Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Kearsney, Kent
We cook Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Kearsney and nearby, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options.
- Tapas starters
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Welcome-drink canapés
Tapas catering in Kearsney
Tapas catering for your event in Kearsney
Tapas are made for sharing and talking over. We serve them in two ways: canapés carried round while guests mingle, or table tapas set down to share. On the menu are croquetas, Manchego with membrillo and albóndigas, and we’re frequently booked for sharing boards for evening guests and birthday and anniversary parties.
In Kearsney, tapas work at home or in a local hall. We cook every pan in full view of your guests, so it arrives hot and becomes part of the event.
Should I cook it myself?
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.
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.
For planners, venues and organisers
Wedding planners and venue coordinators are welcome to contact us directly, and we will keep you updated on timings and set-up.
Events in public spaces, like parks, usually need permission. We can send whatever the landowner or council needs from us.
Kearsney questions
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of St Peter and St Paul?
Yes, at a nearby garden, marquee or hall where we can cook. Live cooking usually happens at the reception venue, not the church. Tell us where the reception will be.
Is Kearsney close to London?
About 64 miles from central London, and well within our area.
Can you do sangria?
Yes, sangria. For other drinks, we can provide bar staff to serve what you buy.
Are the tapas served hot?
Yes, hot dishes are finished at the venue so they’re served at their best.
Can the paella be cooked in a hall?
Mostly outside or under an open cover, since the burners are gas. Some venues have suitable spaces; we’ll check with you and the venue.
What happens if it rains?
A covered, ventilated spot keeps us cooking in the rain. We will talk it through before the day.
Can you cater for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, and meat eaters often go back for seconds. They have their own pans, stock and spoons.
Do you cater for coeliacs?
We can, if you tell us in advance. The rice is gluten-free, but stocks and chorizo can contain gluten, so we cook a gluten-free paella separately.
Prices and what affects them
There’s nothing hidden: the price is based on:
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
- How many staff you need
- Timings and hours
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
The price depends on your guest numbers, the menu and how many courses you choose, along with staff, extras and travel. We quote for each event individually.
What to tell us
You do not need every detail fixed to get a quote, but it helps to know:
- The courses you’d like
- Any dietary needs and allergies
- The date and rough timings
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: the venue, the timings, the courses you’d like and any extras. To send your details, send us your details through our quote form.
Where we can cook in Kearsney
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but a few things matter:
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Space for a serving table or station
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.
On the menu in Kearsney
- Albóndigas
- Patatas bravas
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Tortilla española
- Chorizo in red wine
- Olives & bread
- Croquetas
- Serrano ham
- Manchego & membrillo
Why choose live paella in Kearsney?
Crisps and nibbles fill a gap. Tapas are a real course. Travel, parking and access can affect the price, so it helps to tell us about your venue. Everything is confirmed in writing.
Why choose Love Paella in Kearsney
- Fast service from the pan
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
- Paella cooked from scratch on site
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
See How we price And The cost guide.
Why choose tapas catering in Kearsney?
Tapas get people talking, because everyone shares.
We are booked for all kinds of occasions in Kearsney and nearby. Some of the most common are:
- Tapas before paella
- Cocktail parties
- Anniversary parties
- Tapas starters
For guests coming by train, Kearsney has its own station, Kearsney station.
Questions to ask before booking
- Travel and parking costs
- Payment terms and deposit
- How late numbers can change
- A clear list of what’s included
Also in Kearsney
Planning a tapas spread in Kearsney
Kearsney is about 1 mile north-west of Dover, in Kent. We cook at events in gardens, halls and venues around Kearsney and nearby villages. We cover 922 places across Kent, from the larger towns to small villages. We cook right across the region, from Kearsney to Canterbury (about 12 miles away).
Parks such as Old Park Hill have their own rules for catering, so check before planning a party there. If you are looking at a historic venue around Kearsney, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking. The Kent Downs National Landscape is within about 7 miles of Kearsney, ideal for an outdoor reception. With the sea within about 3 miles, seafood tapas such as gambas al ajillo are a natural choice.
This part of Kent takes in CT16 and CT17, so your event can be anywhere in it. Local streets include Park Road, Lower Road and The Avenue; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. We also cook at events in Temple Ewell (1 mile north), River (1 mile south-east), Whitfield (1 mile north-east), Wolverton (1 mile west) and Dover (1 mile south-east). Further out, we also cater in Canterbury (12 miles north-west), Folkestone (6 miles south-west), Ramsgate (15 miles north-east), Deal (7 miles north-east), Hythe (10 miles south-west) and Walmer (7 miles north-east).
Other landmarks nearby include Crabble Corn Mill (0.7 miles south-east) and Dover Castle (2.7 miles south-east). Not far away are Dover Western Heights.
- Nearby schools include Dover Christ Church Academy (1.6 miles south-east)
- Pubs nearby include Royal Oak Cottage The Royal Oak Public House (0.5 miles south-east)
Step by step
Serving is fast: the paella goes straight from the pan to the plate, so even a long queue moves. When service is finished, we pack down. A summer drinks reception in Kearsney has daylight until about 9:15pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. In late September, sunset is about 7:00pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:50pm, are better indoors.
- Send us the date, venue and numbers.
- You get a selection and a price.
- We set up and finish the hot dishes.
- Canapés go round or tapas go to the tables.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
Before we arrive
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
- Make sure the spot is clear of anything flammable
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
Getting a price
Not sure what you need yet? No problem: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we’ll suggest a menu. Start when you are ready: send us your details through our quote form.
Planning help
About the dishes
Gambas al ajillo
Popular with prawn fans.
Manchego & membrillo
Spanish sheep’s cheese with quince paste.
- 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