Oxfordshire · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Merton, Oxfordshire
Cooked live, served hot and made to share: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella for events in Merton and across Oxfordshire.
- Birthday drinks
- Engagement drinks
- Drinks reception canapés
Planning an event in Merton?
Catering for every guest
Good planning keeps every guest safe and happy. Here’s how:
- Label seafood clearly
- Plan more dishes if tapas are the meal
- Let us know if tapas are a starter or the main event
- Make sure dishes are labelled
Each dish is labelled.
Spanish desserts to finish.
About our tapas catering in Merton
We will recommend a tapas selection for your event, starter or main event. For welcome-drink canapés and anniversary parties, we’ll put together a menu of croquetas, Serrano ham and patatas bravas for your guests.
For a country party near Merton, tapas and sangria set the mood. All the cooking equipment comes with us, and we clear our cooking area away afterwards.
- Location
- Merton (OX25)
- County
- Oxfordshire
- Diets
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal
- Also available
- Tapas, desserts, sangria, staff
- Price
- Contact us for a quote
- Updated
- 23 October 2026
Where we can cook in Merton
Safety and good cooking both depend on the spot we use. We need:
- The venue’s agreement to outside caterers
- Space for a serving table or station
- Parking near the venue
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise.
Menu ideas
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- Albóndigas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Croquetas
- Serrano ham
- Tortilla española
- Olives & bread
- Gambas al ajillo
Tapas for events in Merton
Merton is about 3 miles south of Bicester, in Oxfordshire. We cook at events in homes, gardens and venues in Merton and the surrounding area. Merton is one of 443 places in Oxfordshire we cover. Our events stretch from Merton to Oxford (about 8 miles away).
Nearby historic houses include Boarstall Tower (3.7 miles south-east). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed. For guests coming by train, the nearest station is Bicester Village station, about 2.7 miles north.
This part of Oxfordshire takes in OX25, and we can cater your event anywhere in it. We also cook at events in Fencott (1 mile south), Murcott (1 mile south-east), Charlton-on-Otmoor (1 mile south-west), Wendlebury (2 miles north-west) and Lower Arncott (2 miles east). Larger places within reach include Oxford (8 miles south), Bicester (3 miles north), Abingdon-on-Thames (13 miles south), Witney (15 miles west), Thame (11 miles south-east) and Kidlington (6 miles south-west).
Other landmarks nearby include Bicester Community Hospital (2.9 miles north) and Bicester Avenue (2.3 miles north). Green spaces nearby include Graven Hill and Woodsides Meadow.
- Local pubs include The Old Plough pub (less than half a mile south)
Occasions we cook for in Merton
They cover lots of tastes and diets in one spread.
Here are some of the events we cook for in Merton and Oxfordshire:
- Drinks reception canapés
- Birthday drinks
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Engagement drinks
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of St Swithin, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Before you book anyone
- Who provides the crockery
- If the price includes VAT
- Whether travel is included
- How late numbers can change
What affects the price in Merton
We will give you a clear, itemised quote. The main things that affect it are:
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
- Your choice of paellas
- Waiting and bar staff
- Guest numbers
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 we need to know
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but these help:
- The address or venue name
- Whether the venue has crockery or staff
- Which courses you have in mind
- Any dietary needs and allergies
We quote for each event separately, so you only pay for what you need. For a quote, send us your details through our quote form.
Places near Merton
Also in Merton
Merton: your questions answered
Is Merton too small for live paella?
Not at all. We cater in villages and hamlets as well as towns. Tell us about lanes, gates and parking.
What’s the nearest station to Merton for guests?
Bicester Village station, about 2.7 miles north of the centre.
Do you do starters?
Yes, and it is a popular combination. Tapas first, paella to follow.
Can you provide dessert?
We can add a dessert. Let us know if you’d like one when you ask for a quote.
Should we have more than one paella?
Two or three covers most guests. Tell us about your guests’ diets and we will suggest the mix.
How much paella per person?
We size the pans for your numbers and the rest of the menu. Tell us what else is being served. Our guide to portions explains more.
How much does tapas catering cost in Merton?
It depends on guest numbers, the menu, the courses, staff and travel. Tell us about your event and we will send a quote.
What happens if it rains?
We need a covered spot, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We will agree a wet-weather plan with you.
Step by step
Expect a friendly, organised team. We agree arrival and serving times in advance, set up our cooking area, and cook and serve without fuss. Evening receptions in Merton stay light until about 9:00pm in late May and 9:25pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- It starts with your date, venue, numbers and how you want the tapas served.
- We put together a tapas selection and a quote.
- On the day, we set up and prepare the hot tapas there.
- Canapés circulate with drinks, or tapas go to the tables.
- We clear away our equipment when service is finished.
Before we arrive
- Arrange a covered spot for wet weather
- Check the venue allows live cooking
- Tell us where to park and unload
Getting a price
Send us the date, your venue or OX25 postcode and guest numbers, along with any dietary needs, and we will reply with a menu suggestion and a quote. To get started, fill in our quote form.
Related guides
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Not sure whether to cook yourself or book a caterer? Consider your numbers, your guests’ diets and your own time. Ask us for a quote and compare.
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.
Working with your venue
Booking for a company? Tell us what your finance team needs, and we’ll talk you through the process. We can work with your facilities team on access and timings.
If you’re planning an event on someone’s behalf, such as a wedding planner, an office manager or a festival organiser, we are happy to deal with you and the venue directly. It keeps things simple.
About the dishes
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Tortilla española
A vegetarian favourite when made carefully.
- 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