Brighton and Hove · England
Tapas Catering for Hollingdean events
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Hollingdean: paella made from scratch in big, shallow pans, in full view of your guests, with tapas, desserts and drinks if you want them.
- Evening grazing
- Launches and office parties
- Canapés with welcome drinks
Book tapas catering in Hollingdean
Why live cooking beats a buffet
Sandwich buffets are forgettable. Tapas feel special. 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 us?
- Fast service from the pan
- Crockery and waiting staff if you need them
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- We cover Hollingdean and the whole of Brighton and Hove
See Our prices page Or The cost guide.
Tapas catering in Hollingdean, made fresh on the day
Sangria and bar staff can be added, for a complete drinks and tapas package. We are frequently asked to cater tapas and paella menus and receptions and drinks parties, with Manchego with membrillo, tortilla española and padrón peppers.
For a party in a place like Hollingdean, a tapas spread is easy and sociable. We plan the timings around your day, whether that’s speeches, a lunch break or a festival schedule.
- Location
- Hollingdean (BN1, BN2)
- Area hub
- Brighton and Hove
- Special diets
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal
- Add-ons
- Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
- Quotes
- Quoted for your event
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
Step by step
Expect a friendly, organised team. We agree arrival and serving times in advance, set up our cooking area, and get on with cooking and serving. A summer drinks reception in Hollingdean has daylight until about 9:15pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. In late September, sunset is about 7:05pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:55pm, are better indoors.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish the hot dishes.
- We serve canapés or table tapas.
- We pack down when service ends.
Before we arrive
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Let us know the timings for the day
How to get a price
Getting a quote is simple: share your date, venue, numbers and diets. We will come back with a clear quote and a suggested menu.
Related guides
Where we can cook in Hollingdean
Most gardens and venues can host live paella, but a few things matter:
- Parking near the venue
- Space for a serving table or station
- An area to prepare hot tapas
Not sure about your space? Send us a picture and we’ll tell you honestly before booking.
Menu ideas
- Patatas bravas
- Tortilla española
- Albóndigas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- Padrón peppers
- Chorizo in red wine
- Olives & bread
- Serrano ham
- Gambas al ajillo
Hollingdean questions
Can you cook near the sea around Hollingdean?
Yes, with a sheltered cooking spot. Wind is the main issue on the coast, so we plan shelter.
Which station should guests use for Hollingdean?
Moulsecoomb station, about 0.5 miles east of the centre.
Do you do desserts?
Yes, Spanish desserts can be added. Tell us what you have in mind in your enquiry.
Is tapas catering available separately?
Yes. Tapas and canapés can be booked on their own.
How much does tapas catering cost in Hollingdean?
Every event is quoted individually, based on what you actually want. Give us your date, numbers and menu ideas and we’ll reply with a price.
Can you cook in the rain?
We need a covered spot, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We plan for rain with you in advance.
Do you cater for vegetarian guests?
Of course. Vegetarian and vegan paellas are cooked in separate pans, alongside the meat and seafood pans.
How far ahead should we book?
Early, particularly for summer Saturdays. Even if it is short notice, it is worth asking.
Planning for every diet
Dietary needs are easy to plan for with a little notice. We suggest:
- Check diets in advance
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Include staff for canapés
- Add sangria or cava
Staff carry canapés round and keep boards topped up.
Spanish desserts to finish.
Perfect for your event in Hollingdean
They’re easy to eat with a drink in hand.
We are booked for all kinds of occasions in Hollingdean and nearby. Some of the most common are:
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Work receptions
- Tapas and paella menus
- Canapés with welcome drinks
Guests travelling by rail: the nearest station is Moulsecoomb station, about 0.5 miles east.
Before you book anyone
- A clear list of what’s included
- How each diet is kept separate
- Space, access and power needs
- How late numbers can change
Hollingdean: venues and local tips
Hollingdean is about 1 mile north of Brighton, in Brighton and Hove. Anywhere in BN1, we’ll come to your venue or garden. We cater in 30 places across Brighton and Hove, from the larger towns to small villages.
If you are looking at a historic venue around Hollingdean, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. After a ceremony at a church such as St Richard's, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. The South Downs National Park is within about 6 miles of Hollingdean, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors. The coast is within about 2 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
Tapas catering in BN1 and BN2 is planned around your venue. Local streets include Mayo Road, Dewe Road and Rugby Road; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Neighbouring places where we cater events include Brighton (1 mile south), Preston (1 mile west), Moulsecoomb (1 mile east), Prestonville (1 mile south-west) and Hanover (1 mile south). Further out, we also cater in Brighton and Hove (3 miles west), Aldrington (3 miles west), Hangleton (3 miles west), Saltdean (5 miles south-east), East Saltdean (5 miles south-east) and Roedean (3 miles south-east). Hollingdean is one of the larger places we cover in Brighton and Hove, with plenty of venues for events.
A little further out are Brighton General Hospital (1.1 miles south-east) and Clayton Castle (4.6 miles north). Open spaces near Hollingdean include Newmarket Hill and Bevendean Down.
- Schools near Hollingdean include Varndean School (0.5 miles north-west) and Varndean College (0.8 miles north-west)
- Local pubs include The Pub at Fiveways (less than half a mile west)
Towns and villages near Hollingdean
Also in Hollingdean
For planners, venues and organisers
Organising a club, school or community event in Hollingdean? Paella is quick to serve to a crowd and suits most diets. Tell us about the event and we will suggest a menu.
If you’re planning an event on someone’s behalf, whether you’re a planner, an office manager or an event organiser, we are happy to deal with you and the venue directly. It keeps things simple.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Not sure whether to cook yourself or book 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.
Cooking it yourself? Test your pan and burner first, keep the stock hot, and don’t stir once the rice goes in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
How we price tapas catering
There are no hidden charges: the price is based on:
- Timings and hours
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
- The number of people
- Your choice of paellas
Live paella frequently compares well with a sit-down meal, as there is no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. Ask us for a quote.
Details that help
Here’s what makes a quick, accurate quote possible:
- Your date and when you want to eat
- The address or venue name
- Anything your venue supplies
- A picture of the cooking space, if it’s a garden or field
The quickest way to a quote is to send us your details through our quote form. Give us the details of your event, and we’ll put together a menu and price.
- 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