Hampshire · England
Tapas Catering for Hillhead events
Bring the theatre of live paella to your event in Hillhead. We cook from scratch on site, then served hot from the pan.
- Anniversary parties
- Work receptions
- Evening sharing boards
Planning an event in Hillhead?
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
You can hire equipment and do it yourself, but there’s shopping, prep and hours of cooking. We take care of all of it.
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and handles separate pans for each diet.
Tapas catering in Hillhead, cooked live
Plenty of tapas are vegetarian, like tortilla and padrón peppers, and some can be gluten-free. On the menu are croquetas, Manchego with membrillo and Serrano ham, and we’re regularly asked to cater anniversary parties and tapas starters.
Near Hillhead, tapas suit gardens, barns and marquees. Every pan is cooked in front of your guests, so the food is hot, fresh and part of the occasion.
Drinks receptions around Hillhead
Hillhead is about 4 miles north of Cowes, in Hampshire. Whether your event is in the middle of Hillhead or on the outskirts, tapas catering works the same way: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. Hillhead is one of 683 places in Hampshire we cover. We cook right across the region, from Hillhead to Southampton (about 8 miles away).
Nearby historic houses include Osborne House (4.7 miles south-east). Where a historic venue does not allow live cooking, canapé tapas may still be possible; ask the venue. If you’re looking at a historic venue around Hillhead, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. The New Forest National Park is within about 6 miles of Hillhead, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors. The coast is within about 4 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
For tapas catering in SO45, we plan around your venue and your guests. We also cook at events in Calshot (1 mile north-west), Sprat's Down (1 mile west), Stanswood (1 mile south-west), Stonehills (1 mile north-west) and Ashlett (1 mile north-west). We also cook in nearby towns such as Gosport (7 miles east), Havant (15 miles east), Eastleigh (11 miles north), Fareham (6 miles north-east), Horndean (15 miles north-east) and Totton (11 miles north-west).
Well-known places in the area include Sir Max Aitken Museum (3.3 miles south) and Calshot Castle (1 mile north-east). Not far away are Mercury Marshes and Mill Hill.
Planning the cooking area
Safety and good cooking both depend on the spot we use. We look for:
- Permission from the venue
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Unloading access
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.
Menu ideas
- Croquetas
- Patatas bravas
- Olives & bread
- Chorizo in red wine
- Gambas al ajillo
- Padrón peppers
- Serrano ham
- Tortilla española
- Manchego & membrillo
- Albóndigas
Diets, allergies and planning
A little planning makes sure everyone can eat. Here’s how:
- Widen the selection for a tapas-only menu
- Label seafood clearly
- Ask for labels on each dish
- Pair tapas with sangria, cava or sherry
Table tapas are set down to share at the start of the meal.
Crockery and serving dishes.
What happens on the day
Once the rice is in, we do not stir it. That’s what gives paella its separate grains and crispy base. The smell typically draws people over. At midsummer, it is light in Hillhead until about 9:20pm, perfect for canapés outdoors. In late September, sunset is about 7:10pm; winter receptions, dark by 4:00pm, are better indoors.
- We check your date.
- You pick the style.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- Afterwards, we clear up.
Before we arrive
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Choose a level spot for the cooking area
Get a quote
Tell us your date, venue or postcode and roughly how many guests, along with any dietary needs, and you’ll get a menu idea and a price. Just fill in our quote form.
Related guides
Common questions in Hillhead
Which station should guests use for Hillhead?
Hamble station, about 4.3 miles north of the centre.
Do you come out to small places like Hillhead?
Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Let us know about access and parking.
Do you provide serving staff?
We can provide staff. Canapés need staff to carry them round.
Can you serve tapas as well?
Yes, and it’s a popular combination. Tapas go out first, then the paella.
What happens if it rains?
A covered, ventilated spot keeps us cooking in the rain. We’ll make a plan B with you.
Who clears up?
We take our equipment and leave the cooking area tidy. Table clearing is available with waiting staff.
Do you cater in Hillhead?
Yes, we do. We cook at events in Hillhead and across Hampshire. Tell us your date and we’ll check availability.
When should we book?
As soon as you have a date. Popular dates book up first, so get in touch early.
For planners, venues and organisers
If you run the same event each year, tell us your dates early, so we can plan ahead.
Venues often have their own rules about outside caterers: where cooking is allowed, access times and the paperwork they need. Tell us what your venue needs and we will work to it.
Events we cater in Hillhead
They make a perfect starter before paella.
If you are planning any of these, we can help:
- Sharing tapas starters
- Cocktail parties
- Engagement drinks
- Birthday drinks
Guests travelling by rail: Hamble station is about 4.3 miles away.
What to look for in a quote
- Whether crockery, cutlery and napkins are included
- Exactly what’s included in the price
- Whether VAT is included
- How late numbers can change
About the dishes
Croquetas
Creamy croquettes with a crisp coat, frequently with ham or mushroom.
Tortilla española
Tortilla is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free.
Why choose live paella in Hillhead?
Standard canapés can feel samey. Tapas bring something different. Comparing caterers? Look at what each quote includes: staff, crockery, sides, travel and VAT. Our quotes spell it all out.
What you get with us
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- Every diet catered for, pan by pan
- Tapas, canapés and desserts if you want them
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
See Our pricing And The cost guide.
Places near Hillhead
What else we do in Hillhead
- 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