West Sussex · England
Tapas Catering in Scaynes Hill
Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Scaynes Hill: paella cooked from scratch in giant pans, in full view of your guests, with tapas, desserts and drinks if you want them.
- Table tapas as a starter
- Evening sharing boards
- Engagement parties
Tapas catering near Scaynes Hill
Tapas for events in Scaynes Hill
Scaynes Hill is about 2 miles east of Haywards Heath, in West Sussex. Whether your event is in the middle of Scaynes Hill or on the outskirts, tapas catering works the same way: live cooking, separate pans for every diet and a clear price. Scaynes Hill is one of 371 places in West Sussex we cover. You can also see our page for Brighton, about 11 miles away.
Guests travelling by rail: Haywards Heath station is about 2.4 miles away. Nearby historic houses include Ockenden Manor (4.1 miles west). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking is not allowed. Scaynes Hill is within about 6 miles of the South Downs National Park, a lovely setting for a drinks reception outdoors.
Here we cover the RH17 postcode area, so your event can be anywhere in it. Your event could be at a home on Church Road, Lewes Road and Orchard Close or the roads around them. If your venue is just outside Scaynes Hill, we also cover Haywards Heath (2 miles west), North Chailey (2 miles south-east), Wivelsfield Green (2 miles south), Wivelsfield (2 miles south-west) and Chailey (3 miles south-east). Within a short drive, we also cover Crawley (10 miles north-west), Horsham (13 miles north-west), Burgess Hill (4 miles south-west), East Grinstead (10 miles north), Shoreham-by-Sea (14 miles south-west) and Broadfield (10 miles north-west).
Well-known places in the area include Princess Royal Hospital (1.6 miles west) and Parish Museum (2 miles north-west). The countryside around Scaynes Hill includes Ashenground and Bolnore Woods.
- Local schools include Great Walstead School (1 mile north) and Oathall Community College (2 miles north-west)
- Local pubs include The Farmers pub (under half a mile south-east)
How our tapas catering works in Scaynes Hill
We finish hot tapas on site, so they arrive hot. On the menu are croquetas, Serrano ham and albóndigas, and we are often booked for evening sharing boards and office parties and launches.
Near Scaynes Hill, tapas and sangria suit a garden or field party. Every pan is cooked in front of your guests, so it arrives hot and becomes part of the event.
- Location
- Scaynes Hill (RH17)
- Region
- West Sussex
- Diets
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal
- Add-ons
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Price
- Ask us for a quote
- Page updated
- 23 October 2026
Dishes our guests love
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
Patatas bravas
Always popular.
For event organisers in Scaynes Hill
For repeat events, such as annual staff parties or seasonal fairs, let us know your dates early, so we can hold the date.
If you are planning an event on someone’s behalf, whether you’re a planner, an office manager or an event organiser, we’ll work directly with you and the venue. It keeps things simple.
Why choose live paella in Scaynes Hill?
Nibbles fill a gap. Tapas make a proper course. Got a budget? Let us know, and we will put together a menu that fits. Even a simple menu can be a feast.
Why book with us
- A quote that spells everything out
- Drinks service on request
- Tapas, canapés and desserts if you want them
- Cooking your guests will gather round to watch
Read Our prices page And What paella catering costs.
Dietary needs and planning tips
Few dishes handle mixed diets as well as paella, because every paella has its own pan. A few tips:
- Decide whether tapas are a starter, canapés or the whole meal
- Ask guests about diets and allergies
- Canapés need staff to serve
- Make sure dishes are labelled
Table tapas are set down to share.
Sangria and bar staff.
Towns and villages near Scaynes Hill
What else we do in Scaynes Hill
What happens on the day
We arrive in good time before you want to eat, set up the cooking area and get the stock going. Your guests are welcome to watch while it cooks. Evening receptions in Scaynes Hill stay light until about 8:50pm in late May and 9:20pm in late June, which suits an outdoor reception.
- Tell us the date, venue and numbers.
- We suggest a selection and a quote.
- We set up and finish the hot dishes.
- We serve canapés or table tapas.
- We pack down when service ends.
Before we arrive
- Plan cover in case of rain
- Share the running order, including any speeches
- Let us know who to talk to on the day
Get a quote
The quickest way to a quote is to use our quote form. Tell us about your event in Scaynes Hill, and we will put together a menu and price.
Related guides
Scaynes Hill questions
We’re having a ceremony at Church of St Augustine of Canterbury: can you cater afterwards?
Yes, at a garden, marquee or venue nearby with a suitable spot to cook. Live cooking generally happens at the reception venue, not the church. Send us the reception address.
Could we have live paella in Eastern Road Nature Reserve?
Only if the landowner, typically the council, allows it. Ask them first, and we will send any information they need.
Can you supply plates?
Yes, on request. Crockery, cutlery and napkins, or good-quality disposables are available.
What does tapas catering cost?
It depends on guest numbers, the menu, the courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
How much tapas do we need?
Quantities depend on timing and courses. Give us the details and we will advise.
Do you cook inside?
Mostly outside or under an open cover, since the burners are gas. We’ll check whether your venue has a suitable space.
Can you cook in the rain?
We need a covered spot, such as a gazebo, marquee or open-sided barn with good ventilation. We plan for rain with you in advance.
How long do you need on site?
We arrive well before serving to set up and start the stock. Once the rice goes in, it takes about 20 minutes, timed around your event.
How we price tapas catering
Each event is quoted on its own, and the price depends on a few things:
- Starters, canapés and desserts
- How many guests are eating
- How long we are needed on site
- Staff: cooks, waiting staff and bar staff
Seafood and premium ingredients cost more than chicken or vegetable paellas, so the menu you choose affects the price. We’ll suggest options to suit your budget.
What we need to know
Good planning starts with a few facts. Try to include:
- Diets and allergies you know about
- The courses you’d like
- What the venue already provides
- Your date and when you want to eat
Getting a quote is simple: share your date, venue, numbers and diets. We’ll come back with a clear quote.
Cook it yourself or book a caterer?
Cooking paella for a crowd yourself is possible, but it’s harder than it looks. A big pan needs a burner that heats it evenly, and getting the rice right for dozens of people takes experience. Read how to cook paella for a crowd.
Hiring a pan and burner is one option, but there’s shopping, prep and hours of cooking. A caterer handles all of that.
Space, weather and the venue
Most outdoor spaces and many venues work for live paella, but there are a few things to check:
- Space to finish hot dishes
- Unloading access
- Space on each table
If in doubt, send us a picture of the spot and we’ll advise before you book.
What we offer
- Tortilla española
- Chorizo in red wine
- Croquetas
- Padrón peppers
- Gambas al ajillo
- Albóndigas
- Patatas bravas
- Serrano ham
- Manchego & membrillo
- Olives & bread
- 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