Kent · England
Tapas Catering for Kemsley events
Bring the theatre of live paella to your event in Kemsley. We cook from scratch on site, then served hot from the pan.
- Tapas and paella menus
- Engagement parties
- Table tapas as a starter
Planning an event in Kemsley?
Tapas catering for your event in Kemsley
Tapas are sharing food, made for conversation. We serve them in two ways: canapés carried round while guests mingle, or table tapas set down to share. For birthday drinks and evening grazing, we can cook Manchego with membrillo, Serrano ham and albóndigas for your guests.
In Kemsley, tapas work at home or in a local hall. Each paella is cooked from scratch on the day, not reheated, and served as soon as it’s ready.
For planners, venues and organisers
For larger events, we plan the number of pans and serving points around your timings, so everyone eats promptly. Tell us how long you have for food.
For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can hold the date.
How it works
We work to your timings. If things run behind, we hold the paella at the right stage so it is served at its best. At midsummer, it’s light in Kemsley 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.
- Send us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish hot tapas on site.
- We serve canapés or table tapas.
- We clear our equipment afterwards.
How to prepare
- Give us your final numbers and diets
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
- Leave space around the cooking area
Ask for a quote
Still deciding on the menu? That’s fine: give us the basics about your event, and we will suggest a menu. To start, fill in our quote form.
Related guides
Perfect for your event in Kemsley
They’re the classic starter before paella.
Live paella suits almost any gathering. People in Kemsley book us for events such as:
- Sharing tapas starters
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Canapés with welcome drinks
- Engagement celebrations
A picnic in Milton Creek Country Park? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is often easier for catering.
Comparing caterers
- How many staff are coming, and for how long
- What happens if it rains
- Whether travel is included
- Payment terms and deposit
Why live cooking beats a buffet
If you want food that encourages guests to mingle, tapas work brilliantly. Travel, parking and access can affect the price, so it helps to tell us about your venue. The full price is confirmed before you book.
Why choose Love Paella in Kemsley
- We cover Kemsley and the whole of Kent
- A quote that spells everything out
- Everything cooked fresh at your event
- Tapas, canapés and desserts if you want them
Read Our pricing And What paella catering costs.
Nearby places to Kemsley
Other catering in Kemsley
Before you choose a spot
We’ll agree the cooking spot with you before the day. A good spot ticks these boxes:
- Space for a serving table or station
- Space on each table
- Permission from the venue
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly.
Popular choices
- Olives & bread
- Padrón peppers
- Manchego & membrillo
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Tortilla española
- Croquetas
- Patatas bravas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Albóndigas
FAQs for Kemsley
Is Kemsley close to London?
Roughly 37 miles from the centre of London.
Do you cater in the Kent Downs National Landscape?
Yes. Some venues there have rules about vehicles, ground and cooking, so check with yours. We will follow the site rules.
How soon do we need to book?
As early as you can, especially for summer weekends. Ask about your date even if it’s soon.
How many tapas per person?
We plan quantities around your timings and courses. Give us the details for a suggestion.
How much paella per person?
Pans are sized to your numbers and other courses. Tell us what else is being served. Our guide to portions explains more.
How many paellas should we have?
Typically two or three, so every guest has a choice. Tell us about your guests’ diets and we’ll suggest the mix.
What areas do you cover?
We cater across London and the South East, including Kent. Find your area.
Do you serve drinks with tapas?
Sangria, yes, plus bar staff for your own drinks.
The menu, dish by dish
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Patatas bravas
A tapas classic.
Drinks receptions around Kemsley
Kemsley is about 1 mile north of Sittingbourne, in Kent. We cook at events in homes, gardens and venues in Kemsley and nearby villages. Kemsley is one of 922 places in Kent where we cook. Our nearest city page is Canterbury, about 16 miles away.
For guests coming by train, Kemsley has its own station, Kemsley station. After a ceremony at a church such as Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. The Kent Downs National Landscape is within about 8 miles of Kemsley, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
Here we cover the ME10 and ME9 postcode area, so your event can be anywhere in it. Whether your event is on Court Road, Menin Road and Hurst Lane or anywhere nearby, we will bring the pans to you. If your venue is just outside Kemsley, we also cover Howt Green (1 mile west), Milton Regis (1 mile south-east), Sittingbourne (1 mile south), Iwade (1 mile north-west) and Murston (1 mile south). Within a short drive, we also cover Maidstone (11 miles south-west), Whitstable (13 miles east), Faversham (7 miles south-east), Minster (5 miles north-east), Davington (7 miles south-east) and Foley Park (10 miles south-west).
A little further out are Castle Rough (0.6 miles east) and Court Hall Museum (0.8 miles south-west).
- Local schools include Borden Grammar School (1.6 miles south)
- Local pubs include The Three Hats Inn (0.8 miles south-west)
- Parks and local facilities nearby include Sittingbourne and Milton Urban District (0.8 miles south-west)
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. Ask us for a quote and compare.
Some hosts like to cook themselves. Common mistakes are mismatched pans and burners, overfilling and stirring. If you’d rather be with your guests, we will do the cooking.
What affects the price in Kemsley
Each event is quoted on its own, based on a few main things:
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
- Parking and unloading
- How many staff you need
- The length of service
Premium seafood costs more than chicken or vegetables, so your choice of paellas affects the total. Tell us your budget and we’ll suggest a menu.
What to tell us
The more we know about your event, the better we can plan. Please include:
- Expected numbers
- Where the event is
- Diets and allergies you know about
- Your date and when you want to eat
Each quote is tailored to your event. Tell us your date and guest numbers, and we’ll check availability at the same time.
- 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