Kent · England
Tapas Catering for Ringlestone events
Love Paella cooks Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella across Ringlestone and Kent, catering for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal guests.
- Tapas before paella
- Work receptions
- Engagement parties
Planning an event in Ringlestone?
What affects the price in Ringlestone
Each event is quoted on its own, based on a few main things:
- Travel, parking and access
- How long we’re needed on site
- Extra courses such as canapés, tapas and dessert
- Plates, cutlery and glassware
Premium seafood costs more than chicken or vegetables, so the menu you choose affects the price. We’ll suggest options to suit your budget.
Getting an accurate quote
A few details help us give you an accurate quote. Here’s what’s useful:
- Where the event is
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Diets and allergies you know about
- Which courses you have in mind
Not sure what you need yet? That’s fine: tell us about the occasion and the guests, and we’ll suggest a menu. Start when you are ready: use our quote form.
Tapas catering in Ringlestone, made fresh on the day
Tapas are made for sharing and talking over. We serve them in two ways: canapés carried round while guests mingle, or table tapas set down to share. We are frequently asked to cater tapas starters and tapas with a paella main course, with Manchego with membrillo, Serrano ham and gambas al ajillo.
Tapas make a party in Ringlestone easy and sociable. Timings are planned around your event, so the paella is ready when you want to eat.
Occasions we cook for in Ringlestone
They cover lots of tastes and diets in one spread.
Whatever you’re celebrating in Ringlestone, paella can be the star of the food. We often cook for:
- Engagement parties
- Table tapas as a starter
- Birthday drinks
- Receptions and drinks parties
A picnic in Whatman Park? Check the park’s rules first; a garden or hired venue is frequently easier for catering.
Before booking anyone
- The deposit and payment dates
- Travel and parking costs
- When final numbers are due
- How each diet is kept separate
Ringlestone questions
Could we have live paella in Whatman Park?
Only if the landowner, generally the council, allows it. Check with them, and we will provide our paperwork.
Which station should guests use for Ringlestone?
Maidstone Barracks station, about 0.8 miles south of the centre.
How do you work out quantities?
Pans are sized to your numbers and other courses. Let us know about any other food. Our guide to portions explains more.
Do you do desserts?
We do. Spanish desserts such as churros or crema catalana, or you can serve your own cake.
Should we have more than one paella?
Two or three covers most guests. Tell us about your guests’ diets and we’ll suggest the mix.
Do you have a kids’ option?
Of course. Children often love a simple chicken paella. Include children in your numbers.
Do you do vegan paella?
Of course. Vegetarian and vegan paellas are cooked in separate pans, alongside the meat and seafood pans.
Do you offer halal options?
Yes. Halal paella is cooked with halal chicken and no pork or alcohol, in its own pan.
Ringlestone: venues and local tips
Ringlestone is about 2 miles north of Maidstone, in Kent. We cater events at homes, gardens and venues in Ringlestone and the surrounding area. Ringlestone is one of 922 places in Kent we cover. Our nearest city page is Canterbury, about 24 miles away.
For guests coming by train, Maidstone Barracks station is about 0.8 miles away. Historic buildings near Ringlestone often have strict catering rules, so ask early if that is your venue. The Kent Downs National Landscape is within about 6 miles of Ringlestone, ideal for an outdoor reception.
Anywhere in ME14 and ME16, we can bring tapas catering to you, from busy streets to quiet lanes. We can cater an event on streets such as Hyde Road, Mill Lane and Edna Road. We also cook at events in Sandling (1 mile north), Abbey Gate (1 mile north), Foley Park (1 mile south-east), Penenden Heath (1 mile south-east) and Harbourland (1 mile east). We also cook in nearby towns such as Sittingbourne (10 miles east), Sevenoaks (14 miles west), Royal Tunbridge Wells (15 miles south-west), Gravesend (11 miles north-west), Tonbridge (12 miles south-west) and Northfleet (12 miles north-west).
Well-known places in the area include Maidstone Hospital (1.7 miles south-west) and Fremlin Walk (1 mile south). Open spaces near Ringlestone include Burham Down and Boxley Hills.
- Nearby schools include Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (0.6 miles south) and St. Simon Stock Catholic School (1.4 miles south-west)
- Nearby, you will find Harvester pub (under half a mile north)
Should I cook it myself?
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and handles separate pans for each diet.
You can hire equipment and do it yourself, but you’ll still need to source ingredients, prep and cook for hours. We take care of all of it.
What’s in the pans
Tortilla española
Potato omelette cut into bites.
Gambas al ajillo
Prawns sizzled in garlic and olive oil.
What happens on the day
When we arrive, we set up our cooking area, light the burners and start the sofrito. Once the rice goes in, it takes about 20 minutes, so the timing is planned around your event. At midsummer, it’s light in Ringlestone until about 9:15pm, perfect for canapés outdoors. By late September it is dark around 7:00pm, and in December by about 3:50pm.
- First, we check availability.
- You pick the style.
- We set up on arrival.
- We serve the spread.
- We clear away at the end.
Before we arrive
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Send us final numbers and dietary needs in good time
- Name one person we can ask on the day
Getting a price
The quickest way to a quote is to send us your details through our quote form. Give us the details of your event, and we’ll suggest paellas and extras to suit.
Planning help
Working with your venue
For larger events, we plan the number of pans and serving points around your timings, so everyone eats promptly. Tell us how long you have for food.
Hosting a party at home? Send us a picture of the garden and tell us about access, and we will let you know if live paella is a good fit.
Live paella or other catering?
Standard canapés can feel samey. Spanish tapas bring colour and flavour. Live paella frequently compares well with a sit-down meal, because it needs no kitchen and fewer staff. Ask us for a quote.
Why book with us
- No hidden extras in your quote
- Drinks service on request
- Starters and desserts to complete the menu
- Live cooking, not reheated food
Take a look at Our prices page Or Our guide to catering costs.
Also near Ringlestone
What else we do in Ringlestone
Space, weather and the venue
Safety and good cooking both depend on the spot we use. We look for:
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Space for a serving table or station
- Unloading access
Not sure about your space? Send us a photo and we will tell you honestly before you book.
Menu ideas
- Tortilla española
- Gambas al ajillo
- Serrano ham
- Croquetas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Patatas bravas
- 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