Kent · England
Tapas Catering in Out Elmstead
Cooked live, served hot and made to share: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Out Elmstead and the surrounding area.
- Tapas and paella menus
- Receptions and drinks parties
- Sharing boards for evening guests
Book tapas catering in Out Elmstead
Tapas catering in Out Elmstead, made fresh on the day
Receptions, parties, office events and weddings all suit tapas in and around Out Elmstead. We’re often asked to cater sharing boards for evening guests and tapas starters, serving Serrano ham, tortilla española and gambas al ajillo.
In a rural spot like Out Elmstead, tapas can be served in a garden, barn or marquee. Your quote spells out exactly what’s included: the menu, the staff and any extras, with no surprises on the day.
A closer look at the menu
Patatas bravas
Fried potatoes with spicy sauce.
Tortilla española
Potato omelette served in wedges or squares.
DIY paella versus live catering
DIY catering keeps costs down, but the host spends the party cooking. Booking us means you get the show without the stress.
Cooking it yourself? Test your pan and burner first, keep the stock hot, and leave the rice alone once it’s in. And keep children and pets well away from the burner.
Out Elmstead: your questions answered
Can you cook at venues in the Kent Downs National Landscape?
Yes. Some venues there have rules about vehicles, ground and cooking, so check with yours. We’ll follow the site rules.
Is Out Elmstead close to London?
About 57 miles from central London.
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.
Who clears up?
We pack down our cooking area after service. Clearing guests’ plates and tables can be added with waiting staff.
Do you cover Out Elmstead?
Yes. We cater across London and the South East, and Out Elmstead is within our area. For a quote, send us your details through our quote form.
Do you do vegan paella?
Yes. We cook vegetarian and vegan paellas in their own pans.
How far ahead should we book?
Early, particularly for summer Saturdays. Even if it’s short notice, it is worth asking.
Can you cook halal paella?
Yes, we do. We use halal chicken and leave out pork and alcohol, in a separate pan.
Nearby places to Out Elmstead
What else we do in Out Elmstead
Prices and what affects them
We will give you a clear, itemised quote. What affects it most:
- Waiting and bar staff
- Travel, parking and access
- Timings and hours
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
Live paella often compares well with a sit-down meal, because it needs no kitchen and fewer staff. Ask us for a quote.
What we need to know
The more we know about your event, the better we can plan. Try to include:
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
- A picture of the space, if you can
- The date and time of the event
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
Every event is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need. To ask for one, send us your details through our quote form.
Planning a tapas spread in Out Elmstead
Out Elmstead is about 5 miles south-east of Canterbury, in Kent. For an event in Out Elmstead, we can cook in gardens, marquees, barns, courtyards and offices in and around Out Elmstead. We cater in all 922 towns and villages across Kent, from the larger towns to small villages.
Parks such as Jumping Downs have their own rules for catering, so check before planning a party there. Historic houses near Out Elmstead include Goodnestone Park (3.6 miles north-east). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed. The Kent Downs National Landscape is within about 5 miles of Out Elmstead, ideal for an outdoor reception.
Wherever your event is in CT4, we can bring tapas catering to you, from busy streets to quiet lanes. If your venue is just outside Out Elmstead, we also cover Kingston (1 mile north-west), Barham (1 mile south), Gravel Castle (1 mile south-east), Derringstone (1 mile south) and Marley (1 mile west). Larger places within reach include Ashford (14 miles west), Canterbury (5 miles north-west), Margate (15 miles north-east), Dover (8 miles south-east), Folkestone (9 miles south) and Ramsgate (14 miles north-east).
Nearby you’ll also find Kent and Canterbury Hospital (4.6 miles north-west).
- Pubs nearby include Black Robin Public House (within half a mile north-west)
Who books tapas catering in Out Elmstead?
They suit standing receptions where a full meal does not fit.
Whatever the occasion, paella can be the star of the food. We regularly cater:
- Cocktail parties
- Table tapas as a starter
- Evening sharing boards
- Drinks reception canapés
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like Church of St Giles.
What your quote should include
- Whether VAT is included
- Whether travel is included
- Payment terms and deposit
- Allergen information for each dish
How the day works
Your timings come first. If things run behind, we adjust the cooking so it is still served fresh. A summer drinks reception in Out Elmstead has daylight until about 9:15pm at midsummer, perfect for canapés outdoors. By late September it is dark around 7:00pm, and in December by about 3:50pm.
- 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 pack down when service ends.
Preparing for the day
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
- Ensure we can park close by to unload
How to get a price
The more you tell us, the more accurate the quote: the venue, the timings, the courses you’d like and any extras. When you’re ready, send us your details through our quote form.
Read more
Dietary needs and planning tips
Nearly every event has some special diets. To cater well for them:
- Decide whether tapas are a starter, canapés or the whole meal
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Include staff for canapés
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
Hot dishes are finished on site.
Bar staff and sangria.
Is live paella right for your event?
Standard canapés can feel samey. Spanish tapas bring colour and flavour. The price depends on your guest numbers, the menu and how many courses you choose, plus any staff, crockery and travel. We quote for each event individually.
Why us?
- Plates, cutlery and waiting staff available
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- Served hot, straight from the pan
Take a look at How we price And What paella catering costs.
What we need at the venue
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but a few things matter:
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Room for a tapas table
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
If you’re unsure, send a photo of the space and we will say what we think before you book.
Popular choices
- Patatas bravas
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Croquetas
- Tortilla española
- Manchego & membrillo
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Olives & bread
- Chorizo in red wine
- 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