Oxfordshire · England
Tapas Catering in Highmoor
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Highmoor: paella cooked from scratch in giant pans, in full view of your guests.
- Engagement celebrations
- Anniversary parties
- Tapas and paella menus
Tapas catering for Highmoor events
Tapas catering in Highmoor, made fresh on the day
Tapas pair naturally with a live paella, as a starter while the rice cooks, but they’re great on their own. Whether it’s cocktail parties and drinks reception canapés, we’ll put together a menu of Manchego with membrillo, Serrano ham and croquetas for your guests.
In a rural spot like Highmoor, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We serve straight from the pan, so it’s hot and generous, and a queue moves quickly.
- Where
- Highmoor (RG9)
- County
- Oxfordshire
- Dietary options
- Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal
- Add-ons
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Quote
- Contact us for a quote
- Updated
- 23 October 2026
Where we can cook in Highmoor
Live paella is cooked over gas burners in large pans, so the cooking area needs a little planning. Here’s what we look for:
- A spot for our serving station
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- Parking near the venue
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we’ll tell you honestly.
On the menu in Highmoor
- Serrano ham
- Patatas bravas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- Tortilla española
- Chorizo in red wine
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Olives & bread
- Gambas al ajillo
Planning a tapas spread in Highmoor
Highmoor is about 4 miles north-west of Henley-on-Thames, in Oxfordshire. Give us the address of your event in Highmoor, and we will plan access and set-up. We cook in 443 places in Oxfordshire, from the larger towns to small villages. Our nearest city page is Reading, about 7 miles away.
For guests coming by train, Henley-On-Thames station is about 4.5 miles away. Nearby historic houses include Greys Court (2 miles south-east) and Stonor Park (4.1 miles north-east). Where a historic venue doesn’t allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. The Chilterns National Landscape is within about 6 miles of Highmoor, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
We cater events across the RG9 postcode area. Local streets include The Glebe and Holly Close; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Other places close to Highmoor for tapas catering include Highmoor Cross (1 mile south-east), Shepherd's Green (1 mile south-east), Catslip (1 mile north-east), Nettlebed (2 miles north) and Kingwood Common (2 miles south). We also cook in nearby towns such as Didcot (11 miles west), Abingdon-on-Thames (15 miles north-west), Thame (13 miles north), Henley-on-Thames (4 miles south-east), Benson (6 miles north-west) and Chinnor (11 miles north).
The countryside around Highmoor includes Warburg Nature Reserve.
- Pubs nearby include The Dog and Duck pub (0.5 miles north-east)
Working with your venue
If your event is in a public space, such as a park, check what permission you need first. We’ll provide any information the landowner or council asks for.
Many venues have rules for outside caterers: where cooking is allowed, access times and the paperwork they need. Send us your venue’s requirements and we will follow them.
How it works
The cooking is part of the entertainment. We start with the sofrito, add the stock and saffron, then spread the rice across the pan and leave it alone to cook. Sunset in Highmoor is around 9:25pm in June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- First, we check availability.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We set up on arrival.
- Hot and cold tapas are served.
- Afterwards, we clear up.
Before we arrive
- Name one person we can ask on the day
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
How to get a price
Send us the date, your venue or RG9 postcode and guest numbers, plus any dietary needs, and we’ll reply with a menu suggestion and a quote. Just send us your details through our quote form.
Read more
Why live cooking beats a buffet
A plated starter needs a kitchen and staff. Table tapas are shared and relaxed. Seafood and premium ingredients cost more than chicken or vegetable paellas, so the menu you choose affects the price. We’ll suggest options to suit your budget.
Why us?
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- A clear, itemised quote
- Events in Highmoor and across Oxfordshire
See How we price And Our guide to catering costs.
About the dishes
Patatas bravas
Fried potatoes with spicy sauce.
Manchego & membrillo
Easy and classic.
Diets, allergies and planning
Good planning keeps every guest safe and happy. Here’s how:
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Include staff for canapés
- Add sangria or cava
- Separate seafood dishes from the rest
Hot tapas are finished on site and served right away.
Serving boards and crockery.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Weighing up DIY against a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. We’re happy to give you a quote to compare.
You can cook paella for a crowd yourself, but it takes practice. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right at scale is tricky. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.
Common questions in Highmoor
Which station should guests use for Highmoor?
The closest is Henley-On-Thames station, roughly 4.5 miles away.
How far is Highmoor from London?
Roughly 39 miles from the centre of London.
Can you cook in the rain?
We cook under cover, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We will agree a wet-weather plan with you.
Can the paella be cooked in a hall?
Only in a suitable, well-ventilated area with the venue’s permission. Courtyards, doorways and terraces often work.
Can we add tapas or canapés?
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. Our guide to portions explains more.
Should we have more than one paella?
Normally two or three, so every guest has a choice. We’ll recommend a mix based on diets.
Do you serve drinks with tapas?
Yes. Sangria can be added, and bar staff if you are providing the drinks.
Who books tapas catering in Highmoor?
Tapas get people talking.
If you’re planning any of these, we can help:
- Anniversary parties
- Engagement parties
- Sharing tapas starters
- Office parties and launches
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Paul, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Before you book anyone
- How each diet is kept separate
- How many staff are coming, and for how long
- The deadline for final numbers
- If the price includes VAT
Places near Highmoor
Also in Highmoor
- 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