Hampshire · England
Tapas Catering in New Forest
We cook Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella across New Forest and Hampshire, catering for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests.
- Evening grazing
- Tapas with a paella main course
- Engagement parties
Tapas catering in New Forest
Tapas catering in New Forest, cooked live
Tapas are sharing food, made for conversation. Canapés go round while guests mingle, or table tapas go out to share. We are frequently asked to cater sharing tapas starters and welcome-drink canapés, with Manchego with membrillo, padrón peppers and Serrano ham.
For a country party near New Forest, tapas and sangria set the mood. The paella is served straight from the pan, so it’s hot and generous, and service is quick once it is ready.
New Forest: venues and local tips
New Forest is in Hampshire. Anywhere in SP6, we can bring the pans to you. We cater in 683 places in Hampshire, from the larger towns to small villages. You can also see our page for Southampton, about 23 miles away.
Historic buildings near New Forest often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue.
Anywhere in SP6, we can bring tapas catering to you, from busy streets to quiet lanes. Local streets include Sillens Lane and Townsend Lane; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Close by, we cover events in Martin (1 mile north-east), Rockbourne (3 miles east) and Damerham (3 miles south-east). We also cook in nearby towns such as Ringwood (11 miles south-east), Fordingbridge (6 miles south-east), St Leonards (11 miles south), Alderholt (6 miles south-east), Poulner (11 miles south-east) and Ashley Heath (10 miles south).
Nearby you will also find Cranborne Castle Hill (4.4 miles south). Not far away are Western Downs.
Occasions we cook for in New Forest
They make a perfect starter before paella.
Whatever you’re celebrating in New Forest, live paella can be the centrepiece. We often cook for:
- Drinks reception canapés
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Sharing boards for evening guests
- Tapas with a paella main course
After a ceremony at a church such as Church of All Saints, canapé tapas with the drinks keep guests happy during photos.
Before booking anyone
- If the price includes VAT
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- Plates, cutlery and napkins, or disposables
- The deadline for final numbers
Step by step
Once the rice is in, we don’t stir it. That is how the grains cook evenly and the toasted base, the socarrat, forms. The smell typically draws people over. Evening receptions in New Forest stay light until about 8:55pm in late May and 9:25pm in late June, so canapés can go round outdoors on a summer evening.
- 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 pack down when service ends.
Before we arrive
- Tell us where to park and unload
- Plan cover in case of rain
- Get the venue’s permission for cooking
Get a quote
The quickest way to a quote is to fill in our quote form. Tell us about your event in New Forest, and we’ll suggest paellas and extras to suit.
Related guides
Should I cook it myself?
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For big numbers or lots of diets, a caterer makes life easier, and keeps vegetarian and allergy-safe pans separate.
If you do cook yourself, test the pan and burner together beforehand, keep the stock hot, and leave the rice alone once it is in. Keep a clear zone around the burner.
What we need at the venue
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but there are a few things to check:
- Venue approval for outside catering
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we will advise before you book.
Menu ideas
- Tortilla española
- Serrano ham
- Olives & bread
- Albóndigas
- Croquetas
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Chorizo in red wine
- Gambas al ajillo
Is live paella right for your event?
Tapas are flexible, so they fit most plans. Live paella pricing depends on the event. A garden party lunch and a full wedding menu are very different jobs. We itemise everything in your quote.
Why New Forest hosts choose us
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
- Events in New Forest and across Hampshire
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
- Live cooking, not reheated food
Read How we price Or The cost guide.
Planning for every diet
Allergies and diets are taken seriously. Help us by following these steps:
- Add sangria or cava
- Check diets in advance
- Widen the selection for a tapas-only menu
- Book staff to carry canapés round
Canapés go round with the drinks as guests arrive.
Crockery and serving dishes.
Planners, venues and businesses
For big numbers, we plan pans and serving points to keep queues short, so everyone eats promptly. Let us know how long the food break is.
Planning an event for a club, school or charity in New Forest? Paella is quick to serve to a crowd and suits most diets. Give us the details and we’ll suggest a plan.
Nearby places to New Forest
What else we do in New Forest
What’s in the pans
Croquetas
Creamy croquettes with a crisp coat, often with ham or mushroom.
Tortilla española
A thick potato and egg omelette cut into bites.
Your questions about tapas catering in New Forest
Do you come out to small places like New Forest?
No, we cook in small places too. Let us know about access and parking.
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of All Saints?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Churches rarely have space for live cooking, so the meal is typically elsewhere. Tell us where the reception will be.
Can you cook in the rain?
We cook under cover, like a gazebo or open-sided marquee. We plan for rain with you in advance.
Can you bring crockery?
Yes, on request. Crockery, cutlery and napkins, or good-quality disposables can be added to your booking.
Do you do vegan paella?
Yes, and they’re popular with everyone. Each is cooked separately, with its own stock and utensils.
When do you arrive?
We arrive well before serving to set up and start the stock. Once the rice goes in, it takes about 20 minutes, and we time it to your schedule.
Do you do desserts?
Yes. Churros, crema catalana and tarta de Santiago are popular choices.
How much space do you need?
A level space for the pans, burners and a serving table, outdoors or in a marquee or well-ventilated area, plus the venue’s agreement to cooking.
- 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