Oxfordshire · England
Tapas Catering in Shiplake Cross
Something for every guest: separate pans for meat, seafood and vegetarian or vegan guests. Spanish tapas and canapé catering, on its own or alongside a paella in Shiplake Cross.
- Tapas starters
- Tapas before paella
- Sharing boards for evening guests
Live tapas catering in Shiplake Cross
Tapas catering in Shiplake Cross, made fresh on the day
We can add sangria and bar staff, so drinks and nibbles come from one booking. Whether it is work receptions and sharing boards for evening guests, we will put together a menu of gambas al ajillo, padrón peppers and tortilla española for your guests.
Near Shiplake Cross, tapas and sangria suit a garden or field party. You’ll know exactly what’s included before booking: menu, staff, crockery and anything else you choose.
- Where
- Shiplake Cross (RG9)
- Area hub
- Oxfordshire
- Diets
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal
- Extras
- Canapés, desserts, sangria and staff
- Quote
- Contact us for a quote
- Page updated
- 23 October 2026
How it works
We cook over gas burners in wide, shallow pans. It needs a level spot with some shelter and good ventilation, and we agree where that is before the day. At midsummer, it is light in Shiplake Cross until about 9:25pm, ideal for tapas in the garden. By late September it’s dark around 7:05pm, and in December by about 3:55pm.
- 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
- Send us final numbers and dietary needs in good time
- Let us know the timings for the day
- Pick a flat, firm spot for us to cook
Ask for a quote
To get a price, 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
Shiplake Cross: venues and local tips
Shiplake Cross is about 3 miles north-east of Caversham, in Oxfordshire. We cook at events in gardens, halls and venues around Shiplake Cross and nearby villages. We cook in all 443 towns and villages in Oxfordshire, from the larger towns to small villages.
Nearby historic houses include Greys Court (3.8 miles north-west) and Greenlands (4.4 miles north). For a drinks reception at a historic venue, canapé tapas can work where live cooking isn’t allowed. Guests travelling by rail: the nearest station is Shiplake station, about 1.1 miles north-east.
This part of Oxfordshire takes in RG9, and we can cater your event anywhere in it. Local streets include Memorial Avenue, Plowden Way and Orchard Close; an event at home on any of them works well with live paella. Close by, we cover events in Binfield Heath (1 mile west), Harpsden (1 mile north), Harpsden Bottom (2 miles north-west), Henley-on-Thames (2 miles north) and Sonning Common (4 miles west). Larger places within reach include Benson (12 miles north-west), Chinnor (14 miles north), Tilehurst (6 miles south-west), Wallingford (12 miles north-west), Little Heath (7 miles south-west) and Oakley (14 miles north).
A little further out are Royal Berkshire Hospital (4.3 miles south-west) and Frazer Nash Archives (2 miles north). Open spaces near Shiplake Cross include Sonning Hill and South Lake.
- Local schools include Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School (1.5 miles south-east) and The Piggott School (1.5 miles south-east)
- Pubs nearby include The Plough pub (less than half a mile south-east)
Who books tapas catering in Shiplake Cross?
Tapas are sociable food.
Almost any gathering can work with live paella. People in Shiplake Cross book us for events such as:
- Canapés with welcome drinks
- Drinks parties and receptions
- Work receptions
- Birthday drinks
If you’re looking at a historic venue around Shiplake Cross, check its catering rules early, as many limit cooking.
What your quote should include
- The deposit and payment dates
- Exactly what’s included in the price
- Plates, cutlery and napkins, or disposables
- How long the team stays
How we price tapas catering
Live paella pricing is straightforward once we know the basics:
- Waiting and bar staff
- Travel, parking and access
- Whether you need crockery
- Chicken, vegetable or premium seafood
Premium seafood costs more than chicken or vegetables, so your choice of paellas affects the total. We’ll suggest options to suit your budget.
Getting an accurate quote
You don’t need every detail fixed to get a quote, but these help:
- Approximate guest numbers, including children
- Where the event is
- Your date and when you want to eat
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and allergy numbers
Most quotes start with a few simple details: the date, where the event is, how many guests and any dietary needs. To send them, send us your details through our quote form.
Can I cook paella for a crowd myself?
A DIY paella party works for small groups. For larger numbers, mixed diets or a wedding, a caterer takes the pressure off, and keeps vegetarian and allergy-safe pans separate.
Plenty of people try cooking paella for their own party. Common mistakes are mismatched pans and burners, overfilling and stirring. If you’d rather be with your guests, we will do the cooking.
For planners, venues and organisers
If you’re planning an event on someone’s behalf, 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.
Throwing a party at home? Send us a photo of the garden and tell us about access, and we will let you know if live paella is a good fit.
About the dishes
Manchego & membrillo
A simple, classic pairing.
Gambas al ajillo
A favourite with seafood lovers.
Catering for every guest
Good planning keeps every guest safe and happy. Try these:
- Check diets in advance
- Canapés need staff to serve
- Keep seafood and meat dishes clearly separate
- Tell us what role tapas play
Canapés circulate with drinks.
Waiting staff for canapés.
Towns and villages near Shiplake Cross
More for events in Shiplake Cross
FAQs for Shiplake Cross
Can you cater a reception after a service at Church of St Peter and St Paul?
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. Send us the reception address.
What’s the nearest station to Shiplake Cross for guests?
The closest is Shiplake station, roughly 1.1 miles away.
How much tapas do we need?
It depends on whether they’re a starter, canapés or the whole meal. Tell us about the event and we’ll suggest quantities.
How much space do you need?
Less than you might think: a flat spot away from anything flammable, with space to serve. Send us a photo if you’re not sure.
Do you cover Shiplake Cross?
Yes, we do. We cook at events in Shiplake Cross and across Oxfordshire. Tell us your date and we’ll check availability.
Where do you cater?
London and South East England: Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight, including Shiplake Cross.
How much is live paella catering?
The price depends on numbers, menu, courses, staff and travel. Send us the details for a quote.
Can you do sangria?
Yes, sangria. For other drinks, we can provide bar staff to serve what you buy.
Before you choose a spot
No two venues are the same, so we’ll ask about yours when you contact us. In general, we need:
- Room on tables for sharing dishes
- Access to unload near the serving area
- A suitable spot to finish hot tapas
If you are unsure, send a photo of the space and we’ll say what we think.
Menu ideas
- Croquetas
- Manchego & membrillo
- Serrano ham
- Tortilla española
- Patatas bravas
- Chorizo in red wine
- Albóndigas
- Padrón peppers
- Olives & bread
- Gambas al ajillo
- 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