Surrey · England
Tapas Catering in Merstham
Hot, generous and cooked in front of everyone: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella for events in Merstham and across Surrey.
- Launches and office parties
- Engagement drinks
- Tapas with a paella main course
Tapas catering near Merstham
Drinks receptions around Merstham
Merstham is about 2 miles north of Redhill, in Surrey. Whether your event is in the middle of Merstham or on the outskirts, we offer the same service: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. We cook in 395 places in Surrey, from the larger towns to small villages. Our events stretch from Merstham to London (about 16 miles away).
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Katharine, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos. A picnic in Nutfield Marshes? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is frequently easier for catering. Merstham is within about 8 miles of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
For tapas catering in RH1, we plan around your venue and your guests. Whether your event is on London Road North, Shepherd's Hill and Church Hill or anywhere nearby, we can cook there. For events just outside Merstham, we cover South Merstham (1 mile south), Gatton (1 mile south-west), Holmethorpe (1 mile south), Hooley (2 miles north) and Netherne on-the-Hill (2 miles north). Further out, we also cater in Epsom (7 miles north-west), Horley (6 miles south), Ewell (7 miles north-west), Reigate (3 miles south-west), Walton-on-Thames (14 miles north-west) and Caterham (3 miles north-east).
Other landmarks nearby include Surrey Fire Museum (2.8 miles south-west) and Bletchingley Castle (2.8 miles south-east). Green spaces nearby include South London Downs National Nature Reserve and Colley Hill.
- Schools near Merstham include Merstham Park School (0.9 miles south) and East Surrey College (1.4 miles south-west)
Tapas catering in Merstham, made fresh on the day
Receptions, parties, office events and weddings all suit tapas in and around Merstham. We are frequently asked to cater drinks parties and receptions and evening grazing, with gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas and Serrano ham.
In a rural spot like Merstham, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. You can add tapas, desserts, sangria, bar staff and waiting staff, so the whole menu comes from one caterer.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it is harder than it looks. Large pans need the right burners, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Our guide to cooking paella for a crowd explains how.
Some hosts like to cook themselves. The usual problems are a pan too big for the burner, too much rice and stirring once the rice is in. If you’d rather enjoy the party, let us cook.
How we price tapas catering
Here’s what makes the biggest difference to the price:
- The number of people
- Your choice of paellas
- The length of service
- How many courses
When you compare quotes, check what each one includes: staff, crockery, sides, travel and VAT. We itemise ours.
What to tell us
A few details help us give you an accurate quote. Here’s what to include:
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
- The address or venue name
- What the venue already provides
- A picture of the space, if you can
It is easy to get a price: share your date, venue, numbers and diets. We’ll send a clear, itemised quote and a suggested menu.
Live paella or other catering?
Generic canapés all look the same. Tapas bring something different. Live paella frequently compares well with a sit-down meal, as there’s no kitchen to hire and fewer staff to pay. We will send you a quote.
Why Merstham hosts choose us
- Every diet catered for, pan by pan
- Food that becomes part of the entertainment
- Hot food served quickly from the pan
- Sangria, plus bar staff for your own drinks
See Our prices page And The cost guide.
How the day works
When the rice goes in, it is left alone. That is what gives paella its separate grains and crispy base. Your guests will smell it before they see it. Sunset in Merstham is around 9:20pm in June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- Tell 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 pack down when service ends.
How to prepare
- Have a level space ready for the pans
- Name one person we can ask on the day
- Arrange parking near the cooking spot
How to get a price
We quote for each event separately, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, use our quote form.
Read more
Planning for every diet
Paella is one of the easiest dishes for mixed diets, because every paella has its own pan. A few tips:
- Label seafood clearly
- Widen the selection for a tapas-only menu
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Include staff for canapés
Hot tapas are finished on site and served straight away.
Serving boards and crockery.
The menu, dish by dish
Croquetas
Creamy croquettes with a crisp coat.
Manchego & membrillo
Spanish sheep’s cheese with quince paste.
Organising for someone else?
Planners and coordinators can contact us directly, and we’ll keep you updated on timings and set-up.
For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can plan ahead.
FAQs for Merstham
Could we have live paella in Nutfield Marshes?
Only with permission from the park’s owner, usually the council. Ask them first, and we will send any information they need.
What’s the nearest station to Merstham for guests?
The closest is Merstham station, roughly 0.5 miles away.
Do you cook it at the event?
Yes, always. We cook from scratch in large pans at your venue, where your guests can watch.
Are the tapas fresh?
Hot tapas are finished on site.
Do you have vegetarian tapas?
Lots. Tortilla, patatas bravas, padrón peppers and Manchego are vegetarian classics.
Do you offer halal options?
Yes. Halal paella is cooked with halal chicken and no pork or alcohol, in its own pan.
How do you work out quantities?
We plan quantities around your timings and courses. Tell us more and we will advise.
Do you provide serving staff?
Yes, if you want them. Canapés need staff to serve.
Also near Merstham
Also in Merstham
Before you choose a spot
Before the day, we’ll agree where we cook. A good spot ticks these boxes:
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
- Permission from the venue
- Space for a serving table or station
If you’re unsure, send a photo of the space and we’ll say what we think.
On the menu in Merstham
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- Tortilla española
- Albóndigas
- Serrano ham
- Gambas al ajillo
- Olives & bread
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- 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