Hampshire · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Highwood, Hampshire
Bring the theatre of live paella to your event in Highwood. Everything is cooked fresh on the day, then served hot from the pan.
- Engagement drinks
- Birthday drinks
- Evening grazing
Book tapas catering in Highwood
How our tapas catering works in Highwood
We can add sangria and bar staff, so drinks and nibbles come from one booking. On the menu are tortilla española, albóndigas and croquetas, and we are frequently booked for tapas and paella menus and evening grazing.
In a rural spot like Highwood, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. We cook every pan in full view of your guests, so the food is hot, fresh and part of the occasion.
Space, weather and the venue
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:
- A spot for our serving station
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we’ll tell you honestly.
What we offer
- Albóndigas
- Olives & bread
- Chorizo in red wine
- Gambas al ajillo
- Manchego & membrillo
- Padrón peppers
- Croquetas
- Patatas bravas
- Serrano ham
- Tortilla española
Towns and villages near Highwood
What else we do in Highwood
Receptions and parties in Highwood
Highwood is about 2 miles north-east of Ringwood, in Hampshire. Whether your event is in the middle of Highwood or on the outskirts, we offer the same service: paella cooked live, every diet catered for and a clear quote. Highwood is one of 683 places in Hampshire we cover. Our events stretch from Highwood to Southampton (about 16 miles away).
Nearby historic houses include Avon Tyrrell House (4.6 miles south). Where a historic venue doesn’t allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. The New Forest National Park is within about 4 miles of Highwood, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
We cook at events all over the BH24 postcode area. For events just outside Highwood, we cover Hangersley (1 mile south), Rockford (1 mile north-west), Shobley (1 mile south-east), Forest Corner (1 mile south-east) and Blashford (1 mile west). Within a short drive, we also cover Totton (12 miles east), Lymington (12 miles south-east), Romsey (15 miles north-east), New Milton (9 miles south-east), Barton on Sea (10 miles south-east) and Dibden Purlieu (15 miles east).
Other landmarks nearby include St Leonard's Hospital (5.5 miles south-west). Not far away are Linbrook Lake and Blashford Lakes.
- Nearby schools include Ringwood School Academy (1.7 miles south-west)
- Local pubs include Alice Lisle Inn (0.8 miles north-west)
A closer look at the menu
Manchego & membrillo
Spanish sheep’s cheese with quince paste.
Patatas bravas
Fried potatoes with spicy sauce, frequently with alioli.
What tapas catering costs
The price comes down to a few factors:
- The length of service
- Whether you need crockery
- Your choice of paellas
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
Cost depends on guest numbers, the menu and the courses, plus any staff, crockery and travel. Every event gets its own quote.
What to tell us
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but it helps to know:
- The date and time of the event
- Diets and allergies you know about
- Anything your venue supplies
- The venue or postcode
Every event is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, fill in our quote form.
Live paella or other catering?
Crisps and nibbles fill a gap. Tapas are a real course. When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, sides, travel and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
Why book with us
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
- Catering across Hampshire, including Highwood
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- Every diet catered for, pan by pan
Read Our pricing And The cost guide.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, keep the stock hot, and leave the rice alone once it is in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
Doing it yourself saves money, but the host ends up stuck at the stove. Booking us means you get the show without the stress.
Common questions in Highwood
Do you come out to small places like Highwood?
No, we cook in small places too. Tell us about lanes, gates and parking.
Can you cook at venues in the New Forest National Park?
Yes, though some venues in protected landscapes have extra rules; ask your venue. We’ll follow the site rules.
What do you need at the venue?
Not a lot: a flat spot away from anything flammable, with space to serve. Send us a picture if you’re not sure.
How many paellas should we have?
Most events have two or three: a meat or mixed paella, a seafood paella and a vegetable or vegan one. We’ll help you decide the split.
Do you provide plates and cutlery?
Yes, on request. Crockery, cutlery and napkins, or good-quality disposables can be added to your booking.
Is the paella cooked on site?
Yes, always. We cook from scratch in large pans at your venue, in front of your guests.
How long do you need on site?
It depends on the menu and numbers. We agree the timings in advance.
Can you serve tapas as well?
Yes, and it is a popular combination. Tapas go out first, then the paella.
Catering for every guest
Nearly every event has some special diets. To cater well for them:
- Make sure dishes are labelled
- Add sangria or cava
- Check diets in advance
- Let us know if tapas are a starter or the main event
Table tapas are set down to share at the start of the meal.
Crockery and serving dishes.
Step by step
Your timings come first. If things run behind, we adjust the cooking so it’s served at its best. Sunset in Highwood is around 9:25pm in June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- We check your date.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Before we arrive
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Get the venue’s permission for cooking
Get a quote
Still deciding on the menu? That is fine: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we’ll make suggestions. Start when you’re ready: send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
Occasions we cook for in Highwood
They work for any size of event.
In Highwood and nearby, we cater all sorts of events. Some of the most common are:
- Drinks reception canapés
- Birthday drinks
- Office parties and launches
- Table tapas as a starter
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like St John the Baptist.
What to look for in a quote
- Whether VAT is included
- How late numbers can change
- The venue requirements
- The wet-weather plan
- 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