East Sussex · England
Tapas Catering in Iden
Treat your guests to live paella at your event in Iden. Everything is cooked fresh on the day, then served hot from the pan.
- Cocktail parties
- Tapas before paella
- Welcome-drink canapés
Planning an event in Iden?
Tapas catering in Iden, made fresh on the day
We finish hot tapas on site, so they’re served at their best. Whether it’s table tapas as a starter and engagement parties, we will put together a menu of padrón peppers, gambas al ajillo and patatas bravas.
For a country party near Iden, tapas and sangria set the mood. Your quote spells out exactly what’s included: the menu, the staff and any extras.
- Location
- Iden (TN31)
- Region
- East Sussex
- Special diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Add-ons
- Tapas, churros, sangria, crockery
- Price
- Ask us for a quote
- Last updated
- 23 October 2026
About the dishes
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
Tortilla española
A thick potato and egg omelette served in wedges or squares.
Drinks receptions around Iden
Iden is about 11 miles north-east of Hastings, in East Sussex. Tell us where your event in Iden will be, and we will plan access and set-up. We cater in 289 places across East Sussex. Our nearest city page is Canterbury, about 26 miles away.
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like The Parish Church of All Saints. For guests coming by train, Rye station is about 2 miles away. The coast is within about 3 miles, so garlic prawns are popular.
Tapas catering in TN31 is planned around your venue. That could mean an event in a garden on Parkwood, Elmsmead and Grove Lane or the roads around them. Nearby, we also cater events in Houghton Green (1 mile south-east), Playden (1 mile south), Rye Foreign (1 mile south-west), East Guldeford (2 miles south-east) and Rye (2 miles south). Further out, we also cater in Hastings (11 miles south-west), Bexhill-on-Sea (15 miles south-west), St Leonards (12 miles south-west), Hastings Old Town (10 miles south-west), Belmont (10 miles south-west) and Hollington (11 miles south-west).
Nearby you will also find Rye Castle Museum (East Street) (2.1 miles south) and Ypres Tower (2.2 miles south). Not far away are Flatropers Wood.
- Local schools include Rye College (1.8 miles south)
- Local pubs include The Bell Inn (within half a mile north-east)
Where we can cook in Iden
We’ll agree the cooking spot with you before the day. It needs to meet a few simple requirements:
- An area to prepare hot tapas
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
- A spot for our serving station
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and we will say what we think before booking.
On the menu in Iden
- Tortilla española
- Padrón peppers
- Croquetas
- Patatas bravas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Albóndigas
- Olives & bread
Prices and what affects them
Every event is priced individually, based on a few main things:
- Timings and hours
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Whether you need crockery
- The number of people
There is no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. Your quote spells it all out.
Getting an accurate quote
When you contact us, it helps to tell us:
- The address or venue name
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
- Anything your venue supplies
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
Tell us your date, venue or postcode and roughly how many guests, along with any dietary needs, and we will reply with a menu suggestion and a quote. Just fill in our quote form.
FAQs for Iden
Which station should guests use for Iden?
The closest is Rye station, roughly 2 miles away.
What about events near the coast?
Yes, as long as we can shelter from the wind. Wind is the main issue on the coast, so we plan shelter.
What happens if it rains?
Rain does not stop us, as long as there’s a ventilated cover. We will talk it through before the day.
How much is live paella catering?
The price depends on numbers, menu, courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
Can you cook indoors?
Only in a suitable, well-ventilated area with the venue’s permission. Most events have us cooking outside or in a doorway or courtyard.
Can you serve drinks?
We can make sangria, and we can staff a bar with your drinks.
Can you supply plates?
Yes, if you need them. Tell us what your venue provides and we will include the rest in the quote.
Which areas do you serve?
We cover London and the South East, including East Sussex. See all areas.
Why choose live paella in Iden?
Standard canapés can feel samey. Spanish tapas bring colour and flavour. Got a budget? Let us know, and we’ll put together a menu that fits. Even a simple menu can be a feast.
What you get with us
- Every diet catered for, pan by pan
- Food that becomes part of the entertainment
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
- Fast service from the pan
Take a look at Our prices page Or The cost guide.
For planners, venues and organisers
Planners and coordinators can contact us directly, and we will keep everyone informed on the day.
Hosting a party at home? Send us a photo of the garden and tell us about access, and we’ll tell you honestly whether live paella will work.
Step by step
Expect a friendly, organised team. We agree arrival and serving times in advance, set up the pans and burners, and get on with cooking and serving. At midsummer, it’s light in Iden until about 9:15pm, perfect for canapés outdoors. In late September, sunset is about 7:00pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:50pm, are better indoors.
- First, we check availability.
- You pick the style.
- We arrive and set up our station.
- We serve the spread.
- Afterwards, we clear up.
How to prepare
- Tell us where to park and unload
- Keep the cooking spot clear of fences, hedges and branches
- Give us your final numbers and diets
Getting a price
Most quotes start with a few simple details: the date, where the event is, how many guests and any dietary needs. To send them, send us your details through our quote form.
Read more
What else we do in Iden
Who books tapas catering in Iden?
They’re ideal when a full meal does not fit.
If you are planning any of these, we can help:
- Cocktail parties
- Engagement celebrations
- Birthday drinks
- Table tapas as a starter
Historic buildings near Iden often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that’s your venue.
What your quote should include
- The venue requirements
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- Staff numbers and hours
- Who provides the crockery
Catering for every guest
We take diets and allergies seriously. Help us by following these steps:
- Check diets in advance
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Book staff to carry canapés round
- Ask for labels on each dish
Table tapas are set down to share at the start of the meal.
Serving boards and crockery.
- 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