Kent · England
Tapas & canapé catering in Ridley, Kent
Hot, generous and cooked in front of everyone: Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella for events in Ridley and across Kent.
- Evening sharing boards
- Cocktail parties
- Tapas and paella menus
Tapas catering for Ridley events
About our tapas catering in Ridley
Plenty of tapas are vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers, and some can be gluten-free. Whether it’s sharing tapas starters and drinks reception canapés, we can cook Manchego with membrillo, albóndigas and patatas bravas.
Near Ridley, tapas suit gardens, barns and marquees. We bring everything we need to cook, and pack down our cooking area when service is finished.
Who books tapas catering in Ridley?
They cover lots of tastes and diets in one spread.
Big or small, live paella works well. Typical bookings include:
- Sharing tapas starters
- Office parties and launches
- Evening sharing boards
- Receptions and drinks parties
Historic buildings near Ridley often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue.
Before booking anyone
- Any travel, parking or access charges
- A clear list of what’s included
- The wet-weather plan
- Staff numbers and hours
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
Hiring a pan and burner is one option, but there is shopping, prep and hours of cooking. We take care of all of it.
Not sure whether to cook yourself or book a caterer? Think about numbers, diets and how much you want to enjoy the day. We are happy to give you a quote to compare.
Receptions and parties in Ridley
Ridley is about 6 miles south of Northfleet, in Kent. Give us the address of your event in Ridley, and we’ll plan the journey and set-up. Ridley is one of 922 places in Kent where we cook. We cook right across the region, from Ridley to London (about 21 miles away).
Canapé tapas suit the drinks after a ceremony at a church like Church of Saint Peter. Guests travelling by rail: Meopham station is about 2.6 miles away. The Kent Downs National Landscape is within about 7 miles of Ridley, ideal for an outdoor reception.
This part of Kent takes in TN15, so your event can be anywhere in it. Other places close to Ridley for tapas catering include New Street (1 mile east), Hodsoll Street (1 mile south), South Street (1 mile east), New Ash Green (1 mile north-west) and Culverstone Green (2 miles south-east). Further out, we also cater in Maidstone (11 miles south-east), Dartford (8 miles north-west), Sevenoaks (8 miles south-west), Royal Tunbridge Wells (15 miles south), Gravesend (6 miles north-east) and Tonbridge (11 miles south).
Nearby you will also find Ightham Court (4.4 miles south) and Coldrum Long Barrow (3.1 miles south-east).
Paella compared with other options
A sandwich buffet is easy but forgettable. Tapas feel special. There is no one-size-fits-all price for live paella. A simple paella lunch costs less than a wedding with canapés, three paellas and waiting staff. We itemise everything in your quote.
Why Ridley hosts choose us
- Add tapas, canapés and Spanish desserts
- Served hot, straight from the pan
- Separate pans for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests
- Sangria and bar staff available
Take a look at How we price Or What paella catering costs.
Ridley: your questions answered
What’s the nearest station to Ridley for guests?
The closest is Meopham station, roughly 2.6 miles away.
We are having a ceremony at Church of Saint Peter: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a nearby garden, marquee or hall where we can cook. Live cooking typically happens at the reception venue, not the church. Tell us where the reception will be.
Are your tapas vegetarian-friendly?
Plenty are vegetarian, such as tortilla, bravas and padrón peppers. We label each dish.
Is the paella gluten-free?
A gluten-free pan is no problem. Tell us about any coeliac guests when you book so we can plan it carefully.
Where do you cater?
We cater across London and the South East, including Kent. Find your area.
Do you do desserts?
We do. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana, or you can serve your own cake.
Who clears up?
We clear our cooking area away when service is finished. Waiting staff can clear tables if you book them.
What if the weather’s bad?
Rain does not stop us, as long as there is a ventilated cover. We will talk it through before the day.
About the dishes
Croquetas
Creamy croquettes with a crisp coat.
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Dietary needs and planning tips
With a little notice, every diet is easy. Our advice:
- Allow more variety if tapas are the whole meal
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Tell us what role tapas play
- Label vegetarian and allergen-free dishes
Table tapas are set down to share at the start of the meal.
Serving boards and crockery.
Planners, venues and businesses
Planning an event for a club, school or charity in Ridley? Paella is quick to serve to a crowd and suits most diets. Tell us about the event and we’ll suggest a menu.
If you’re organising for someone else, whether you are a planner, an office manager or an event organiser, we will work directly with you and the venue. It saves passing messages back and forth.
Also near Ridley
Other catering in Ridley
Space, weather and the venue
The right spot keeps things safe and helps the paella cook evenly. We need:
- Access to unload near the serving area
- Table space for sharing dishes at seated meals
- Venue approval for outside catering
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise.
Popular choices
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo in red wine
- Manchego & membrillo
- Gambas al ajillo
- Tortilla española
- Padrón peppers
- Albóndigas
- Olives & bread
- Patatas bravas
- Croquetas
The process
When the rice goes in, it is left alone. That’s what gives paella its separate grains and crispy base. Your guests will smell it before they see it. A summer drinks reception in Ridley has daylight until about 9:20pm at midsummer, ideal for tapas in the garden. In late September, sunset is about 7:00pm; winter receptions, dark by 3:50pm, are better indoors.
- First, we check availability.
- You choose canapés, table tapas or both.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Getting ready for the day
- Confirm numbers and diets before the day
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
- Have a gazebo or cover ready if rain is likely
Get a quote
Still deciding on the menu? No problem: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we will make suggestions. To start, use our quote form.
Planning help
- 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