles south of Reading, in West Berkshire. Tell us where your event in Great Lea Common will be, and we will plan the journey and set-up. Great Lea Common is one of 155 towns and villages in West Berkshire where we cook.
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like St Paul's Church. Historic buildings near Great Lea Common often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue.
Wherever your event is in RG7, we can cook for your guests, from busy streets to quiet lanes. For events just outside Great Lea Common, we cover Three Mile Cross (1 mile south-east), Whitley Wood (1 mile north-east), Ryeish Green (1 mile south-east), Green Park (1 mile north-west) and Shinfield (1 mile east). We also cook in nearby towns such as Newbury (15 miles west), Thatcham (12 miles west), Burghfield Common (4 miles west), Speenhamland (15 miles west), Calcot (4 miles north-west) and Shaw (14 miles west).
Nearby you’ll also find Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre Museum (3 miles north) and Royal Berkshire Hospital (2.9 miles north). Green spaces nearby include Fobney Island Wetland Reserve and Longwater.
- Schools near Great Lea Common include Ryeish Green School (0.8 miles south-east) and Geoffrey Field Junior School (1.1 miles north-east)
- Nearby, you will find The Six Bells pub (0.9 miles east)
Catering for every guest
Few dishes handle mixed diets as well as paella, because each paella is cooked in its own pan. A few tips:
- Tell us what role tapas play
- Keep seafood and meat dishes clearly separate
- Match tapas with Spanish drinks
- Ask for labels on each dish
Hot tapas are finished on site and served straight away.
Staff to serve canapés.
How the day works
We get there well before serving, set up the cooking area and get the stock going. Your guests are welcome to watch as the paella takes shape. A summer drinks reception in Great Lea Common has daylight until about 9:25pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. By late September it is dark around 7:10pm, and in December by about 3:55pm.
- It starts with your date, venue, numbers and how you want the tapas served.
- You get a suggested selection and a price.
- On the day, we set up and prepare the hot tapas there.
- We serve canapés with drinks or set table tapas down to share.
- Afterwards, our equipment is cleared away.
Preparing for the day
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
- Name one person we can ask on the day
- Arrange parking near the cooking spot
Ask for a quote
Every event is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, fill in our quote form.
Planning help
How we price tapas catering
Two events with the same number of guests can cost different amounts, depending on:
- The length of service
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Parking and unloading
- Whether you need crockery
Cost depends on guest numbers, the menu and the courses, plus any staff, crockery and travel. We quote for each event individually.
What we need to know
Good planning starts with a few facts. Try to include:
- Whether you want canapés, tapas or desserts
- The venue or postcode
- A picture of where we’d cook
- What the venue already provides
Getting a quote is simple: tell us the date, place, numbers and any dietary needs. We will come back with a clear quote and a suggested menu.
Also near Great Lea Common
Also in Great Lea Common
Who books tapas catering in Great Lea Common?
They cover lots of tastes and diets in one spread.
Whatever the occasion, paella can be the star of the food. We regularly cater:
- Engagement celebrations
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Tapas before paella
Guests travelling by rail: the nearest station is Reading Green Park station, about 1.5 miles north-west.
What to look for in a quote
- Space, access and power needs
- When payment is due
- The deadline for final numbers
- Whether VAT is included
Space, weather and the venue
No two venues are the same, so we ask about the space when you contact us. In general, we need:
- Parking near the venue
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we’ll tell you honestly.
On the menu in Great Lea Common
- Patatas bravas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- Tortilla española
- Gambas al ajillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Olives & bread
- Padrón peppers
- Albóndigas
- Serrano ham
Questions from Great Lea Common
We’re having a ceremony at St Paul's Church: 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 generally elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Is Great Lea Common too small for live paella?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
Do you cook tapas on site?
Hot tapas are finished on site so they’re served at their best.
Can we add drinks?
Yes. Sangria can be added, and bar staff if you are providing the drinks.
Do you clear up afterwards?
We clear our cooking area away when service is finished. Waiting staff can clear tables if you book them.
Do we need staff for canapés?
Yes, if you want them. Canapés need staff to serve.
What happens if it rains?
A covered, ventilated spot keeps us cooking in the rain. We’ll make a plan B with you.
Do you do vegan paella?
Yes, and meat eaters often go back for seconds. Each is cooked separately, with its own stock and utensils.
DIY paella versus live catering
DIY catering keeps costs down, but the host spends the party cooking. Booking us means you get the show without the stress.
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 will do the cooking.
Live paella or other catering?
If you want food that encourages guests to mingle, tapas are hard to beat. Live paella pricing depends on the event. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. We itemise everything in your quote.
Why choose Love Paella in Great Lea Common
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
- Real theatre, not just catering
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
Read Our pricing Or 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